MichMash: Michigan Health and Hospital Association CEO says protecting Medicaid protects Michigan
Brian Peters says Medicaid has become a critical component of the health care ecosystem, both in Michigan and nationally.
Medicaid funding has been in the headlines recently as the Trump administration has said they aim to cut “waste, fraud and abuse” from the program. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow spoke with Michigan Health and Hospital Association CEO Brian Peters about how vital Medicaid is in the state.
Also, another Democratic candidate has entered Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial race. Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist has thrown his hat in the ring as a contender for the seat. Roth and Gorchow discuss how Gilchrist fares against his competition.
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In this episode:
- How Congress’ decision on Medicaid could affect Michigan
- Michigan’s two Medicaid programs
- Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist entering 2026 race for governor
Earlier this month, U.S. House Republicans adopted a budget plan instructing the House Energy and Commerce Committee — which oversees Medicare and Medicaid funding — to cut spending under its jurisdiction by $880 billion.
Roth pointed out the confusion around what exactly could be cut, as the latest budget resolution calls for cuts so significant there is no way Medicaid could not be severely impacted.
Peters says Medicaid has become a critical component of the health care ecosystem, both in Michigan — where roughly a quarter of residents are covered by Medicaid — and nationally.
When Michigan expanded Medicaid to residents with an annual income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level — known as the Healthy Michigan Plan — many Michiganders got access to health care they may have not been able to afford otherwise.
“[Medicaid] allows people to access care in such a way that they can potentially nip health care problems in the bud, in other words, seek primary care, preventive care, prenatal care….so that we don’t have health care issues that continue to worsen,” Peters said.
Peters noted that while both the House and Senate are considering how to approach the suggested cuts, he doesn’t see Congress coming to an agreement yet based on what has been put forth in either chamber.
“We are in the second inning of a nine inning baseball game here; this process is very early, but at the end of the day, we are ensuring that [our] voice is heard,” said Peters. “That voice is saying very loudly: We cannot slash and burn the Medicaid program.”
–WDET Digital Editor Jenny Sherman contributed to this report.
More from WDET:
- Detroit Evening Report: State program aims to improve mental health services for Medicaid, Medicare patients
- Detroit Evening Report: State waives Medicaid waiting period for green card holders
- Detroit Evening Report: Gilchrist declares candidacy for governor; panel to highlight women in hip-hop, design + more
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