Episode 327- How Michigan Hospitals Stay United Under Pressure. with Brian Peters

Medicaid decisions made in a capitol building can land in a hospital waiting room fast and the ripple effects are bigger than most people realize. From the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference, we sit down with Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, to talk about what Michigan hospitals are facing right now and what actually helps patients keep access to care.We start with the MHA’s “convener” role and why it still matters even as healthcare consolidation creates bigger systems and sharper competition. Brian explains how Michigan maintains something rare: 100% hospital and health system membership, which changes the stakes when we speak with lawmakers, regulators, and the media. When we can show a united front, we can focus on solutions like quality improvement, shared learning, and practical public policy that supports communities across rural and urban Michigan.Then we get into Medicaid funding, Medicaid eligibility, and the administrative hurdles that can quietly knock eligible people off coverage. Brian lays out the tension between a consistent national message in Washington and the reality of 50 different state Medicaid programs, including differences in Medicaid expansion and provider tax approaches. We also zoom out on healthcare affordability after COVID, why finger pointing will not reduce costs, and how technology and AI could improve care delivery if we build systems people can actually use. Brian closes with an urgent message about the rise of workplace violence in healthcare and why respect for caregivers is essential to recruiting and retaining a strong bedside workforce.Subscribe, share this conversation, and leave a review so more people can find The Common Bridge and join us in building practical understanding across divided lines.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!