Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a series of bills on Thursday, effectively preserving Obamacare provisions within the state. This move ensures that even if the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) faces challenges, reversals, or nullification, Michigan residents would remain covered under the state’s counterpart, Healthy Michigan.
Healthy Michigan, which currently boasts an enrollment of over 322,000 individuals, encapsulates the state’s adaptation of ACA coverage. Governor Whitmer stated emphatically that these newly signed bills would “ensure Healthy Michigan remains available even if the federal law is changed or scrapped by Congress or court decisions.” The law pledges guaranteed coverage for crucial medical services, including hospitalization, pregnancy, and emergency care.
Taking a bold stance against discrimination in healthcare, the law ensures that insurance companies cannot reject individuals due to pre-existing medical conditions. Additionally, these new provisions extend the protective umbrella to shield against denial based on gender, gender identity, or one’s sexual orientation or expression.
In a statement released by her office, Governor Whitmer elaborated on the significance of this moment, “The ACA includes critical provisions that protect people with pre-existing conditions from being charged more, allows kids to stay on their parents’ insurance until they turn 26, and guarantees essential services in all health insurance plans. Today, I am proud to sign bipartisan bills putting the cost-saving provisions of the ACA into Michigan state law and protect health care for millions of Michiganders.”
Drawing attention to the precarious nature of federal decisions, Whitmer highlighted the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision from the previous year, which eradicated protections for abortion rights. Using this as a potent example, she emphasized the crucial role states play in safeguarding health coverage for their residents.
While the bills received support and endorsement from the state’s Democratic legislative majorities, they faced opposition from the Republican side, with many voting against or choosing to abstain. Regardless of political leanings, this move solidifies Michigan’s commitment to protecting healthcare rights for its inhabitants.
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