Michigan Business and Professional Association Urges Legislators to Free Up Funds for Health Care Exchange

WARREN, Mich., Jan. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Regardless of political sentiments in Lansing, The Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) today urged both the State House and Senate to appropriate $30 million in federal funds available for laying the groundwork for implementing the state-federal partnership health care marketplace here in Michigan.

According to MBPA CEO Jennifer Kluge, the current push arises from the state's recent receipt of a $30 million federal planning grant intended for the creation of a website where individuals could shop for health insurance. She mentions that the $30 million in federal grant monies in no way ties the state to any permanent health care decisions; it merely gives Michigan much needed revenue to begin technical compliance, while saving general fund dollars.

"Although we did not support passage of the Affordable Care Act, we believe it is critical that our state has as much input as possible into the creation of the health care marketplace in order to retain at least some control over what happens with health care in Michigan," said Kluge. "If we do not at least begin the process, we will be forced to accept a health care exchange program created solely by the federal government without any input on behalf of our citizens and the business community," she concluded.

MBPA Government Relations VP Bonnie Bochniak added that the Association's 2013 Policy Agenda clearly highlights the importance of this issue and other issues:

• Governor Snyder's Blue Cross Mutualization Proposal-strongly support
• Creating a State-Based Health Exchange in Michigan-strongly support
• Creating a State Facilitated Comprehensive Recycling System-strongly support
• Health Insurance Claims Tax-strongly oppose
• Personal Property Tax-support the Use Tax to fund revenue aid for municipalities

Based in Warren, Mich., the MBPA is the largest business organization of small to medium-sized businesses in Michigan, representing more than 20,000 members who employ over 160,0000 persons. Members include attorneys, physicians, architects, accountants, construction companies, banks, retail, wholesalers, manufacturers and the like.  Member businesses receive numerous benefits including free legal and financial consultations; discounted technology, automotive and office products; employee training and recruitment assistance; and competitive group insurance rates. The MBPA is a sister association to the Michigan Food & Beverage Association (MFBA).

For Further Information:
Jennifer Kluge
(586) 393-8800 Office
(586) 202-1441 Cell

Bonnie Bochniak
(517) 374-9128 Office
(517) 203-9851 Cell

Sue Voyles
(734) 667-2005 Office
(734) 635-3831 Cell

SOURCE Michigan Business and Professional Association