Michigan Business and Professional Association Urges State House Approval for Health Insurance Exchange Funding

WARREN, Mich., Sept. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) and its sister organization the Michigan Food and Beverage Association (MFBA) are calling on the State House of Representatives to appropriate the $9.8 million federal planning grant that is critical to laying the groundwork for a health care exchange under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA).  

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), each state is required to establish a marketplace where individuals and small businesses can compare policies and premiums, and buy insurance with a government subsidy, if available. Whether Michigan decides to move ahead with a state-federal partnership exchange, as Governor Snyder has announced, or create its own exchange, taking advantage of the federal grant is critical for setting up an Internet-based site that must be properly functioning for consumer use by Jan. 1, 2014.

Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO of both organizations pointed out that if Michigan does not initiate its own exchange program according to the PPACA schedule, the state will be forced into a mandated federal exchange program, losing any hope of local control. "Michigan must retain at least some power over what happens with our health care, regardless of political considerations," she continued. "The Associations feel strongly that there is still time to implement a state-run exchange and we encourage state legislators to take up the issue when they get back in session."

Bonnie Bochniak, vice president of government relations for MBPA and MFBA added, "We understand that the $9.8 million in federal grant monies in no way ties our state to any permanent health care decisions; it merely gives us revenue to begin technical compliance, while saving our general fund dollars."

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).

SOURCE Michigan Business and Professional Association