LANSING – As the issue of health care and affordable health insurance continues to be a major obstacle for many Michigan residents, State Representative Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak) held a town hall meeting focusing on the Michigan First Health Care Plan. Michigan First is Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's plan to expand affordable health care to all Michigan citizens by attacking the factors that drive costs up.
"Governor Granholm's Michigan First Health Care Plan was designed to provide affordable health care for all of Michigan's citizens," Donigan said. "Too many of our families have growing concerns about the cost of health insurance, and the fact so many of our residents aren't insured at all is a huge problem. The plan will provide quality health care at prices people can afford."
The Michigan First Health Care Plan will provide access to affordable insurance products for individuals and small businesses, and strengthen and support employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) while building upon the steps already taken to expand coverage and reduce costs.
This plan will extend affordable health care to all Michigan citizens by:
· Creating an affordable private market health care product for individuals and businesses;
· Subsidizing care for those who can least afford it;
· Creating incentives for businesses to offer coverage to their employees; and
· Reduces the overall cost of health care delivery by expanding technology and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Joining Donigan at the town hall meeting was Oakland Primary Health Services' Dr. Preston Thomas, MD. Oakland Primary Health Services is noted for delivering comprehensive, affordable and quality health care services.
"In order for Michigan to become a leader in the 21st century global economy and become a magnet for the good-paying jobs of the future, it is essential we address the state's health care crisis," Donigan said. "The Michigan First Health Care program will benefit every citizen and is a big step in moving Michigan forward."