Great Lakes Wire

As a registered nurse, former state senator, and current Senior Vice President of State Affairs at National Taxpayers Union (NTU), I’ve spent much of my career advocating for practical solutions that empower individuals, improve healthcare access, and protect taxpayers. One bill under consideration in Michigan—HB 4558—checks every one of those boxes, and lawmakers should seize the opportunity to support it.

At its core, HB 4558 aims to make eye care more accessible and affordable by utilizing telemedicine. It would enable patients to renew their vision prescriptions online, provided safety standards are met. That’s a win for innovation, a win for patients, and a win for fiscal responsibility.

Consider the cost difference: a traditional in-person vision exam for prescription renewal can cost up to $200. A comparable online screening? Around $20. For families struggling to stretch every dollar, that savings is meaningful. And when consumers can save without compromising care, the result is not just better health outcomes, but also more economic freedom.

These benefits are particularly significant for residents of rural and underserved areas, where traveling to the nearest provider can mean hours on the road and result in missed work. For those without reliable transportation or seniors with limited mobility, this is a godsend. Telemedicine alleviates that burden and enables more people to receive timely, effective care.

The fiscal benefits of HB 4558 don’t stop at the household level. State-funded health plans for teachers, law enforcement, and other public servants could realize significant savings if more routine care is delivered virtually. That kind of cost containment is essential as Michigan, like many other states, grapples with budget pressures.

Critics may claim that expanding telemedicine sacrifices quality or oversight. But HB 4558 strikes a smart balance: it requires adherence to professional standards while embracing technological advancements that make healthcare more efficient and patient-centered. It’s not a step back, it’s a step forward.

NTU has long supported policies that lower costs, expand choice, and empower individuals. HB 4558 does precisely that. It’s a model of responsible governance—modernizing healthcare delivery while respecting both taxpayers and patients.

Michigan has a chance to lead. Let’s pass HB 4558 and show that innovation, safety, and fiscal responsibility can go hand in hand.

Leah Vukmir, RN, is Senior Vice President of State Affairs for National Taxpayers Union and a former Wisconsin state senator.