Great Lakes Wire

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced that Michigan’s fiscal year 2026 budget will protect $2.7 billion in federal funding for core Medicaid services, aiming to ensure continued access to health care for millions of residents across the state. The bipartisan budget is designed to keep hospitals open and accessible, particularly as states face recent changes at the federal level that could impact health care systems.

“The balanced, bipartisan budget I signed will protect access to health care for millions of Michiganders and ensure our hospitals have the resources they need to stay open and keep serving patients,” said Governor Whitmer. “As we face huge federal cuts that threaten to destabilize health care, we’re being strategic and proactive in Michigan to protect funding and stay flexible for the future. Together, we will defend access to care for families and maintain a balanced, fiscally responsible budget. I’m grateful to our partners for working together to get this right for Michigan.”

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II emphasized the administration’s commitment to health care: “Since taking office, Governor Whitmer and I have been committed to putting more Michiganders on paths to achieving health and wealth in our state. This year’s budget bolsters this mission by taking action against the attacks on Medicaid and healthcare made by Republicans in Washington. Here in Michigan, our balanced budget protects access to affordable health care for millions of Michiganders and keeps hospital doors open in both urban and rural areas. Together, Governor Whitmer and I will continue Standing Tall to help everyone thrive in Michigan.”

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks said, “Our bipartisan state budget protects Medicaid from devastating federal cuts, ensuring everyone is afforded the dignity of having access to care. With this bill, we are halting what was sure to be a catastrophic domino effect felt by all Michiganders, from kids, families, and seniors to health care workers and even to folks with private insurance. And by doing so, we have set ourselves apart as national leaders for the actions we’ve taken to safeguard Medicaid here in Michigan — and that’s certainly cause for celebration."

Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) noted bipartisan cooperation: “Medicaid is an important program for Michigan families, and Republicans want to do everything we can to protect it and secure its future. Our plan protects healthcare services and access for the people who need them most and does it by making smart changes and focusing spending on the biggest priorities. President Trump took strong steps to stabilize Medicaid at the federal level, and now we are making smart reforms to protect it here at home. That's how we can support families who need help, protect taxpayers and expand healthcare access in rural communities all in one plan.”

State Budget Director Jen Flood stated, “Governor Whitmer is focused on protecting health care access while making sure Michigan’s budget remains responsible and sustainable. The fiscal year 2026 budget gives us the tools to protect hospitals and families while planning for the future so that Michigan stays healthy, prepared, and resilient.”

State Representative Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores), sponsor of HB 4968, said: “As part of this budget, we wanted to ensure our most vulnerable have access to needed care. I’m proud this budget prioritizes the health and well-being of people and communities throughout Michigan and works to rein in fraud to protect critical services and respect taxpayers. The passage of the Insurance Provider Assessment shows we are committed to a sustainable budget for the future.”

State Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) added: "Medicaid and health care are vital to supporting our residents and our economy, keeping people healthy, lowering costs, protecting and creating jobs, and maintaining access to care, especially in rural communities. While partisan fights over health care continue at the federal level, I am proud that we have been able to work together across the aisle to support Medicaid and health care throughout my time in the Legislature, from expanding Medicaid in 2013 to defending and protecting it today."

State Rep. Matt Longjohn (D-Portage) commented: “As the only medical doctor in the Legislature, my top budget priority was protecting Medicaid. President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill is destabilizing our health system, raising premiums, and making care less accessible. Michigan’s new budget ensures we’re doing everything possible to keep Medicaid and our health system intact. I’m grateful the Governor and her team held the line against partisan attacks, and I was proud to work alongside them to get this done.”

The legislation updates Michigan’s tax on certain health care providers as required by new federal regulations. By updating the state’s insurance provider assessment according to these requirements, current revenue levels are preserved so that funding for providers across Michigan is maintained.

The administration has indicated ongoing collaboration with legislators, providers, insurers, and federal partners will continue as they seek solutions supporting hospitals statewide while upholding Medicaid coverage.

Denise Crawford, President & CEO of Family Health Center said: "The signing of this bill guarantees that our community’s most vulnerable individuals will maintain access to essential healthcare and medications. We sincerely thank Governor Whitmer for prioritizing the health and well-being of Michigan’s most at-risk families. This legislation ensures that 27,000 Medicaid adults, seniors, and children will continue to receive the high-quality healthcare they deserve. On behalf of the entire healthcare community, we commend Governor Whitmer for her commitment to preserving access to compassionate, patient-centered care for those we serve."

Monique Stanton of Michigan League for Public Policy added: "The harmful federal Republican megabill passed in July has put states in a tough spot as it changes the rules on how they can fund the state portion of Medicaid coverage. This is one positive step toward protecting state-level coverage for the 2.6 million Michiganders who rely on Medicaid for their preventive and emergent health care needs while also safeguarding our state's health care system. We are grateful that the Legislature and governor were able to come together to make this happen."

David LaLumia from Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan stated: “Area Agencies on Aging applaud the work of Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Legislative leaders in enacting the state budget. The budget protects essential health and human services including in-home care for older adults and people with disabilities served by the MI Choice program. The budget assures access to MI Choice which keeps Michigan citizens at home and is a valuable asset to the Medicaid program.”

Phillip Bergquist of Michigan Primary Care Association remarked: “Michigan’s health centers are proud to serve hundreds of thousands of people who get their health insurance through Medicaid, which supports their access to essential healthcare and helps our patients live healthier lives. This critical legislation will help Michigan’s Medicaid program navigate changes in federal law and sustain health insurance coverage for the 1 in 4 Michiganders who count on Medicaid every day.”

Amy Zaagman from Protect MI Care Coalition concluded: “Today’s bill signing is a victory for every Michigander who believes that quality, affordable health care should be within reach for all. By strengthening Medicaid and protecting the health coverage millions rely on, this legislation takes an important step toward making sure our state can continue to care for children, pregnant women, seniors, workers, and people with disabilities in every community. We’re grateful for the Governor’s leadership and the bipartisan commitment to putting people’s health first.”