MHA CEO Report — Adding Value for Hospitals

“Our favorite holding period is forever.” — Warren Buffett

I discussed last month how the MHA continues to create highly successful and impactful outcomes for our members through our outstanding advocacy in the public policy arena, at both the state and federal levels. This has long been a hallmark of the MHA, as we have established ourselves as a trusted, credible and powerful leader in Lansing and in Washington, DC.

I am forever mindful of the old business axiom, “If all you have is a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail.” I have always believed the very strongest associations are able to carry a full toolbox to the worksite, to tackle complex challenges in multiple ways. The reality is that there are certain issues that don’t lend themselves – either partially or fully – to a solution that emanates from the halls of the legislature, the executive branch or the courts. The historic work of the MHA Keystone Center, which has created positive, life-saving changes through voluntary improvements in hospital-based safety and quality, is one perfect example of this philosophy at work. I would like to shine a light this month on the impactful work of the MHA Service Corporation, which houses several in-house service lines, as well as partnership offerings.

Unemployment claims cost hospitals significant time and money – the MHA Unemployment Compensation Program (UCP) successfully eliminates that burden for Michigan hospitals and over 700 clients throughout the United States. The UCP has processed thousands of unemployment claims,?saving clients millions of dollars every year since 1972.?The MHA UCP was also?recognized?in 2024 by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) for the MHA UCP’s commitment to utilizing the NASWA’s nationwide, web-based system for receiving new claims and responding to state unemployment agencies. This national recognition affirms the MHA UCP’s dedicated work to reduce unemployment liability for its clients, decrease unemployment fraud and prevent waste with state unemployment agencies.

Similarly, the MHA Data Services division has been serving Michigan hospitals since 1975, and now has more than 500 healthcare entities nationwide using our products to formulate market strategies, track community benefits and improve care quality. The State of Michigan, academic researchers and others also rely on the robust data contained in our Michigan inpatient and outpatient databases.

The MHA Graphic Design & Print Services division provides services to Michigan hospitals, as well as large and small clients throughout Michigan. Even our state’s two largest universities – the University of Michigan and Michigan State University – are long-time clients. With state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled professionals on staff, we are able to consistently provide superior customer service, fast turnaround, competitive pricing and a high quality product.

Finally, the most recent offering in our portfolio is the MHA Endorsed Business Partner?program. The MHA meticulously vets all partners to ensure they meet best-in-class quality standards, and that they have an established track record demonstrating their capability and trustworthiness. Among our current Endorsed Business Partners are firms specializing in workforce solutions, revenue cycle management, cybersecurity, behavioral health, supply chain and more.

For nearly the last decade, we have had a dedicated governing board overseeing the operations of the MHA Service Corporation, ensuring that all our current and future programs are on point. I would like to thank our current MHASC Board Chair Kent Riddle, CEO of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, for his tremendous leadership.

All these offerings have three things in common. First, they add tangible, direct value to our member hospitals and other clients. Second, they create revenue streams for the association that support our critical functions and moderate the need for membership dues increases. Lastly, consistent with our corporate culture that has intentionally focused on building, fostering and maintaining genuine, trusting relationships with our members, lawmakers, the media and others in the public policy arena, the same philosophy holds true here. As Warren Buffet has famously articulated, we are not in business for quick gains. We are here for the long haul.

As always, I welcome your thoughts.