The Cost of Coverage: How MAHP Is Tackling Healthcare Affordability

In this episode of Insight, host Ariel Backus welcomes Dominick Pallone, executive director of the Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP), to discuss his path from issue advocacy in Lansing to association leadership and the healthcare policy issues affecting Michigan health plans and the people they serve. Pallone explores MAHP’s top priorities, including Medicaid and healthcare affordability, and the potential impact of federal policy changes on eligibility, coverage and costs. He discusses concerns that administrative requirements could lead to Medicaid coverage losses and increased uncompensated care, as well as the growing affordability challenges facing small employers amid rising premiums and expiring premium tax credits. Pallone also shares MAHP’s approach to coalition building and finding common ground among diverse stakeholders, and explains why greater transparency, particularly around consumer benefits, pharmaceutical pricing and advertising, gives him reason for optimism about the future of healthcare. MSAE Insight is produced by Association Briefings.