Michigan Gubernatorial Race To Feature Health Care as ‘Key Issue’
As part of a series on the Michigan gubernatorial race, the Detroit News last week reported on how the "soaring" cost of health care has become a "key issue" in the state. State expenditures on health care increased from $9.7 billion to $34.8 billion between 1980 and 2000, while the share of state funds spent on health care increased to 26.1%, up from 16.6%. Health costs are expected to be a "monolithic issue" for the next governor, the News reports. With the state spending more than $1 billion on pharmacy costs through Medicaid, reducing the "high cost and inefficient delivery" of prescription drugs has become a campaign issue for candidates. The next governor will also need to contend with the hospitals, nursing homes and physicians seeking increased reimbursements for their services. Without payment increases, some services could be reduced, the News reports (Webster, Detroit News, 7/5). The News also published candidate statements on health care issues, which are available online. Former Gov. James Blanchard, Rep. David Bonior and state Attorney General Jennifer Granholm are pursuing the Democratic nomination. Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus and state Sen. John Schwarz seek the GOP nod. The primary is Aug. 6 (Detroit News, 7/5).
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