MiMfg Magazine May 2018 | Page 21

May 2018 Senate Votes to Eliminate HICA Contact: Delaney McKinley 517-487-8530 • [email protected] After years of turmoil over the rising cost of health care and Medicaid financing, the Senate overwhelmingly voted to pass MMA-supported legislation to eliminate the Health Insurance Claims Act (HICA) tax, a longstanding priority of MMA and its membership. “As employers and individuals struggle with the rising cost of health care, it is more important than ever for legislators to do all that they can to help rein in health care costs,” said Delaney McKinley, MMA senior director of government affairs and membership. “This legislation will eliminate the HICA tax, which has added over $1.5 billion to the cost of health care in Michigan since 2011, while ensuring necessary funding for Michigan’s traditional Medicaid plan.” Senate Bill 992 (Senator Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth), Senate Bill 993 (Senator Peter MacGregor, R-Rockford) and Senate Bill 994 (Senator Mike Shirkey, R- Clarklake) would replace the HICA tax with a smaller Insurance Provider Assessment (IPA) tax. “Senate Bills 992-994 present a win-win-win for Michiganders, job-providers and the state budget,” said McKinley. “The package will eliminate the costly and uncompetitive HICA tax and replace it with a more stable revenue source, the IPA tax. Manufacturers support this legislation because it presents a creative solution that reduces health care costs and solidifies our state budget.” SBs 992-994 now move to the House where MMA anticipates the package will move swiftly to a vote before the summer recess. Contact your local Representative and urge them to support SBs 992-994. Get the latest status on this issue and more at mimfg.org . 6 MiMfg Magazine Your Support is Critical Contributing to the MMA-PAC is an investment in Michigan’s future and one of the most affordable and effective ways to support pro-manufacturing legislators and candidates. line: Donate g O . n org mimf Support MMA-PAC Contact: Brianna Mills 517-487-8523 [email protected] MMA-PAC can accept personal contributions or contributions from sole-proprietorships, partnerships or limited liability companies (LLCs). State Law prohibits acceptance of corporate checks. 21