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MMA ’ s Manufacturing Agenda
Health Care Policy
Controlling the rising cost of health care to allow manufacturers to continue offering outstanding benefits
Providing adequate health insurance for manufacturing employees is a vitally important aspect of the industry . However , the rising cost of health insurance creates a controllable drag on the growth and success of manufacturing . Michigan manufacturers must have an opportunity to control these costs so employers can continue to provide this benefit to employees who will keep us competitive within the global economy .
Avoiding health care mandates is the best way to contain health care costs . Directing what health insurance contracts must contain , especially in a post- COVID-19 world , may be well-intended but ultimately lead to increased costs and less flexibility to design a program employees desire . Imposing artificial limits on medical and pharmaceutical coverage is ill-advised and hampers the ability to compete economically and attract strong employees . It is more important than ever that Michigan manufacturers are not hindered with government-mandated coverage not in sync with out-of-state competitors .
Michigan manufacturers have saved $ 272.5 million annually ( net ) from the elimination of the costly and anti-competitive Health Insurance Claims Act ( HICA ) Tax
Health care is expensive and is becoming overly difficult for employers and employees alike . Without health benefits , manufacturers will not be able to attract the people with skills to Michigan and will not be able to compete in the marketplace . Making health care affordable is important for our future successes .
— Mike Wilson , President , ASSEM-tech Inc ., Grand Haven mimfg . org