A
scholarly paper released this week by George Mason University suggested that
Michigan's certificate of need process could limit health access for
lower-income persons by restricting the number of hospital beds available in
the state.
Representatives
for the Department of Health and Human Services were not convinced suggesting
Michigan’s health care system can meet their needs and our hospitals are not
running at their maximum capacity.
The
paper issued this week is largely based on looking at CON requirements overall
and comparing the number of patient days hospitals used for Medicaid patients
as well as the amount of uncompensated care provided the indigent.
When
looking at these factors, George Mason University concluded that CON may make
it more difficult for lower-income individuals to get health care because the
laws can limit the number of hospital beds.
The
paper also argued that CON does not control health care costs.
The
Department of Health and Human Services disagreed citing a recent study
conducted by the Center for Healthcare Research and Transformation at the
University of Michigan that found the state had adequate capacity to treat
low-income individuals.
In
terms of the effect CON may have on health care costs, another recent study by
CHRT showed that of three states - Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin - Michigan,
with the broadest CON requirements, had the lowest overall healthcare costs per
capita.
There
has been recent talk of the Legislature revisiting this issue, however, nothing
specific has come up.