Advocacy News – June 25, 2026
What’s happening: Led by Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall, the House Republicans introduced a four-bill package creating a hospital cost review board with broad authority over hospital pricing, mergers and acquisitions.
- HB 6116: Creates a new state hospital cost review board
- HB 6117: Creates a new health care cost reduction fund
- HB 6118: Regulates and taxes healthcare mergers and acquisitions
- HB 6119: Restricts the use of noncompetes in physician employment
Why it matters: Healthcare affordability remains one of the top concerns raised by Michigan employers. Rising premiums, deductibles and prescription drug costs continue to strain family budgets while making it more difficult for employers – especially small businesses – to offer competitive benefits, attract talent and invest in growth.
- The package would significantly expand the state’s role in overseeing hospital pricing and transactions, making it one of the most consequential healthcare policy proposals introduced this legislative session.
What we’re saying: While addressing healthcare costs is a shared priority, the Chamber has long supported solutions that enhance competition, transparency and market-driven negotiation rather than expanding direct state control over pricing and business operations.
- The Chamber will remain actively engaged as the legislation advances, evaluating its potential effects on healthcare costs, access to care, employer-sponsored coverage and Michigan’s broader healthcare marketplace.
- Because the proposal represents a significant shift in state healthcare policy, the Chamber believes any changes should be guided by data, evidence and careful analysis to ensure they improve affordability without creating unintended consequences for employers, patients or Michigan’s healthcare system.
What’s next: Speaker Hall has said he intends to move quickly on the proposal. The bills have been referred to the House Government Operations Committee, which held an initial hearing today, June 25.
For questions or more information – or to share feedback – please contact Dan Papineau.