HEALTH ENDOWMENT FUND: EMERGENCY                                                         S.B. 986:

                                                                                  SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL

                                                                                                         IN COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senate Bill 986 (as introduced 5-24-16)

Sponsor:  Senator Mike Kowall

Committee:  Government Operations

 

Date Completed:  6-7-16

 


CONTENT

 

The bill would amend the Nonprofit Health Care Corporation Reform Act to include in the purposes of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund benefitting the health and wellness of children and seniors with a significant focus on public health emergency.

 

The Fund was created under Public Act 4 of 2013, which amended the Nonprofit Health Care Corporation Reform Act to change the operation and structure of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM). Among other things, the Act requires BCBSM to contribute up to $1.56 billion over 18 years to the Fund. The Fund is a private, nonprofit corporation organized for charitable purposes.

 

The articles of incorporation of the Fund must provide that it is organized for specific purposes, which include benefiting the health and wellness of minor children and seniors throughout the State with a significant focus in the following areas:

 

 --    Access to prenatal care and reduction of infant mortality rates.

 --    Health services for foster and adopted children.

 --    Access to healthy food.

 --    Wellness programs and fitness programs.

 --    Access to mental health services.

 --    Technology enhancements.

 --    Health-related transportation needs.

 --    Foodborne illness prevention.

 

The bill would add public health emergency to those areas.

 

MCL 550.1653 & 550.1655                                            Legislative Analyst:  Suzanne Lowe

 

FISCAL IMPACT

 

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

 

                                                                                        Fiscal Analyst:  Josh Sefton

 

 

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.