State Representative
Matt Longjohn

State Representative Matt Longjohn

1 month ago

Today, I am proud to introduce the Primary Care Transformation Package, a bipartisan eight-bill legislative effort to strengthen the foundation of Michigan's health care system.

Our health care system is on fire. Across Michigan, families are struggling to find a primary care provider, costs continue to rise, and the workforce needed to provide care is under tremendous strain. Nearly one in three Michiganders lacks regular access to primary care, and most counties in our state face provider shortages. At the same time, less than 6% of our health care spending goes toward the primary care system that keeps people healthy and helps prevent more costly medical problems down the road.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will exacerbate an already fragile situation by reducing health coverage, shifting costs to states, and placing additional strain on providers and patients. At a time when too many Michiganders already struggle to access primary care, these federal changes move us in the wrong direction. Michigan cannot afford to wait, we must act now to strengthen primary care, expand access, and invest in the workforce our communities depend on.

The Primary Care Transformation Package represents a coherent strategy to address these challenges. The package will increase investment in primary care, establish the infrastructure needed to drive long-term improvement, and strengthen the workforce pipeline by supporting physicians, nurses, students, educators, and training programs across our state.

This package is not a silver bullet. There are no silver bullets in health policy. There’s a lot of work ahead, it will not solve every challenge facing our health care system overnight. But it is an important first step toward building a healthier Michigan where every resident can access high-quality, affordable care close to home. ... See MoreSee Less