On Monday, March 4th, 2019, the Metro Health OAM Surgery Center was toured by Michigan State Representatives Lynn Afendoulis (District 73) and James Lower (District 70). Also joining the tour were Dan Papineau, Director of Tax Policy and Regulatory Affairs with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Ryan Burtka, Michigan Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (MASA) Lobbyist, and Adam Urber, Legislative Director for Representative Afendoulis.
Representatives Afendoulis and Lower are the Chair and Co-Chair the Tax Policy Committee for the Michigan House of Representatives. On February 20th, Representative Afendoulis introduced House Bill 4203, with the intent of removing the wording “dispensed pursuant to a prescription” from the State of Michigan tax code when referring to surgically implanted devices. This wording has caused medical implants such as plates, screws, anchors, and grafts subject to the 6% Michigan sales tax since July 2018. It was estimated this additional tax could cost Michigan Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) several million dollars in 2019.
The purpose of the tour at Metro Health OAM Surgery Center (MHOAMSC) was to showcase to the Representatives and guests the quality of care, and level of patient satisfaction, that ASCs offer. In addition, the negative impact on the cost of healthcare that this sales tax generates was discussed. MHOAMSC is an orthopaedic centered facility, providing care for patients throughout Michigan, and performing approximately 5,500 surgeries per year. These surgeries include minimally invasive spine procedures as well as same-day total joint replacements.
The leadership team at MHOAMSC was also able to share with the Representatives and their Guests information regarding how ASCs are able to save Medicare and Medicaid money, by providing the same outpatient services as a hospital, but in a lower cost environment. MHOAMSC’s Executive Director, Tina Piotrowski, spoke on behalf of Michigan ASCs at the Tax Committee hearing on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. Ms. Piotrowski was able to highlight the value that ASCs bring to healthcare as well as the exceptional quality of care provided to patients.
6-5-18 Meeting with US Senator Debbie Stabenow