LANSING, Mich. (Oct. 18, 2023) — Today, Senate Bills 530, 531 and 575 were passed by the Michigan Senate with bipartisan support. Introduced by Sens. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), respectively, this legislative package will enhance the 2019 auto no-fault reform and improve access to affordable post-acute and home care.
“Since the changes to Michigan’s auto insurance system, we have had the unique opportunity to evaluate the various outcomes — not only the pathways to affordability for Michiganders, but the accessibility of care current and future survivors can obtain,” said Sen. Cavanagh. “These bills represent an intentional, data-driven package that addresses the vital needs of our residents, ensuring sustainable reimbursement rates, consistent care and expanded availability of specialized services. They are a direct response to the voices of our community members who have expressed the challenges they face. By working together, we are taking significant steps towards a more equitable and accessible auto insurance system, where quality care is available to those in auto accidents.”
“A key responsibility we have as legislators is to acknowledge when we can do better. And that is certainly the case with Michigan’s auto insurance laws,” Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) said. “So much in life is unpredictable, but if tragedy strikes, we can reduce uncertainty about care and costs. Today, we are taking much-needed steps to create better circumstances for folks who have been in life-changing auto accidents, their families and their caregivers.”
No fault reform bill sponsors speak with media following Thursday's bipartisan vote in the Michigan Senate
SB 530 and 531 revisit reimbursement under the Medicare fee schedule, establishing consistent rates among providers, creating a new non-Medicare fee schedule for fair rates and addressing home care limitations. SB 575 amends the Insurance Code to align with the changes proposed in SB 530.
“This bill package represents our commitment to standing up for auto accident survivors and ensuring that Michigan drivers can access high-quality care at a reasonable cost following an accident,” said Sen. Anthony. “It has been distressing to witness individuals who have suffered severe injuries and permanent disabilities due to accidents being unable to afford the crucial care they require. These bills seek to provide support to accident survivors, their families and caregivers by reevaluating the Medicare reimbursement structure and expanding in-home care services, ensuring they receive the necessary support to aid in their recovery.”
Stakeholders and accident survivors testify in front of Senate committee members
“As we’ve witnessed the devastating effects of the 2019 auto no-fault changes, I firmly believe we cannot afford to sacrifice healthcare in the name of ‘rate relief’ that never actually came. It is our responsibility to try to restore some of what was lost and ensure auto accident survivors have access to the high-quality care they need,” said Sen. Moss. “By reevaluating the Medicare reimbursement structure and expanding in-home care services, we can provide further support for their recovery. This new legislation prioritizes the wellbeing of accident survivors and their families and does not allow our healthcare system to be gutted.”
In addition to bipartisan support in the Senate today, the bills have widespread support from advocacy groups, medical and legal professionals, as well as individual auto accident victims and their families. The bills have been endorsed by the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, Disability Rights Michigan, Michigan League for Public Policy, Disability Network of Michigan, Michigan State Medical Society, Bronson Hospital, the Michigan Assisted Living Association, the Coalition to Protect Auto No-Fault, the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council, Rocket Companies and more.
###