Dear Neighbor,
Every family deserves access to affordable, high-quality health care — close to home and without barriers. That is why I have been working hard in the Michigan Senate to invest in the health and well-being of our communities. Whether it is securing funding for expecting mothers, expanding trauma recovery services, or increasing access to community behavioral health clinics, I am focused on ensuring that care is available and responsive to the needs of our neighborhoods.
Our communities are built on resilience and hard work. You deserve a health care system that works just as hard for you. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for the Dept. of Health and Human Services and Majority Vice Chair of the Health Policy Committee, I am fighting to lower costs and ensure everyone in Michigan stays healthy.
I’m proud to represent a district built on strength, diversity, and determination. If you have questions about health care policy, need help navigating state services, or want to share your story, my office is here for you. Thank you for the honor of serving as your voice in Lansing.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Santana
State Senator
District 2
SenatorSantana.com
(517) 373-0990
SensSantana@senate.michigan.gov
Medicaid Matters
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid was created 60 years ago to ensure that every American, regardless of income, has access to health care and the dignity of a healthy life. Today, it remains a cornerstone of our health care system, providing essential services to children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working families across Michigan.
Who does this impact?
In our state, over 3 million Michiganders rely on Medicaid — including 1 million children.
In our district alone, more than 152,000 of our neighbors depend on this program for access to doctors, prescriptions, mental health care, and preventive services. These aren’t just statistics; they are our families, our elders, and our future.
When Medicaid is threatened, it’s the most vulnerable among us who feel it first and hardest.
Why This Matters
Washington Republicans have passed a budget with over $880 billion in cuts to essential services, including Medicaid. For Michigan, the consequences will be devastating. Our Medicaid program operates through a federal-state partnership, where for every $1 Michigan invests, the federal government contributes $1.87. That’s a 65% match rate. Now that federal support will be reduced, Michigan may lose billions in health care funding, forcing painful decisions about which services to cut and who gets left behind.
This isn’t just a budget issue — it’s a moral one.
Standing Up for Our Communities
Fighting Against Medicaid Cuts
As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for the Dept. of Health and Human Services, I’ve seen firsthand how critical Medicaid is to the health of our communities. The MDHHS budget is nearly 70% federally funded, totaling close to $19 billion. Any reduction in that funding, especially through a lowered federal match, will directly impact access to care in our neighborhoods.
We cannot afford to go backward. Cuts to Medicaid will mean more emergency room visits, worse public health outcomes, and preventable loss of life. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s that our health care system must be strong, accessible, and ready for anything.
In March, we heard from experts who confirmed what we already know: Michigan’s Medicaid program is one of the most efficient in the country, with minimal fraud, waste, or abuse. I will continue fighting to protect the programs your tax dollars support — because health care should not be a privilege but a right.
Protecting Health Care for All Michiganders!
Everyone deserves access to the health care they need. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for the Dept. of Health and Human Services, I have prioritized investments in programs that protect and expand care for women and families. This includes:
- Dedicated funding to support uterine fibroid research and education; and
- Expanded access to free and low-cost contraceptives and family planning services.
But our work doesn’t stop with the budget. My colleagues and I have also introduced legislation to:
- Expand Medicaid coverage, including full coverage for childbirth and broader access to care centers across Michigan;
- Refine breast cancer detection standards;
- Eliminate financial barriers for over-the-counter contraceptives;
- Advance maternal and infant health care for communities of color; and
- Protect seniors from the growing threat of elder abuse.
Tackling Medical Debt
No one should face financial ruin because they got sick. That’s why Democrats secured $4.5 million in the state budget to help Michiganders burdened by medical debt. This is a step in the right direction, but we know it’s not enough. I remain committed to fighting for more relief and long-term solutions that protect families from the crushing weight of health care costs.
