Legislation Prohibits Healthy Michigan Advertisements

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Lawmakers in Lansing are looking at bills that would block state agencies from spending tax dollars on advertising the Healthy Michigan plan, which was an expansion of Medicaid. Opponents of the legislation say ads are an important tool to let people know about their health care options and to get them engaged in their health. But Abigail Nobel, a nurse and political activist, says she doesn’t know anyone who doesn’t know Medicaid is available.

“I feel that this advertising is an insult to taxpayers, to all who pay for their own insurance, and have a tax on that insurance to support those who have Medicaid in Michigan,” Nobel said.

The legislation is in a Senate committee. The Healthy Michigan Medicaid expansion plan was signed into law in 2013, with the expectation 400,000 people would enroll, but more than 600,000 have signed up.