Last week, a pair of Democratic lawmakers from the Michigan House and Senate shared that they were working on legislation to ensure more Michigan residents can access healthcare. 

State Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) and state Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint) on Wednesday announced that they had each introduced legislation to create a Medicaid buy-in program, with Xiong introducing House Bill 6274 and Cherry introducing Senate Bill 1152. 

If the bills are signed into law, Michiganders earning between 133% and 200% of the federal poverty level who do not qualify for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program would have access to health benefits at a lower premium that what they would pay through a qualified health plan purchased through the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace. 

“Health premiums are skyrocketing and too often workers on the frontlines of the construction, food service and home care industries are forced to budget out the largest percentage of their paycheck just to keep their families covered,” Xiong said in a statement. “Our legislation gives hardworking Michiganders who don’t qualify for public healthcare assistance programs an affordable option. No matter what job or industry someone works in or income level, they deserve access to healthcare.”

New York, Oregon, Minnesota and Washington D.C. have already adopted similar legislation making use of an option in the Affordable Care Act allowing states to create a basic health program. The program covers both citizens and lawfully present noncitizens.

“Michiganders are already stretched thin with ever-increasing costs,” Cherry said. “Our constituents should never have to choose between keeping food on the table or seeking care. With the introduction of this legislation, we take an important step toward reducing healthcare costs for those individuals stuck at wit’s end in the marketplace.”