Health care access claims victory in Michigan Legislature

A bill that promises to expand health care access, especially in rural and other underserved areas of Michigan, won final passage today in the State Legislature.

The House voted 102-7 on final passage. The Senate approved the legislation earlier. When signed by Gov. Rick Snyder, Michigan will become the 25th state to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact.

The Compact offers an expedited licensing process for physicians who want to practice medicine in multiple states. Joining the Compact would enable patients in Michigan, for example, to consult via computer or mobile devices with health care specialists in other states.

The Compact  was created with the goal of expanding access to health care, especially to those in rural and underserved areas of the country, and to facilitate the use of telemedicine technologies in the delivery of health care.

AARP Michigan strongly supports the Compact and had been working toward its passage the past four years.

AARP also backs broadband high-speed internet expansion, so telehealth technologies can be utilized in all corners of the state. That will be a top legislative priority for AARP Michigan in 2019.

Learn more about the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact at: https://imlcc.org/