Across Michigan, rural communities are facing increasing challenges accessing affordable, quality health care. On Thursday, the Committee to Protect Health Care hosted a “Saving Rural Health Care Town Hall” in Marquette, featuring Michigan House Democratic Leader Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) and Anna Aho Rink, a physician assistant in Michigan’s 109th House District.
Rink is running for the state house seat as a Democrat, a seat that is currently held by Republican Karl Bohnak. They discussed what’s at stake for patients in the Upper Peninsula and across Michigan, as well as how leaders can protect and strengthen rural care.
“There are actions that the Michigan Legislature could be taking right now to improve health care access and affordability in rural areas, but Republicans are using their majority in the House to block them,” said Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri. “From creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to rein in drug prices, to creating more oversight for health care mergers, to defending against federal Medicaid cuts, we have solutions to this crisis. We just need more leaders in the Legislature who will put patients over politics.”
“Too many UP residents are struggling to get basic health care, and as a health care provider myself, I’ve seen what this means for them,” said Anna Aho Rink. “Our neighbors are driving multiple hours for care, waiting months for an appointment, or just forgoing the care they need altogether, allowing their health conditions to become more complex, precarious, and expensive to treat.”
“Republican health care cuts and health care system consolidation are only making it more difficult for families to access care. We need leaders in Lansing who will work to make sure Michiganders in all corners of the state can access the health care they need close to home.”
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