by Katie Heid
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appears to be taking advantage of the Democratic majority in Lansing and plans to call on state lawmakers to pass legislation which would protect key provisions in the Affordable Care Act.
The Governor’s call-to-action comes as the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” faces a battle in federal court.
Whitmer will make the official plea to lawmakers, which specifically applies to preventative services coverage, in a speech scheduled for Wednesday in which she plans to lay out her policy priorities for the rest of 2023. In addition, Whitmer wants legislation that requires all insurers to cover a set of “essential” services, such as ambulance services, maternity care and mental health.
Not surprisingly, Whitmer will also ask that birth control be covered under “essential services” as well. She has repeatedly stated she will “fight like hell” for reproductive freedom.
Whitmer is in her second and final term as Governor, but speculation is swirling that she may announce a 2024 presidential bid soon.
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Katie Heid anchors weekday newscasts for Michigan News Source.
Photo “Gretchen Whitmer” by Gretchen Whitmer.
