Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has spoken publicly about her intention to protect Michiganders from unscrupulous insurance companies who try to weasel out of paying for essential health services. However, any action the governor chooses to take will have no bearing on employer-based health insurance.

Instead of using the Democrat-controlled Michigan State Legislature to accomplish these ends, the governor may want to consider another option that will benefit all Michiganders equally. Michigan could apply for a waiver through the Centers for Medicaid, which would allow all Michiganders access to subsidies which will make Marketplace Exchange affordable to all.

One of the great tragedies of the Affordable Care Act is that it pigeon-holed Americans into different categories based on what type of health insurance they qualify for. The ACA assumed that Medicaid, employer-based insurance, and Marketplace insurance were all equal types of insurance. They are not. Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental (AKA Medicaid) program does not pay for out-of-network providers while Marketplace insurance does. Employer-based insurance may have more expensive premiums and not offer as comprehensive coverage as Marketplace Insurance.

Why shouldn’t all Americans have access to subsidies that make purchasing insurance on the Marketplace affordable? So, Madam Governor, please consider all your options before attempting to improve health care for all Michiganders. Consider working with the Centers for Medicaid to get the job done in Michigan.