Charity L.

McKinnon
200 Ferris Drive
Big Rapids, MI. 49307

July 16, 2014

Michigan State 37
th
District Senator Howard Walker
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536

Dear Senator Walker:
My name is Charity McKinnon and I am a registered nurse specializing in obstetrical nursing,
the care of women and infants. I am writing to you on a significant matter regarding the health
care of women and children in the state of Michigan and the consideration of Senate Bill SB 763
(S1). All over this state, community hospitals have been forced to close due to a lack of
monetary reimbursement from Medicaid insurance. This issue is causing women and their
families to travel long distances from home to obtain prenatal care. Women who are forced to
travel longer distances may not have the resources to make these crucial appointments. These
women are at risk for unhealthy pregnancies and this factor predisposes unborn infants to
conditions that may have been prevented such as spina bifida if the appropriate healthcare was
able to have been acquired.
Many hospitals have closed their doors and more will follow suit if the required action is not
taken to support these valid and critical reimbursements for Michigan communities. Living in a
rural area myself, I have witnessed local hospitals close down maternity and neonatal intensive
care services due to lack of funds to remain open. This has put numerous people of the
surrounding communities at risk and many nurses unemployed. Some patients have to travel
over fifty miles in some cases to seek healthcare.
I understand that Medicaid reimbursement is limited. This issue is worth increasing
reimbursement for labor and delivery services for Northern Michigan residents because it will
improve the health and lives of people, saving money overall as these patients seek preventative
care. This change will allow safe care for mothers and babies if Senate Bill SB 763 (S1) is
considered and passed. The lives of people are depending on this bill and members of local
communities will suffer poor healthcare, which is unacceptable if change is not made. Thank-
you for taking the time to consider this matter, Senator Walker.
Charity L. McKinnon, RN