Speak Up For Mental Health!
Discover powerful resources and actionable ways to make a difference. Whether you’re looking to learn, share, or advocate, this is your hub for creating positive change.
We’re always adding new opportunities—so check back often and take the next step toward improving mental health in your community!
ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits
The expiration of the ACA’s Enhanced Premium Tax Credits in 2026 could dramatically increase health insurance costs for more than 500,000 Michigan residents. These subsidies currently help over 90% of ACA enrollees afford coverage and have fueled record enrollment since the pandemic. Without them, average premiums are projected to rise by about 20%, forcing many families to pay hundreds more each month. Experts warn this could push healthier individuals out of the market—shrinking enrollment, driving prices even higher, and straining health systems.
The impact doesn’t stop there. Losing coverage will put additional pressure on Michigan’s public mental health system. As more residents become uninsured or underinsured, costs will shift to the state’s General Fund, stretching already limited resources. Many individuals may delay or skip mental health care due to cost, seeking help only in crisis. This leads to higher acuity, more emergency services, and greater long-term costs for everyone.
You can make a difference. CMHA is part of the Protect MI Care Coalition, and we need your voice. Take one minute to fill out the Action Alert and urge Congress to continue enhanced premium tax credits as they work in Washington, D.C.
Take Action Now
We encourage everyone to reach out to their state lawmakers and tell them to continue fighting for those with Mental and Behavioral Health needs. Don't know what to say? Visit the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan's website to find an action alert that can help you send a message directly to your elected officials.
You are also free to share the materials and social media graphics below to help raise awareness about this damaging proposal.
The HealthWest Difference
Did you know that nearly 1 in every 23 Muskegon County residents receive services at HealthWest? That's more than 7,500 people every year! The data shows that not only are Muskegon County residents happy with the services they are receiving at HealthWest, but these services are making a real difference in their lives.
Nearly 80 percent of HealthWest consumers recently surveyed agreed they are able to more effectively deal with life's daily problems and more than 89 percent agreed they would recommend HealthWest to a friend or family member. More than 90% of HealthWest's annual funding comes from Medicaid. Cuts to this program could put the vital work HealthWest and our provider network does for our community at risk.
Important Dates
The "Big Beautiful Bill" has passed. Now what? Here are some important dates:
- September 30, 2025—the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicles expires.
Likely by October 1, 2025 (or earlier)—new work requirements for people 54-64 and parents with kids 14 and older. - November 1, 2025—Open Enrollment begins. If you’re shopping for a health care plan on the marketplace, this is when you’ll start seeing higher premiums for plans that start January.
- Beginning no later than January 1, 2027—individuals between 19 and 64, including parents with kids ages 14 and up, will have to prove 20 hours of work, school, job training, or other such activities a week to qualify for healthcare. You should be watching MDHHS very closely for updates on these requirements. You will need to recertify eligibility at least every 6 months.
- January 1, 2026—reimbursements and tax credits for residential clean energy will be fully phased out.
- Beginning October 1, 2027—Bridge Card benefits cuts may occur regardless of work requirements.
- January 1, 2028—federal government investments in large-scale solar and wind projects will be fully phased out. Projects must either start construction by July 4, 2026 or start producing electricity by December 31, 2027, to qualify at all.
- January 1, 2028—Affordable Care Act plans effectively stop auto-renewing. Starting in 2028, you will have to start affirmatively re-enrolling every year to keep your healthcare.
- October 2028— If you are on Medicaid, you'll start seeing higher copays for services. Instead of $0 or $1 or $3, you’ll see up to $35 copays for most services.
Helpful Calculators
