Michigan Association of Health Plans Recognizes Health Care Leaders at Annual Conference
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, Sen. Curt VanderWall and Carrie Germain were recognized for their contributions to addressing state health care issues. The awards were presented during the Michigan Association of Health Plans’ annual summer conference at Grand Traverse Resort.
Sen. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) received the 2022 Legislator of the Year award. This award recognizes lawmakers who have demonstrated initiative and leadership in support of issues that advocate for high quality, affordable and accessible health care for Michigan citizens.
VanderWall has consistently advanced legislation to improve the life and health care of all Michigan residents, particularly when it comes to transparency and access. His leadership in addressing surprise medical billing and working through the prior authorization legislation demonstrates his ability to work with many stakeholders to deliver results.
“Sen. VanderWall has been a leader on challenging MAHP members in providing cost-effective health care to Michigan citizens, working each day to make Michigan better place for patients,” said Dominick Pallone, MAHP Executive Director. “He is willing to stand up for Michiganders and we commend him for his willingness to discuss and help develop solutions to serious health care issues facing the state.”
MAHP was also pleased to award Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) with the Eugene Farnum Award. This award honors those whose lifetime work reflects the values that Gene Farnum exemplified: collaboration, compromise, fairness and integrity — and who share his vision of access to quality, affordable health care for Michigan citizens.
For the past 12 years, Shirkey has been a leader on health care issues for the citizens of Michigan. Shirkey’s ability to form diplomatic relationships with so many makes him an incredible advocate. He joins many effective health care leaders and legislators in winning this award.
“He exemplifies the spirit of collaboration that was Gene’s operating principle throughout his legislative career. This award conveys our deep appreciation for his service as an effective leader and advocate of health care issues,” said Pallone.
MAHP’s most prestigious award is the Ellis J. Bonner Outstanding Achievement Award. This year’s recipient was Carrie Germain, former Associate Vice President of Performance Improvement at Health Alliance Plan (HAP) and former MAHP Board of Director.
Throughout Germain’s career with health plans, she has been a leader in forging partnerships with local agencies and communities to benefit Michigan citizens. Germain has remained focused on improving consumer choice of healthcare providers and enrollee experience. After a long career, Germain recently retired from HAP, which serves more than 500,000 members across 23 Michigan counties.
“Carrie Germain has been an excellent advocate for our industry –always trying to steer the focus of our entire industry to the relationship with the consumer,” said Pallone. “She gives volunteers her time, having served on numerous boards of community and private organizations, and has consistently been recognized for her dynamic leadership and community service.”
The Bonner award recognizes a MAHP member nominated by colleagues based upon exemplary service, leadership and contributions to the managed care industry and community. The late Ellis Bonner was a father of the health maintenance organization movement in Michigan, a mentor to many and a tireless advocate of accessible health care system for Michigan citizens.
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