Top lobbyist Sam Champagne joins Michigan Association of Health Plans
LANSING, Mich. – Sam Champagne, a MIRS/EPIC-MRA Capital Insights rated most effective lobbyist, has been named the new deputy director of legislative strategies at the Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP), starting next month (October 1, 2026).
Champagne is currently the director of governmental affairs and lead state lobbyist for Henry Ford Health, Michigan’s second-largest fully integrated health system. Sam has almost two decades of experience around Lansing, seven years of legislative experience under the Dome, and eight years as a healthcare lobbyist.
Prior to leading Henry Ford Health’s state government affairs team, Sam was the lead House health policy advisor and deputy budget director, and before that, the top legislative staffer for the chair of the Senate Insurance Committee. In these roles, he’s brought immense expertise to health policy issues and years of experience working with elected officials, staff, and stakeholders.
“As a top-rated lobbyist for the past eight years, Sam has a proven track record of successfully analyzing, developing, and advocating for health care policies in Lansing,” said MAHP Executive Director Dominick Pallone. “He has a well-respected and effective working relationship with our health plan members through close collaboration on the public policies that matter most to health insurers. His tireless solution-based problem-solving mentality matches MAHP’s mission in being Michigan’s premier health care policy resource in Lansing.”
In his new position, Sam will work closely with MAHP’s nine health plan members to develop and implement legislative strategies to advance policies that promote managed care, affordability, and competition in Michigan’s health care markets.
“I’m honored to take on this role, and I look forward to working hand-in-hand with MAHP’s health plan members to advance their priorities in Lansing, while also serving as a go-to resource on healthcare policy for the lawmakers I’ve built relationships with over the years,” said Champagne.
Champagne has earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science and Master’s in healthcare management from Michigan State University. He, his wife Briana, and their children live in Fowlerville.
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