MUCH Mission Statement
The mission of the Michigan Universities Coalition on Health, Inc. is to leverage the knowledge, resources and influence of its members to improve the value of employee benefit plans and services through better quality and contained costs for educational institutions, their employees, retirees and dependents.
Why was MUCH organized?
MUCH was organized to use the combined strength, purchasing power, and presence of the public universities in Michigan, alone and in concert with other coalitions and employer groups throughout Michigan, to bring about constructive increases in the value of health care benefit plans and services through better quality and lower cost.
Programs and Goals of MUCH
MUCH will undertake market-driven health reform initiatives, including some in partnership with other purchasers and health coalitions. The programs and goals summarized below represent options that have been successfully implemented by purchasers and coalitions in Michigan and elsewhere. These have been identified by MUCH as priorities to meet the expectations of the participating universities.
Value-Based Purchasing
Applying the principles of value-based purchasing through better contracting, data and information, quality management, incentives and education. Our interaction among the participating schools allows us access to more information and real time data than if we were to make decisions independently without collaboration at the decision levels of the Universities.
Education/Communication
Learning about health care benefit plans and services in a rapidly changing environment. Understanding what others have achieved. "Making purchasers out of payers and customers."
Networking
Collaborating with public and private universities and colleges, employers, coalitions and organizations that share a community of interest.
Data Recovery and Analysis
Making informed decisions based on reliable data and information about current health plans and services to promote constructive change. Benchmarking access, quality and cost.
Outcomes Measurement and Report Cards
Assimilating and analyzing performance data to achieve accountability and predictability with health plan administrators and providers of patient care services.
Provider Rate Negotiations
Negotiating rates paid to hospitals, physicians, and other health care providers, and "user group" administrative service charges, retentions, and other fees of plan administrators.
Plan Designs and Carve-Outs
Issuing requests for information for benefit plan alternatives and carve-outs for prescription drugs, mental health services, and other special benefit designs.
Centers of Excellence
Identifying clinical centers that provide exceptional value resulting from the application of continuous quality improvement methods, internal quality and cost information systems, clinical pathways, and practice guidelines.
Public Policy
Although we defer most public policy issues to the Presidents Council for formal statements. MUCH stays informed and informs others of public policy matters that can influence the future direction of health and health care services for the universities and communities whenever we deem it appropriate.
Aggregate Buying Power
Using the combined leverage of 12 participating state public universities to bring about market-driven health system change and constructive value improvements in communities throughout Michigan.
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