Secretary of State Benson's focus on this critical issue, her agenda—centered on new government boards, tax credits, and expanded state agency roles—largely doubles down on the same top-down, bureaucratic approaches that have contributed to our state's high healthcare costs for years. As a conservative candidate committed to real, market-driven reform, I believe we need to empower patients, doctors, and free-market competition instead of adding more layers of government intervention.
Here are the key principles that would guide my approach to making healthcare more affordable and accessible for Michigan families if elected Governor:
Ralph's Healthcare Plan
Full Transparency in Healthcare Costs
First, we must demand full transparency in healthcare costs and outcomes. Michiganders deserve to know exactly what procedures, tests, and treatments actually cost upfront—no more hidden fees or surprise bills.
True price transparency empowers patients to shop for the best value, drives competition among providers, and puts downward pressure on prices naturally, without government price controls.
Eliminate Excessive Red Tape
Second, we need to eliminate excessive red tape that stifles competition. Michigan's onerous Certificate of Need (CON) requirements are a prime example: they protect established hospitals from new entrants, limit the growth of private surgical centers and outpatient facilities, and keep costs artificially high.
By reducing or repealing these barriers, we can unleash more competition, giving patients greater access to high-quality, lower-cost options like ambulatory surgery centers that emphasize efficiency, innovation, and patient-centered care.
Cut Out Unnecessary Middlemen
Third, we have to cut out the unnecessary middlemen clogging the system. Too many layers—insurance bureaucrats, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and administrative overhead—stand between patients and their doctors, driving up costs and creating inefficiencies.
By streamlining these intermediaries and refocusing on the direct patient-doctor relationship, we can reduce waste and put more control back in the hands of those actually delivering and receiving care.
Address Root Causes Through Prevention
Finally, we cannot ignore the root causes of our healthcare challenges. Chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes represent some of the largest drivers of rising costs and poor outcomes in Michigan.
We need a strong emphasis on preventive medicine, including incentives for healthy lifestyles, wellness programs, personal responsibility, and community-based education. Rewarding prevention through tax incentives, expanded health savings accounts, and employer wellness initiatives will yield far better long-term results than reactive government spending.
Patients First, Not Government Boards
Michigan families deserve a healthcare system that rewards innovation, competition, personal responsibility, and transparency—not more government boards and mandates. I'm committed to reforms that lower costs, improve quality, and put patients first.
Join the Fight for Healthcare Freedom
Together, we'll make healthcare affordable for Michigan families.