Community Coffee & Conversations with Macomb County Commissioner Michael Howard Highlights Growing Health Care Anxieties In Michigan
Macomb County Commissioner Michael Howard and Michigan Families for Fair Care hosted a Community Coffee & Conversations event this morning at Gather + Grounds Coffee Shop, where local residents discussed pressing concerns about the recent government shutdown, and the health care anxieties affecting their families and community.
"Residents across our community have been reaching out to me about the high prices they're seeing at the grocery store, concerns about their healthcare, and a feeling that their elected leaders aren't there to help them," said Macomb County Commissioner Michael Howard. "This coffee conversation is about listening, connecting, and working together to find solutions. I want everyone to know that I'm here, I'm listening, and I'm committed to fighting for our families and we should expect the same from our leaders in Congress. We urge our Congressman John James to listen to his constituents, and end this shutdown by protecting these vital tax credits."
“Medicaid isn’t just a program to me—it’s my lifeline. It covers the prescriptions and treatments that keep me alive and able to be part of my community.” said MI-10 resident Rebecca Zainos. “This shutdown puts all of that at risk, and no one should have to choose between medicine, groceries, or rent.”
“Right here in MI-10, the effects of this government shutdown are hitting home. Our service members at Selfridge are working without pay, and our seniors and neighbors with disabilities are seeing critical services delayed or denied.” said MI-10 resident Todd Bloch. These aren’t statistics—they’re our families, our friends, and our community.”
The healthcare concerns raised at today's event reflect broader national anxieties about the affordability of health care coverage. A recent KFF poll found that more than three-quarters of Americans—78%—want Congress to extend the health care tax credits that help people with low and moderate incomes afford health coverage through the Affordable Care Act's Marketplace. Support for extending these tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of the year, crosses party lines, with 59% of Republicans and 57% of "Make America Great Again" supporters favoring their extension. Without these tax credits, Michiganders receiving financial assistance would see their premiums increase by an average of 114%—from $888 in 2025 to $1,904 next year.
The informal gathering comes as the federal government faces another week of shutdown as Republican congressional leaders refuse to budge on extending the ACA tax credits.
