LANSING – State Representative Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee) recently gained recognition from the Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) as their 2009 Legislator of the Year. Angerer received the award at the MAHP's annual conference earlier this month.
"It is an honor to be recognized by the Michigan Association of Health Plans," Angerer said. "The well-being of our residents is of the utmost importance to me. Considering the economic challenges everyone in Michigan is facing, we must ensure that our residents have access to the affordable, quality health care that they deserve. I'm proud to be recognized for working to do what's best for our residents."
Angerer, who is the Majority Floor Leader in the House of Representatives, received the award for her leadership, commitment, and diligent advocacy in working with the health care community to promote quality, affordable, accessible health care in Michigan.
The former Chair of the House Health Policy Committee, Angerer has brought focus to the Legislature's efforts to improve health care in Michigan. Angerer's priorities include access to quality and affordable health care; innovation in the health care field; and promoting patient safety and wellness.
Earlier this year, Angerer introduced a bill requiring health insurance companies to cover treatments for autism. She also introduced a second bill creating the Autism Research Fund to research the causes of and treatments for the disorder, as well as establish a new income tax check off box to allow Michigan residents to voluntarily designate a portion of their tax return to the fund. Both plans have passed the House and are awaiting action in the Senate.
"The MAHP does very important work to address health care concerns in Michigan," Angerer said. "I look forward to continuing discussions with the MAHP about how to improve health care in Michigan and move our state forward, and to working with my colleagues in the House to make those changes happen."