The University of Michigan and Corewell Health dropped gender-affirming care for their young transgender patients earlier this year. The decision has left families facing a new medical and political reality.
Eli Newman
Eli Newman joined Bridge Michigan as a health reporter in May 2025. A lifelong Michigander with a decade of public radio experience, he brings a steadfast commitment to community-focused journalism and deep, impactful reporting.
Prior to joining Bridge, Eli served as assistant news director and editor at WKAR in East Lansing, where he managed the creation of meaningful and thought-provoking multimedia news content for the capital region. Before that, he spent nearly nine years as a reporter at WDET in Detroit, covering breaking news, politics and community affairs — including extensive reporting on the COVID-19 response and other quality-of-life issues that impact public health.
His award-winning work has been recognized by the Public Media Journalists Association, the Michigan Associated Press Media Editors, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and the Society of Professional Journalists, Detroit Chapter.
Originally from West Bloomfield, Eli earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He now lives in Detroit.
As a member of the Health Watch team, Eli reports on public health policy, access to care and health equity issues across the state. You can reach him at enewman@bridgemi.com and on social media at @other_eli.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan open enrollment: Here’s how much health insurance rates are rising
Premiums are going up an average 20.2% for individuals who get insured through HealthCare.gov. But prices could surge higher without the tax credits being debated during the government shutdown.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan food banks brace for SNAP ‘crisis.’ How to get or give help
With 1.4 million residents facing SNAP benefit delays, Michigan food charities say they’re already seeing more demand. Here’s how you can find or give help.
Posted inMichigan Government
‘It’s terrifying’: 1.4M Michiganders brace for loss of SNAP food assistance
Michigan families are frantically searching for alternatives as federal funding for food assistance is set to stop Saturday because of the government shutdown. ‘I’m very stressed, I’m out of touch, I’m scared,’ said one mom.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan health care woes: Insurers leaving, rates rising, subsidies in limbo
Regulators say some providers are leaving the state and dropping coverage in the individual market amid major shifts in health care policy. Meantime, expect to pay more.
Posted inMichigan Government
Food assistance to ‘pause’ for 1.4M in Michigan due to federal shutdown
Michigan health officials: SNAP food assistance benefits for 1.4 million will “temporarily pause” in November if federal government shutdown continues. Program for mothers with infant children also at risk.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan cuts off weight-loss drugs for most Medicaid patients, saving $240M
The $81 billion state budget imposes new restrictions on many GLP-1 drugs, requiring them to be used only for the ‘morbidly obese’
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Affordable Care Act subsidies and US shutdown: What’s at stake in Michigan
Republicans and Democrats in Congress are divided on a government spending plan, while a decision to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits remains in limbo. Here’s what that means for Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Here’s how to find help coping with the church shooting in Grand Blanc
Here are some resources to help families, veterans and others.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan church shooting: Trump, Whitmer, others condemn violence
President Donald Trump, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and others called for an end to violence after at least two people were killed at a Grand Blanc Township church.