Michigan’s Medicaid picked up the $393 million cost last year for 67,000 patients on Wegovy and other drugs. Not all insurance covers the pills that can cost $1,000 or more a month, prompting equity issues.
Robin Erb
Robin Erb covers health care and aging for Bridge Michigan, focusing on a state that is aging faster than most. She has led investigations tracking opioid settlement money and health care worker shortages, and previously spent six years at the Detroit Free Press covering the Affordable Care Act and Michigan's Medicaid expansion. She holds a master's degree from Lourdes University in Toledo.
Robin and her husband raised two children in southeast Michigan — and have failed miserably at training their Beagle-Bassets.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan Democrats push to expand birth control access, boost supplies
One day after the first over-the-counter pills began shipments, Michigan lawmakers weighed whether pharmacists could prescribe other types of birth control.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Over-the-counter birth control hitting shelves, thanks to Michigan firm
On Monday, Grand Rapids-based drugmaker Perrigo began offering the nation’s first ever oral contraception without a prescription.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
CDC drops most COVID-19 isolation guidelines. What it means in Michigan
The new guidelines align COVID with other respiratory infections: Stay home if you have a fever and feel sick; return from isolation after 24 fever-free hours.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Providers: Rollout of $1.5B opioid settlement a ‘huge disaster’ in Michigan
Clinics that treat drug addiction say they’re confused about how to access money flowing into the state from a lawsuit settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Adviser blasts Whitmer aides over handling of Michigan opioid settlement
In emotional testimony, the head of a group advising lawmakers on the drug crisis says state officials are thwarting its efforts. Transparency concerns follow complaints local governments aren’t moving fast enough.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
After high-profile feud, Ottawa County health leader to stay put
For more than a year, Ottawa County Health Officer Adeline Hambley and county commissioners — led by Ottawa Impact — have been locked in a legal battle that began with COVID-era mask mandates.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan has first measles case since 2019 as cases climb nationwide
Michigan has detected a first case of measles this year, as the vaccination rates against the highly infectious, airborne disease drop.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Meth makes a comeback in Michigan, even as drug fight focuses on opioids
New data confirms law enforcement suspicions about a surge in meth and cocaine. Michigan has spent millions to treat opioids, but treatments don’t work the same for meth.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID-positive? Five-day isolation still recommended in Michigan
Amid conflicting reports about CDC guidelines and loosening standards in other states, Michigan’s recommendation remains to stay home for five days with positive tests.