Michigan health officials confirm a third pediatric flu death, and the state reports its first measles case of 2026.
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
Lansing gridlock jeopardizes licenses for 8K Michigan doctors
Doctors say Michigan patients can expect longer wait times if an interstate agreement isn’t signed. Members of both political parties blame each other for the stalemate.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Reform expands savings program for Michiganders with disabilities
Special savings accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without triggering asset limits that otherwise stop benefits from Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income, or SSI.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Report: Michigan to pay more for nursing homes than most of US — again
Amid concerns about the high cost of aging, new data highlights the increasing cost of nursing home care in Michigan and across the US.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
‘Green Houses’ offer cozier alternative to Michigan nursing homes
Two programs are helping older Detroit area residents avoid nursing homes, improving care and potentially saving tax dollars.
So why aren’t there more of them?
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Supporters tout benefits of kratom, but will it stall Michigan drug fight?
A kratom derivative known as 7-OH targets the same receptors as painkillers and opioids. Experts say the products, sold in colorful packages, especially endanger children and people battling addiction.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Henry Ford sells a SE Michigan hospital to mental health provider
A Warren-based behavioral health provider will open a 100-bed behavioral health hospital at Henry Ford Health’s Madison Heights hospital once Henry Ford vacates it.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
St. Clair County makes it easier for parents to opt out of vaccines
The health department announced a streamlined approach Monday to expedite vaccine waivers and reminded families they can opt out of the state’s data reporting system.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Desperate for doctors: Michigan looks to expand who can provide care
Lawmakers are trying to ease dangerous short-staffing in health care by tweaking laws — expanding the ability of some mid-level practitioners and, in some cases, creating new types of workers.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
For Michiganders in opioid recovery, surgery brings a new pain dilemma
A new study finds that an increasing number of surgeries — and the painkillers that follow — could derail recovery for those who once misused opioids.