Think your ER visit is covered? Even savvy consumers fall victim to unannounced costs, especially in emergencies. Pending bills would cap some of those charges or give consumers the ability to opt out.
Robin Erb
Robin Erb covers a range of health issues in Michigan, including the industry of aging and the issues facing older residents in Michigan, a state that is aging faster than most others. She joined Bridge in 2019 and has led investigations that tracked millions of dollars in opioid settlement money and explored severe worker shortages in health care that threaten lives and the state's economy. She chronicled the shock and grief of Michigan families in COVID’s wake, as well as state policy decisions and the triumphs of medical breakthroughs. Robin previously spent six years covering health at the Detroit Free Press, documenting the battle over, and the eventual passage of, the Affordable Care Act and Michigan's Medicaid expansion. She studied communications and political science at Miami University and has a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Lourdes University (Toledo, Ohio). She and her husband raised two wonderful children — but have failed miserably at training their Beagle-Bassets — in southeast Michigan. Reach her at rerb@bridgemi.com.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan’s flu season turns deadly early, with some clinics short on vaccine
Michigan’s first reported flu death comes as county health departments in some parts of the state cancel or postpone clinics while they await a resupply.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
The ABCs of CBD: What you should know before buying in Michigan
CBD oils, gummies and creams are now sold everywhere from gas stations to supermarkets with little oversight. Here are the facts on CBD — what to know, and what to avoid.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Costs drop for Michigan Obamacare insurance. But only after crazy increases
Premium costs are down 2.5 percent after spiking more than 25 percent two years ago. Analysts say the market is stabilizing after a rocky launch but much uncertainty remains.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan judge suspends Gov. Whitmer’s ban on flavored e-cigarettes
In granting a preliminary injunction, the judge said the state undermined its own argument that the move was a public health “emergency.”
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan surgeons offered more money to limit opioids for pain
Blue Cross offers 35 percent boost in insurance reimbursement when doctors rein in opioid prescriptions after common surgeries. The effort shows some promise in a state hammered by opioid deaths.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Pelvic exams in surgery? Not without woman’s consent, Michigan lawmaker vows
Some women have been subjected to unexpected exams by medical students and residents in the name of education. Men, meanwhile, have been given rectal exams during prostate surgery.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
In Nassar’s wake, MSU combines oversight of its health colleges
Still reeling from damage by serial sexual abuser and former university doctor, Michigan State University said the changes are intended to help rebuild trust and accountability.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Bad weather, resident concerns hamper Michigan’s efforts to spray for EEE virus
As Michigan reports its fourth death from Eastern equine encephalitis, pilots charged with spraying pesticides are grounded by weather, and state officials field calls from concerned citizens.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan’s ban on flavored vaping products with nicotine now in full force
Court ruling thrusts into doubt the future of Michigan’s e-cigarette industry and millions in taxes. Sales of products are punishable for jail time, fines.