The state’s health department struck down a red tape obstacle to “gold standard” treatment that can help patients with addictions.
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 opioid deaths finally going down, but not for black residents
Overdose deaths for opioids and other drugs fell in 2018, the first drop since 2012, with state policies restricting painkiller prescriptions cited. But drug deaths for black residents spiked in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan youth suicide rate doubles. What parents can do.
The spike in suicide rates comes as a national poll suggests parents struggle to know the difference between normal ups and downs of the teen years and something more serious.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan transplant surgeon calls vaping damage to teen’s lungs 'evil'
As vaping illnesses climb, doctors at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit perform a double lung transplant on young vaping victim — reportedly the first operation in the country as a result of vaping damage.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Measures aim to end ‘surprise billing’ for Michigan medical patients
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.
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.