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.
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
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.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan to spray 14 counties to combat deadly EEE mosquito virus
At a cost of $1.5 million or more, low-flying aircraft will spray 2.5 miles around each confirmed EEE case across southwest Michigan and beyond.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan Republicans end funding to implement Medicaid work rules they created
Republicans strip $10 million allotted to roll out work rules and avoid chaos that has plagued other states. They say it’s a compromise. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says “these budgets are a mess.”
Posted inMichigan Government
Southfield City Clerk accused of Michigan election fraud
Sherikia Hawkins is charged with doctoring absentee voter paperwork to reconcile vote counts. State officials said any misdeeds did not affect the outcome of the 2018 election.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Deadly EEE virus in Michigan forces daylight football starts, cancellations
Friday night football has moved to daylight for at least two schools in Kalamazoo County, the epicenter of the outbreak of Eastern equine encephalitis. Eight people in Michigan have been infected.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
It's official: Flavored e-cigarettes are now illegal in Michigan
Emergency rules aimed at protecting youth make distribution and sale of flavored vaping products punishable by six months behind bars.. Retailers have 14 days to remove the products from their shelves.