A widespread flu virus in the state poses more of a threat right now, but health officials remain vigilant for cases of coronavirus in Michigan.
Michigan Health Watch
In-depth reporting on the intersection between public policy and important health topics ‒ such as insurance coverage, hospital admissions, opioid abuse, access to care, medical research and the business of health care ‒ that impact nearly every Michigan resident.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Three possible Michigan cases of deadly coronavirus being tested
State health officials say two people in Washtenaw County and one in Macomb have “mild” symptoms of the illness, but that a diagnosis remains days away.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
A Michigan family goes to Canada for insulin. Will a drug import law help?
Bills in Lansing would legalize the sale of discounted Canadian drugs to Michigan. But the measures face a host of obstacles, not least from Canadians worried about protecting their own supplies.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan the latest to roll out Medicaid work rules. Can it avoid pitfalls?
238,000 lower-income residents in Healthy Michigan’s expanded Medicaid program must now prove they are working or exempt to maintain coverage. Can Lansing succeed where other states have failed?
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Five things to know about Michigan’s Medicaid work rules
Thousands of lower-income residents must now meet monthly reporting requirements to keep their health coverage. What you need to know to maintain health coverage.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
A Detroit foster child considered suicide. Then Western Michigan called.
Hundreds of foster children have found support and triumph through a scholarship program tailored to foster kids at WMU. For one young woman, the program may have saved her life.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
How Michigan shortchanges foster children facing life as adults
Agencies intended to keep children safe, physically and mentally, fall woefully short. And when a successful program begins to gain traction, funding to expand it across the state is kneecapped by Lansing politics.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
With spike in STDs, should Michigan force all schools to teach sex ed?
Districts aren’t required to teach sex ed. And when they do, they must stress abstinence until marriage but need not discuss contraceptives. Does state’s rising STD rate among young people change the calculus?
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
STDs surge in Michigan and the reasons might surprise you
More testing for sexually transmitted diseases may account for much of the increase, but experts suggest we may be getting too relaxed when it comes to using protection during sex.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
A look back at our most impactful Michigan health coverage in 2019
Bridge launched its Health Watch beat in 2019 with stories revealing medical gaps in rural Michigan and the state’s mounting challenge with opioids, suicide, Medicaid eligibility and legalized pot. Here are some highlights.