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.
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
For 10,000 Michigan counselors, bill’s passage a sigh of relief
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill Tuesday that preserves the right of counselors to diagnose and practice psychotherapy in the state. The measure effectively overrules a licensing agency’s bid to restrict their professional practice.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
This flu season looks deadly. Yet much of Michigan won’t get its shot.
In much of rural Michigan, and in Detroit, fewer than 20 percent of residents get flu shots, even though the vaccine makes it far less likely that people will die or get seriously ill from the virus.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
New law shields 10,000 Michigan counselors from limits to their practice
The measure approved Thursday overrides proposed state regulatory changes critics said would be “devastating” to mental health care in Michiga
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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.
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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
Caro’s psychiatric hospital is saved. Michigan’s mental health crisis persists.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spared a psychiatric hospital whose closure would have devastated the Thumb. But long waiting lists persist statewide, and the hospital’s problems remain.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
In the spring, Gov. Whitmer praised an opioid clinic. In the fall, a veto.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s vetoes in the Michigan budget included funds for Andy’s Place, an opioid recovery project near Jackson that she endorsed months ago. The planned facility is in the district of Republican budget and political foe Mike Shirkey.