An estimated 700,000 Michiganders are saddled with medical debt. Bridge reporters joined WJR in Detroit to discuss.
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.
Michigan’s aging fast, but many seniors unaware of services, poll finds
A new poll finds that 2-in-5 older Michiganders don’t know about the programs and services available to them. Despite that, older residents rate the state ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ as a place to age.
Michigan may force hospitals to disclose savings from drug cost program
The federal 340B program was meant to reduce drug costs for providers, allowing them, in turn, to reduce the cost of care for patients. That can include lower prescription prices. But, according to some critics, it’s lining the budgets of big hospital systems. Others argue it’s keeping the little guys afloat.
Michigan medical debts, anger soar as hospitals spend billions on expansions
In a single generation, Michigan’s health care has gotten more consolidated, complicated and costly for nearly everyone, even the well-insured.
Michigan lawmakers target medical debt, drug costs and a surprising fee
Health care costs remain among the biggest concerns for Michigan voters. Lawmakers are responding.
Psychedelics move into the spotlight. What to know in Michigan
Efforts in Michigan to decriminalize psychedelic drugs may have gotten a boost last month when the Trump administration ordered fast-tracked research into their potential for treatment for mental health issues, including veterans’ PTSD.
Federal grant revives Michigan farmer suicide prevention program — for now
Economic stress and pressure to keep generational family farms running make farming one of the jobs most prone to suicide.
Nursing home critics demand Michigan lawmakers protect residents
The calls for change follow a Bridge Michigan investigation that documented nearly 6,000 cases of abuse and three dozen deaths in the past four years.
They sought help for son with mental illness. He ended up in jail
Law enforcement officers are on the front lines of Michigan’s mental health crisis. Advocates are pushing reforms.
Watch: Bridge reporters talk health care election impacts on WJR
Rising health care costs and access challenges are top concerns for Michigan voters. Bridge reporters joined WJR in Detroit to discuss.