Michigan House Democrats are renewing an effort to legalize physician-assisted death. Opponents worry the framework is morally dubious and may create new pressures in health care.
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
Addiction counselor shortage hits Michigan hard: ‘We’re all struggling’
Michigan is facing one of the nation’s highest shortages of addiction treatment providers. Organization heads say the stress on providers created by the shortage, along with low reimbursement rates for services, is impossible to sustain.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Study of PFAS levels in Michigan firefighters raises cautious optimism
Despite being at greater risk, a new study indicates the state’s firefighters have similar exposure to the toxic ‘forever chemicals’ as the rest of America.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan cities, counties have spent 18% of opioid settlement funds
The one-time funds meant to battle the opioid crisis are being spent slowly. That may not be a bad thing, says one expert.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Nurses allege toxic workplace under Michigan county medical director
St. Clair County’s medical director has been the subject of several complaints throughout his tenure, with nurses alleging gender-based discrimination in the county health department.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Some fear ‘domino effect’ as disabled adults lose lifeline in northern Michigan
A Charlevoix day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is set to close this month. Families are left with few options for care as providers warn of systemic issues to maintain services.
Posted inMichigan Government, Michigan Health Watch
Michigan teen tobacco use ticks up as prevention funding lags
Michigan spends far less on tobacco prevention than the federal government recommends. As teen use begins to climb again, health advocates say that should change.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan drug deaths drop; $154M more in opioid-fighting funds on way
After years of steep increases, drug deaths in Michigan are declining again — this time to the lowest number in more than a decade. At the same time, Michigan will receive another $154 million in opioid settlement dollars to fund the drug fight.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Rural Michigan may need more medical helicopters. Can it afford them?
Pending federal cuts will lead to reduced services at rural hospitals, moving patients to bigger facilities by helicopter. But federal policy limits how much money those choppers can collect.
Posted inMichigan Government, Michigan Health Watch
Watch: Bridge reporters talk medical debt, health care costs on WJR
An estimated 700,000 Michiganders are saddled with medical debt. Bridge reporters joined WJR in Detroit to discuss.