Michigan households can order another four free COVID tests, while the state continues to offer free at-home tests and testing sites, too.
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
Michigan has just half the child psychiatrists it needs amid health crisis
Child psychiatrists oversee the care and medication of some of the most complex mental health cases. And yet Michigan has only about half the specialists it needs amid a surge in anxiety and depression among young people.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Embattled Michigan health officer expected to get $4 million — to go away
Adeline Hambley has been fighting to keep her job as Ottawa County health officer. She clashed with conservative county commissioners in a battle emblematic of tensions across the country since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Shortage of new RSV shots could endanger Michigan babies
A first-ever immunization against RSV for babies was approved with much hope in July; already, there’s not enough to go around, according to the state’s pediatricians’ group. That, and a flagging interest in flu and COVID vaccines, have some doctors worried.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan unveils spending on $1.5B opioid settlement, amid secrecy fears
Even as the state posted at least some details on a new website Wednesday about where settlement money is going, the chair of the Michigan Opioid Advisory Commission told lawmakers that the panel has struggled to get more detailed information from state health officials.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Experts: Henry Ford, Ascension Michigan venture likely to impact care, costs
Some worry that another health care consolidation means higher costs for care, but hospitals argue that staff wages and inflation in supplies and equipment drive the prices for care.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Battle lines form as Michigan Democrats eye 15 weeks paid family leave
Lawmakers want to mandate employees are paid after births of a child or to care for a sick relative. They say it’s not a payroll tax. Business groups lining up in opposition say that’s exactly what it is.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Medical debt to be erased for up to 80K Oakland County, Michigan, residents
Oakland County will use $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars, or COVID relief funds, to work with a national nonprofit, RIP Medical Debt, that will pay off medical debt for pennies on the dollar.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Henry Ford, Ascension Michigan to partner in latest health care shift
The 19-state hospital chain, Ascension, will shed its south and mid-Michigan hospitals, but it will keep its hospitals in northern Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Nearly four years into COVID, Michigan’s autumn looking far more promising
For three years, Michigan’s autumn has meant a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. This year, the rise and severity of the virus is looking far more benign, leaving far more room for guarded optimism.