Short supply of health care “assistants” and “techs” bottlenecks health care, even in places with plenty of doctors. Here’s what Michigan is trying to do about it.
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
5 things to know as Michigan COVID cases rise into the fall
The end of summer signals a new season — one of respiratory diseases. As cases and hospitalizations tick upward, here’s a short, smart update on new variants, new vaccines and the latest advice to stay safe.
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These 10 prescription drugs could have lower prices through Medicare
Popular medications for diabetes and heart failure are targeted for price reductions. Michigan doctors say the climbing costs of prescriptions strains too many seniors’ budgets.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Over 80,000 Michigan residents lost Medicaid benefits in first month
The vast majority lost coverage because they had not filled out and returned state forms required to maintain enrollment, as many advocates for vulnerable populations had feared. Many more are likely to be kicked off over the next year.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Long-simmering battle over public health comes to a head in Ottawa County
Deeply conservative political leaders in Ottawa County ratcheted up attacks on the local public health office, ordering steep budget cuts. Ottawa’s embattled health officer is standing firm in a fight that is drawing national attention.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
RSV vaccine available for older Michiganders, but many don’t know of it
Up to 10,000 older Americans die per year from the RSV virus, which made the approval of the first vaccine a breakthrough. But a new U-M survey shows many either don’t know or don’t care about the vaccine.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan hopes reforms pump life into lagging state organ donor registry
Slow growth prompts lawmakers and activists to create another way for Michiganders to become donors. Michigan is now the first state to ask residents to join the registry on tax forms.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
New COVID variant confirmed in Michigan. What to know about BA.2.86
A Washtenaw County resident is the first in Michigan with a confirmed case of BA.2.86, a variant that worries doctors because of mutations that possibly could make it resistant to existing vaccines.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Will raffles, pig roasts and same-day pay ease the health worker shortage?
A critical shortage of Michigan workers is forcing health care employers to rethink recruitment and retention, moving beyond paychecks to consider the benefits different workers value most.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan kindergarten vaccinations plunge. What’s the rate in your school?
The number of children attending school in buildings with vaccination rates less than 90 percent has doubled since 2015. Check out the rate of elementary schools statewide.