Munson Healthcare, northern Michigan’s largest employer, will be limiting services at rural hospitals while boosting them in Traverse City. Officials cite staff shortages and rising patient demand for virtual options.
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
Activists pressure Detroit lawmaker opposed to Michigan abortion bills
Days after Detroit Rep. Karen Whitsett cast a surprising ‘no’ vote against a package of abortion bills important to Democrats, abortion rights activists applied more public pressure in a bid to change her stand.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Medicaid cuts off 148K Michiganders in review; cancer patients get reprieve
Nearly 148,000 Michiganders have lost their Medicaid coverage in the first two months of a year-long, post-COVID renewal process known as “redetermination.” The reason? Most didn’t file their paperwork.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Free COVID tests bound for Michigan mailboxes — if you ask
As part of an effort to tamp down the spread of respiratory viruses before they take hold, the Biden administration is reopening a program to send free tests to the nation’s households.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Lone Democrat could kill Medicaid for abortions in Michigan, other reforms
State Rep. Karen Whitsett won’t support the repeal of abortion restrictions, leaving Democrats little room to pass bills in a tightly divided Legislature.
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New COVID-19 vaccine arriving in Michigan. Here’s what to know
As the weather cools and viruses circulate, health experts note that Michiganders have three different vaccines to protect them from respiratory illness.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Can magic mushrooms help fibromyalgia? U-M wants to know, needs volunteers
Banned as a controlled substance and dismissed as a hippy trip for decades, psychedelics are getting a closer look to treat a variety of mental and physical ills. U-M is studying its benefits for pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan abortion bills take spotlight at packed legislative hearing
In Lansing Thursday, doctors and advocates lined up to fight for, and against, legislation that would remove numerous restrictions on abortion access in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan Democrats move to allow Medicaid to cover abortions
Along with eliminating a 24-hour waiting period, legislators want Michigan to wipe away decades-old laws banning the use of Medicaid to fund abortions for low-income residents. Protests are planned.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
New COVID shot approved, could be in Michigan this week. What to know
The new shots are one part of a new triple-vaccine protection against three respiratory threats: COVID, flu and RSV. Here’s what the experts say about which groups should get what.
