African Americans died from the coronavirus at about the same rate as whites in 2022, a state-appointed task force finds
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.
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Food assistance cuts loom for 1.3 million Michiganders. No legislative action yet
Some low-income households will see a loss of more than $500 in monthly benefits beginning March 1.
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Medicare’s $35-a-month insulin cap still leaves many residents out of luck
Hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents with diabetes don’t qualify for the price cap because they aren’t in Medicare. Health advocates add that even with the cap, low-income patients can’t afford the other aspects of diabetes care.
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‘Staggering’ rise in overdoses, suicides for African Americans in Michigan
The rate of opioid overdose deaths doubled among Black residents over a recent five-year period. Suicide rates jumped 88 percent. Advocates say isolation, treatment disparities and the ubiquity of fentanyl in street drugs are behind the increases.
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Wake up call: Pediatric group issues guidance against childhood obesity
The American Academy of Pediatrics urges earlier and intensive interventions, including surgery in severe cases, to stem a rising tide of childhood obesity but not every Michigan doctor agrees
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Medicaid review could drop 400,000 Michigan residents from coverage
Beginning April 1, Michiganders must once again prove Medicaid eligibility, following years of protection from cutoffs during the pandemic. Many will likely lose coverage even though they qualify because they don’t fill out the right form.
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Michigan sees spike in 988 mental health calls. But what happens next?
Michigan’s new three-digit hotline has produced a jump in calls by people in mental health distress since it began last summer. But advocates say the next step – continued treatment for those callers – is fraught with delays because of a shortage of trained professionals.
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COVID variant XBB.1.5 may be poised to sweep Michigan: What to know
The ‘most transmissible variant’ yet has hit the Northeast and appears headed to Michigan. Doctors say it evades immunity, but much remains unknown about the latest strain.
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COVID-19 in 2022: Deaths fall, but Michigan had 5th most in US
The virus, now a part of daily life, kills far fewer in Michigan in 2022 but remains the No. 3 cause of death in the state.
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ER or urgent care? As respiratory ailments pound Michigan, who do you call?
Misery is at its worst in the still of the night, when doctor offices are closed. There are sure signs for when to call 911 or hit the ER, and when urgent care of merely a call to your doctor is enough.