A new review from a British research group with a sterling reputation declares that community masking against respiratory viruses like flu and COVID ‘probably makes little or no difference.’ Michigan health officials note the review’s limitations.
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 House votes to repeal 1931 abortion ban
The push to repeal follows passage of Proposal 3, which made abortion a constitutional right in Michigan. Democrats argue it’s time the law was off books. While many Republicans say they worry the repeal will make it more difficult to ensure other restrictions remain.
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Michigan youth in mental health crisis: Could more screening help?
Advocates endorse national panel guidelines to screen children aged 8 to 18 for anxiety disorders.
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Racial disparities in Michigan COVID-19 deaths all but gone, panel finds
African Americans died from the coronavirus at about the same rate as whites in 2022, a state-appointed task force finds
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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.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
‘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.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
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
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
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.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
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.