A federal ordering website, due to open for business Wednesday, opened Tuesday, a day earlier than expected.
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
Omicron requires a better mask. How to choose one that’s best for you.
Two years after a global scramble to manufacture masks, options abound — some legit and some not. We know that N95-type masks are best and cloth masks are worst. Here’s how to choose.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
As omicron rages, rural Michigan shrugs shoulders and resists vaccine
Inside the effort to change people’s minds in Cass County, which has the lowest vaccination rate in Michigan. ‘People just don’t want to deal with COVID.’
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Report: More than 8,000 COVID deaths in Michigan were in long-term care
The report from the Michigan Auditor General places the death toll in long-term care higher than the state’s official count, but notes that some of those may be at facilities not required to report.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan to end most contact tracing as COVID overwhelms effort
The state will stop trying to contact everybody infected or exposed to COVID — something it has not been able to effectively do for some time. It will now focus on schools, nursing homes, prisons and other congregate settings.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan accused of undercounting COVID deaths in long-term care facilities
The head of the state’s health department says she stands by the data, claiming a state auditor general review is politically motivated.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Beyond code red: Michigan hospitals wilt under double wave of COVID cases
For many hospital systems, this new surge arrives as thousands of hospital workers themselves are testing positive for the virus, putting a further strain on staffing.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
At-home COVID tests to be covered by Michigan insurers. Here’s what to know.
On Saturday, a new federal policy allows consumers to purchase up to eight at-home tests a month with insurance. It’s intended to make at-home testing cheaper, but there is some devil in the details.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Worst yet to come with omicron in Michigan, officials warn
‘This is a very dangerous time,’ as models forecast as many as 8,000 patients by the end of January.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan follows CDC lead, cuts quarantine guidance for schools
Students, teachers and staffers could return to school in five days rather than 10 under most circumstances.