Some argue the state should shift responsibility of managing care and costs to Michigan’s for-profit insurers; others say money motives of insurance companies would cut into care for the most vulnerable.
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
Another respiratory virus, RSV, is surging in Michigan children
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) usually peaks in a winter, but is hospitalizing very young children this summer. Some theorize that the restrictions that protected kids from COVID may limit their immune response to other viruses.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Pfizer: COVID vaccine gives ‘robust’ protection for children ages 5 to 11
Children aren’t usually the sickest COVID victims, though cases of child hospitalizations climbed this summer amid the delta variant. The positive clinical trial results provide hope to parents eager to get younger children vaccinated during the school year.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
FDA panel backs Pfizer COVID booster for people 65+ and with weak immunity
The Biden administration had pushed for boosters this fall for the general population, but an FDA scientific panel pushed back. Final approval is expected next week.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
ER’s nearly full, Beaumont asks patients to go elsewhere if possible
Beaumont Health in southeast Michigan on Wednesday became the latest health system to temporarily shut beds because of staffing shortages.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
A Michigan doctor goes to Facebook over dying, unvaccinated COVID patients
A Beaumont doctor takes to social media after repeated encounters with patients who were in COVID denial or demanded unproven medications, while refusing vaccines. Compassion fatigue can take a toll.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Despite protests, 98% of Henry Ford Hospital workers get COVID vaccinations
Vaccine mandates remain deeply divisive. But most workers ultimately got their shots and kept their jobs at Henry Ford.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan COVID nurses reach their limit: ‘I know I can’t do this forever’
Roughly 18 months into a deadly pandemic, hospitals across the state face critical frontline staff shortages, notably among nurses. While traveling nurses command top dollar as fill-ins, staff nurses at major health systems confront feelings of grief, rage and burnout.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan labs fear COVID test shortages. Will new mandates add to strain?
COVID testing supplies already face supply chain challenges in Michigan. Some labs say the rise in delta variant cases combined with new testing mandates for people who reject vaccines may lead to critical delays.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Required COVID vaccines put Michigan hospital worker hesitancy to the test
Hospitals lauded federal vaccine requirements that cover virtually all Michigan healthcare workers as a win for patient safety. But workers’ unions warned the regulations could force a worker exodus from an already short-staffed industry.