Two GOP lawmakers say their plans cut bureaucracy and save millions of dollars. Some worry, though, that any reform that shifts care to the private sector or distant agencies will compromise vulnerable patients.
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
Did COVID fuel drug overdoses? Michigan deaths surged last year.
Michigan’s increase in drug overdose deaths in 2020 wasn’t as high as the national average, but 2,743 people died across the state — a 16 percent rise over 2019.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine and Guillain Barré syndrome: what to know
The FDA warned this week of a “very low” incidence of the rare neurological illness among people taking the J and J vaccine. Experts say the risk is far outweighed by the danger of remaining unvaccinated against COVID-19.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
190K in Michigan live with Alzheimer’s. FDA taps brake on new drug.
One month after its controversial approval by the FDA, the drug Aduhelm will be limited to just some of the 6.2M Americans — 190K in Michigan — who live with Alzheimer’s disease.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan teens' anxiety increased during COVID. Resources to help did not.
Experts already recognize that treating severe mental illness among young people is a problem in the state. But kids showing signs of pandemic-related isolation, depression and other conditions also struggle to find help.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan auditor general vows ‘comprehensive’ review of nursing home deaths
The review, revealed Wednesday, follows months of scrutiny by GOP legislators, who have questioned whether seniors were put in harm’s way under an early pandemic policy from Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that created regional “hubs” for infected patients.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Is the Michigan vaccine lottery working? Depends how you define success.
Since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a $5 million lottery pool for those getting the COVID-19 vaccine, she’s touted that 1 million have signed up for the lottery — but the state cannot say if it’s luring more people to the shots. Several local health officials say it hasn’t.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Hope or hype? Costly new Alzheimer’s drug creates controversy
Aduhelm is the first new drug to attack the most dreaded disease among older Americans. But its cost is exorbitant. Worse, it may not work. In the absence of an alternative, though, some say that might be okay.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
A child mental-health fix takes early action, more help. Here are 7 ideas.
More psychologists and social workers in schools. Early screening. Loan forgiveness for child psychiatrists serving rural areas. Fixing a strained system will take time. But COVID stimulus funds can speed up efforts across the Midwest.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan hopes $5 million vaccine lottery inspires more people to get shots
Prizes like a college scholarship and $2 million jackpot will be awarded by Aug. 4 to anyone vaccinated, as long as they register for the chance to win. It’s an attempt to spur more vaccinations, which have slowed since spring.