In 2010, an estimated 1.2 million Michigan residents had no health insurance. By 2016, that fell to approximately 527,000. But, as of this writing in early 2018, the future of health care is unclear.
Rural Michigan
Posted inSpecial report
Limited Internet in rural Michigan depresses student, business opportunity
Take a drive along Michigan’s rural roads and you will encounter treasures we know as Pure Michigan. But rural Michigan holds other, often hidden, stories… Poverty, uneven medical care and lack of high-speed Internet access. Young adults continue to leave rural communities for jobs elsewhere.
Posted inMichigan Government
Need broadband in Michigan? Rural life can mean you’re out of luck
Households, students and small business in much of rural Michigan struggle with slow Internet
Posted inMichigan Government
Wiring rural Michigan with broadband, one home at a time
A small fiber optic firm near Grand Rapids fills in the broadband gap for rural Michigan families
Posted inMichigan Government
Obamacare survives, but some rural hospitals may not
Rural residents depend on small medical facilities for chemotherapy, emergency care and other critical procedures. Hospital chiefs across northern Michigan say that ongoing efforts to dismantle Obamacare could put them out of business.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Affordable Care Act more essential in rural areas, which face suffering
Two University of Michigan physician/researchers anticipate Obamacare repeal’s harshest consequences will land in rural America.
Posted inChildren & Families
Teen births declining in Michigan. But hurdles in northern, rural counties.
‘Babies having babies’ isn’t the problem it once was. But rates are higher in northern, rural counties, in a state where school districts may opt out of sex ed entirely.
Posted inQuality of Life
In rural Michigan, a doctor shortage promises to get worse
A shortage of primary care doctors is associated with worse health outcomes and higher death rates. What steps Michigan can take to close the doctor gap.
Posted inTalent & Education
Lack of college guidance keeps poor and rural students from applying
From ACT prep to private tutors and advisors, middle- and high-income students are groomed to follow their dreams. For bright low-income students, the first obstacle is learning where to start.