About 40,000 fewer state residents are signing up through HealthCare.gov, as health care subsidies expire and premiums increase.
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
‘Pain in the neck’ for Michigan patients as UnitedHealthcare, Corewell battle
Contract negotiations between Michigan’s largest hospital system and the nation’s leading health insurer have stalled. Coverage is phasing out for more than 100,000 patients without a working plan.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Judge: Michigan bid to rebuild mental health care has ‘significant conflicts’
A judge is asking the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to revise its ‘competitive procurement process’ as it sets out to restructure its Medicaid-supported mental health programs.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan leaders, legislators vow to improve nursing homes after Bridge report
Two Republican candidates for governor and at least one lawmaker promise changes following a two-day Bridge series laying out neglect, abuse and short staffing in Michigan nursing homes. Another lawmaker, a Democrat, says the key is in staff pay.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan ‘a pretty sick state’ amid surge of ‘super flu,’ COVID cases
With a new ‘super flu’ circulating, more than 800 Michiganders were hospitalized with influenza as of Monday — about twice as many as last year at the same time. And many of the really sick are children.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan cities balk at costly 911 calls to understaffed nursing homes
Cities and townships pay thousands of dollars each year for nonemergency calls at nursing homes that fire chiefs say should be handled by nursing home staff. Now, some cities are levying fines, hoping to recoup some of the costs.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Install cameras, beef up training — and 5 other ways to fix Michigan nursing homes
Some states demand nursing homes spend more on care and are more transparent in their finances. Michigan could do the same.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan nursing homes have few staff, little training. Misery can follow
Other states have moved to require more staff at nursing homes, but Michigan hasn’t changed its laws in nearly 50 years. That leads to neglect and mistakes, a review of inspections shows.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan doctors criticize changes to US childhood vaccination schedule
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reducing the number of shots it recommends for American kids. Michigan public health experts say the decision is ‘not based on science.’
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Abuse, neglect common in Michigan nursing homes — and no one is coming to help
A Bridge investigation finds 5,900 cases of abuse, neglect or care woes at state nursing homes, including nearly three dozen deaths. Advocates say change is needed, but no reform is pending in Lansing.