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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.
Articles
The ABCs of CBD: What you should know before buying in Michigan
CBD oils, gummies and creams are now sold everywhere from gas stations to supermarkets with little oversight. Here are the facts on CBD — what to know, and what to avoid.
Costs drop for Michigan Obamacare insurance. But only after crazy increases
Premium costs are down 2.5 percent after spiking more than 25 percent two years ago. Analysts say the market is stabilizing after a rocky launch but much uncertainty remains.
For 10,000 Michigan counselors, bill’s passage a sigh of relief
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill Tuesday that preserves the right of counselors to diagnose and practice psychotherapy in the state. The measure effectively overrules a licensing agency’s bid to restrict their professional practice.
This flu season looks deadly. Yet much of Michigan won’t get its shot.
In much of rural Michigan, and in Detroit, fewer than 20 percent of residents get flu shots, even though the vaccine makes it far less likely that people will die or get seriously ill from the virus.
New law shields 10,000 Michigan counselors from limits to their practice
The measure approved Thursday overrides proposed state regulatory changes critics said would be “devastating” to mental health care in Michiga
Michigan judge suspends Gov. Whitmer’s ban on flavored e-cigarettes
In granting a preliminary injunction, the judge said the state undermined its own argument that the move was a public health “emergency.”
Michigan surgeons offered more money to limit opioids for pain
Blue Cross offers 35 percent boost in insurance reimbursement when doctors rein in opioid prescriptions after common surgeries. The effort shows some promise in a state hammered by opioid deaths.
Pelvic exams in surgery? Not without woman’s consent, Michigan lawmaker vows
Some women have been subjected to unexpected exams by medical students and residents in the name of education. Men, meanwhile, have been given rectal exams during prostate surgery.
In Nassar’s wake, MSU combines oversight of its health colleges
Still reeling from damage by serial sexual abuser and former university doctor, Michigan State University said the changes are intended to help rebuild trust and accountability.
Caro’s psychiatric hospital is saved. Michigan’s mental health crisis persists.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spared a psychiatric hospital whose closure would have devastated the Thumb. But long waiting lists persist statewide, and the hospital’s problems remain.
In the spring, Gov. Whitmer praised an opioid clinic. In the fall, a veto.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s vetoes in the Michigan budget included funds for Andy’s Place, an opioid recovery project near Jackson that she endorsed months ago. The planned facility is in the district of Republican budget and political foe Mike Shirkey.
Bad weather, resident concerns hamper Michigan’s efforts to spray for EEE virus
As Michigan reports its fourth death from Eastern equine encephalitis, pilots charged with spraying pesticides are grounded by weather, and state officials field calls from concerned citizens.
Michigan counselors fighting ban on right to diagnose, give psychotherapy
Licensed counselors fear that new regulations could put them out of business. Psychologists have long argued that counselors need more training to perform more serious mental health work. A hearing takes place Friday.
Michigan’s ban on flavored vaping products with nicotine now in full force
Court ruling thrusts into doubt the future of Michigan's e-cigarette industry and millions in taxes. Sales of products are punishable for jail time, fines.
Seeking a cure: The quest to save the Midwest’s rural hospitals
Small rural hospitals are getting squeezed by competition and market forces, forcing painful consolidations, sales and closures. Nationwide, 113 rural hospitals have closed in less than a decade.
In Ironwood, a tiny hospital merged to save itself. Despite fears, it thrived.
For Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, in a sparsely populated former mining region in remote Michigan, merger points to a brighter future.
Rural hospitals in Michigan face a dilemma: Merge or not?
Rising fiscal challenges force independent Michigan hospitals to seek alliances. They can save the hospitals, but some critics ask at what cost.
Michigan to spray 14 counties to combat deadly EEE mosquito virus
At a cost of $1.5 million or more, low-flying aircraft will spray 2.5 miles around each confirmed EEE case across southwest Michigan and beyond.
Budget fight looms over changes in Medicaid mental health in Michigan
Mental health advocates want Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to veto a plan they say threatens care for 300,000 Medicaid patients. Supporters say the plan safely integrates mental and physical health care for low-income patients.
Michigan Republicans end funding to implement Medicaid work rules they created
Republicans strip $10 million allotted to roll out work rules and avoid chaos that has plagued other states. They say it’s a compromise. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says “these budgets are a mess.”