health care

Insurance co-op responds to impending health care changes

Current State — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:07:24 +0000

The Affordable Care Act has yet to materialize in concrete changes that most Americans can actually notice, but that is about to change very soon. Here in Michigan, one of the first major signs of the new world order in American healthcare is the new East Lansing-based Consumers Mutual.

Action On Health Care “Moral Objections” Bill Delayed

Jake Neher — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:15:43 +0000

Action appears to have stalled on a state Senate bill that would let health care insurers and providers choose not to offer services based on their moral objections.

Current State #36 | March 4, 2013

Current State — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:13:52 +0000

Today on Current State: A breakdown of the impending changes to Michigan's health care system; phobias and fears with the co-author of "Encyclopedia Paranoiaca;" a profile of new state representative Theresa Abed; sports with the Detroit Free Press' Joe Rexrode; and business news with MLive's Angela Wittrock.

Michigan's health care system facing an overhaul

Current State — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:59:09 +0000

From possible Medicaid expansion to insurance exchanges to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s new status, the state’s health care system is about to change.

We’ll discuss just how drastically with Lonnie Scott, state communications director for the consumer advocacy group, Know Your Care, and Rick Murdock, director of the Michigan Association of Health Plans.

Current State #19 | February 7, 2013

Current State — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 23:54:03 +0000

Today on Current State: Michigan moves closer to expanding Medicaid, assessing MSU and U of M football recruiting classes, a Public Poetry Announcement featuring Robert Hayden, the murals on West Saginaw in Lansing, and a preview of the MSU Symphony's upcoming performance.

Medicaid expansion in Michigan closer to reality

Current State — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:08:08 +0000

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder made it official yesterday: He supports expanding the state’s Medicaid program.

Current State #9 | January 24, 2013

Current State — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:20:09 +0000

On today's Current State: East Lansing city manager George Lahanas and Tim Dempsey, director of Planning, Building and Development, local efforts at Medicare cost reduction, electric cars, MSU women's basketball and dancing to Pink Floyd.

Dr. Sienko: Obesity Report Should Prompt Action

Mark Bashore — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Michigan continues to face a serious health challenge. A closely watched annual report shows the percentage of people categorized as "obese" in the state continues to rise. Michigan State University’s Dr. Dean Sienko attributes the trend largely to deteriorating lifestyle habits.

CDC: Michigan Has 'Very High' Obesity Rates

The Associated Press — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 22:18:44 +0000

Michigan is now one of 12 states with very high obesity rates.

House Panel Continues to Ponder Next Action on Health Coverage

Rick Pluta — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 22:39:43 +0000

Another day of hearings by two state House committees have wrapped up on Michigan’s next step now that the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the federal healthcare law. Michigan is facing some deadlines to move ahead with an online exchange for people to shop for health coverage.

Clare Man Is First in Area with 'Bionic' Ankle

Mark Bashore — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 19:33:35 +0000

A Clare man has become the first mid-Michigan recipient of what's being called a "bionic" ankle.

Health Care Reform: Medicaid Won’t Cover Severely Impoverished

Kevin Lavery — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:17:21 +0000

Many people in mid-Michigan are praising the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision upholding the Affordable Care Act. But local health officials see a gap in the law that poses a particular challenge.

Michigan Officials Brace for Health Care Decision

Rick Pluta — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 22:32:51 +0000

Michigan officials are waiting to see how the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the federal health care law championed by President Obama.