health care

Washtenaw County Commissioners may consider asking voters to approve a healthcare access millage in November. But even on the board, it’s getting some pushback. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Access to quality healthcare is becoming an issue for more and more people. For people of color and for those in lower income zip codes, the problem has always existed. One out of every seven adults in Michigan is dealing with chronic kidney disease and one in three are at risk. Experts call it a silent epidemic. If diagnosed early, it can be treated and managed, but all too many find out too late. The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan has been combatting this issue since 1955 by providing prevention programs and services to high-need populations. WEMU's David Fair looked at the growing need and demand for service and assistance with the foundation's Director of Policy and Programs, Crystal D'Agostino.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan customers are expressing relief that the insurer has a new in-network deal with Michigan Medicine. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Michigan Medicine and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan have announced a long-term contract agreement to continue in-network status. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Planned Parenthood of Michigan (PPMI) is asking the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for help to maintain their local services. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

University of Michigan registered nurses are holding an informational picket and march on Sunday. They are seeking a new contract with Michigan Medicine. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Planned Parenthood of Michigan’s services in Washtenaw County might be at risk if the organization fails to secure state funding assistance in the near future. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Ann Arbor Congresswoman Debbie Dingell took part in a national virtual town hall meeting on Wednesday to talk about health care. It capped off a month-long initiative designed to pressure Republicans to stop cuts to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

What should happen when nine bills pass the state Legislature but never physically make it to the governor? Colin Jackson reports that’s the question the state Supreme Court will consider today.

Affordability not only continues to be an issue, it is a growing issue among working Americans. Here in Southeast Michigan, more than 40% of all households struggle to pay for basic needs like food, housing and healthcare. Current models indicate that number is likely to grow. Alyssa Alonte is the Manager of Community Investments at the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. She discussed how non-profits and individual donors are working to help get people through with WEMU's David Fair.