News

Oregon Medicaid study shows value of investment in mental health

CHRT Director Marianne Udow-Phillips wonders why there is still a distinction made between “physical health” and “mental health”after media headlines proclaim Medicaid had “no significant effect” on Oregon enrollees, despite data showing a significant reduction in depression compared to an uninsured control group.

Michigan’s STD belt: It’s not what you think

A new Robert Wood Johnson Foundation study shows higher rates of a sexually transmitted disease in a line of Michigan counties stretching along Interstate 94, but CHRT Director Marianne Udow-Phillips cautions against prematurely jumping to conclusions. “This is a reporting issue,” Udow-Phillips said. “This is where teens are going for care, not necessarily where they are having sex.”

Living on right side of county line means more life, better health

A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation study found striking health disparities between Wayne and Washtenaw counties, but CHRT Director Marianne Udow-Phillips explains that issues—such as poverty, education, clean water and clean air—have a bigger impact on health status than medical care treatment.

Better access to doctors in Michigan

Newswire service United Press International publishes a story on CHRT’s survey that shows Michigan Medicaid recipients report having an easier time accessing primary and specialty care in 2012 compared to 2010.