Public News Service

This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized the calendar year 2025 rate announcement for the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug programs. CMS's final ruling from 2022 will lead to the new Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan in Michigan. (Flamingo Images/Adobe Stock)

MI HealthLink pilot program to transform by 2026

Michigan's HealthLink pilot program is planning to transition into a new Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan. The new program will …

States including California and Illinois have passed mental health legislation similar to what Michigan is now considering, without seeing increases to insurance premiums. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

MI legislators push for mental-health care access

A House bill aimed at increasing access to mental health care in Michigan could go to a vote on the House floor at any time. Rep. Felicia Brabec…

In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, studies have shed light on several other potential health benefits associated with vacationing, including decreased depression, less stress and improved productivity. (aanbetta/Adobe Stock)

Heart-healthy holiday travel tips from a cardiologist

AAA is projecting a record 7.5 million air passengers will travel over the next two weeks. Cardiologists and the American Heart Association suggest …

Michigan's Voting Rights Act would provide curbside voting and establishes protections for voters with disabilities. It also allows organizers to arrange rides to the polls for voters during elections. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Michigan voting rights advocates push for lifting language, other barriers

Michigan lawmakers are set to consider a new Voting Rights Act for the state by next week. Introduced in June, Senate Bills 401, 402, 403 and 404 …

Some 70% of Michigan residents are either currently providing care or have provided care in the past for an adult relative or friend. (Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock)

Michigan Adults Strive to Stay Mentally Sharp as They Age

AARP Michigan's Vital Voices survey results are in, and more than 700 Michigan adults 45 and older say they are most concerned with staying mentally …

The Americans with Disabilities Act, the Voting Rights Act and the Helping America Vote Act, as well as Michigan election laws, require accessible voting for all. The policies have been in place for decades. (PondShots/Adobe Stock)

Poll Accessibility Could Mean 60 Million More Voters

In Michigan and across the country, nearly 25% of the population encounters challenges in voting and accessing the polls. The Carter Center and …

In 2018, Michigan's Proposal 3 was touted as a

Report Cites 'Flawed' Voter Purges as Unfair

There are many good reasons for states to update their voter rolls in preparation for elections, but a new report contended many are too zealous …

Many people are surprised to learn that American Sign Language is the third-most common language in the United States, after English and Spanish. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Wayne State Adds American Sign Language to Teaching Curriculum

Deaf people say they sometimes feel like they're living on a different planet from those who can hear, but when both learn to use American Sign …

Twice as many voters with disabilities reported experienced difficulty voting in 2020 as voters without a disability. (John Davis/Adobe Stock)

MI Disability Group: Tips for More Inclusive Political Campaigns, Elections

With the 2022 elections nearing, groups in Michigan are working to educate political campaigns on how to become more accessible to voters with …

Fewer than four in ten low-income renters in Michigan live in affordable units, and many are also inaccessible. (cunaplus/Adobe Stock)

MI Report: Invest Rescue Plan Funds in Affordable, Accessible Housing

A new report found older Michiganders and people with disabilities face some of the greatest barriers to housing, and systemic racism has led to …

Voting machines are particularly important for some people with disabilities, including those with sight or dexterity issues. (Lisa F. Young/Adobe Stock)

Disability Rights Champion Spotlights Need for Accessible Housing, Voting

It is Developmental Disability Awareness Month, and groups are spotlighting housing and voting as two major areas of concern. To mark International …

Less than 15% of Michigan students had been tested for a sexually transmitted infection other than HIV in the last year, according to CDC surveys. (Adobe Stock)

MI Youth Groups Urge Inclusive Sex-Ed Curricula

LANSING, Mich. - Youth advocates for comprehensive sexual education are urging school districts to adopt curricula that use inclusive and …

Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with accurate word recognition and poor decoding abilities. (Adobe Stock)

Michigan Bills Aim to Crack Code on Dyslexia

LANSING, Mich. -- It's estimated that at least 108,000 Michigan children have dyslexia, and there's a new effort to help these students learn how to …

More than 35 million people with disabilities were eligible to vote in 2016. (Amanda Wood/Flickr)

Ramping Up Political Power of Michiganders with Disabilities

LANSING, Mich. — People with disabilities represent nearly one-sixth of the total electorate in the United States, and during National …

State and federal law requires polling places to accommodate people with disabilities. (zeevveez/Flickr)

Disability Shouldn't Block Voter Access to Polls

LANSING, Mich. – Nearly 19 percent of America's population lives with a disability, and this week the focus is on making sure they get a chance …

Those who hurt Michiganders with developmental disabilities could face harsher penalties. (anitapeppers/Morguefile)

Bills Aim to Prevent Assaults on Michiganders with Disabilities

LANSING, Mich. – There are new efforts in Michigan to crack down on those who hurt people with special needs. Rep. Frank Liberati, a …

New research says women living closer to high levels of green vegetation have lower mortality rates than do women living in

Why "Keeping it Green" May Help MI Women Live Longer

LANSING, Mich. - Eating lots of greens has been known to improve health, but a new report indicates living near green vegetation may help some people …

Seventy-six Michigan children died as the result of abuse or neglect in 2014. (Pixabay)

Hundreds to Rally in Lansing for Child Abuse Prevention

LANSING, Mich. - Dozens of Michigan children die each year due to abuse or neglect, and today people from around the state will gather in Lansing to …

The Flint community faces lifelong repercussions from the water crisis. (Pixabay)

The Women of Flint: This is Just Beginning

FLINT, Mich. - The Michigan women who fought to expose the toxic lead in Flint's water say their efforts to protect the community are just getting …

The women of Flint got the ball rolling on the response to the city's poisoned water. (Michigan NOW)

The Women of Flint: Warriors of the Water Crisis

FLINT, Mich. - Whether it was the foul smell and brown color or the resulting rashes and hair loss, many Flint residents were immediately concerned …

More than 2 million Michigan residents receive Social Security benefits.(401kcalculator.org/Flickr)

MI March Primary Nears: Candidates Urged to Speak Up on Social Security

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan's March primary is right around the corner, and some voters say it's time for the presidential candidates to "Take a Stand" …

According to the American Heart Association, one-in-three women will die of heart disease, about 46 women in Michigan each day. (Pixabay)

Heart Month: The Number One Killer Can Strike Anyone of Any Age

LANSING, Mich. - Michiganders are reminded to keep hearts on their minds as February begins, and not just the Valentine kind. It's American Heart …

After the city switched its water source, Flint residents were exposed to toxic levels of lead. (Alvimann/Morguefile)

Pressure Mounts for Transparency in Flint Water Crisis

LANSING, Mich. - With a federal investigation now under way into the Flint water crisis, pressure is mounting for complete disclosure from the …

Advocates are confident that more policies to help older Michiganders will be coming in 2016. (Carlton Browne/Flickr)

CARE Act Progress Hailed: Is the Best Yet to Come?

LANSING, Mich. - As they applaud successes this year in supporting older adults, some Michigan policy advocates are looking ahead to 2016's …

About 47 percent of private-sector workers in Michigan do not have paid sick time. (William Brawley/Flickr)

Earned Sick Time Not a Luxury for All MI Workers

LANSING, Mich. - It's cold and flu season, and holiday gatherings can expose people to germs that could leave them under the weather. But some …

There are concerns that bills making their way through the Michigan Legislature would restrict voting. Credit: Theresa Thompson/Flickr

Activists Question MI Voting Bills

LANSING, Mich. – A bill to eliminate straight-ticket voting making its way through the Michigan Legislature is among those frowned upon by …

Thursday is a National Day of Remembrance to honor those killed by drunk driving. Credit Jusben/Morguefile

A Day to Pay Tribute to Those Hurt by Drunk Driving

LANSING, Mich. - While the holidays are generally a time of great joy, celebrating the season can be difficult for the victims and survivors of …

Credit unions hope to share and further their good works through a contest now under way. Courtesy: Michigan Credit Union League

Credit Unions Hope to "Share The Love" through Video Contest

LANSING, Mich. - Credit unions have a long history of involvement with community causes, and a contest under way aims to showcase that and make more …

On average, office workers sit more than 80 percent of the work day. Credit: mensatic/Morguefile

Study Links Standing on Job to Better Health

LANSING, Mich. - According to a new study, employees with desks that force them to stand at regular intervals stood 60 minutes more per work day than …

It is World Suicide Prevention Day, aimed at removing the stigma and building understanding. <br />Credit: Darnok/Morguefile

Suicide Prevention a Matter of Public Health in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. - Suicide often is viewed as a private, personal matter, but some mental health professionals say addressing it as a public health …

PHOTO: Eric Thomas was paralyzed from the neck down in a shooting, but went on to open his own business, EZ Awareness By Design, thanks to assistance from Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan's self-employment services program. Photo courtesy of E. Thomas.

Program Enables Disabled to Work for Themselves

FLINT, Mich. – Earning a living in a rewarding career is part of the American dream, and the goal of an innovative Goodwill Industries program …

PHOTO: ROTC candidates from MSU and U-of-M will join ultra marathoner Michael Richmond for Alex's Great State Race, a tribute to Alex Powell and all students with disabilities who want to make their college dreams come true. Photo credit: J. Powell.

Two Schools, One Goal: Alex's Great State Race Disability Awareness Challenge

EAST LANSING, Mich. - It will be Spartan versus Wolverine when the state's two biggest rivals take to the football field on Saturday, but today…

PHOTO: New rules take effect this week for Michigan high school football players that limit the amount of contact they can have, the number of hours they can practice, and when they can begin to practice in full gear. Photo credit: Beat0092/Morguefile.com.

New Football Rules Promote Player Safety

EAST LANSING, Mich. - It may still be summer, but as the school year inches closer high school athletes around the state are getting ready for …

PHOTO: Trip organizer Scott Fraser, right, uses kayaking to help veterans and others living with disabilities or cognitive challenges regain independence and enhance their lives. Photo credit: Highland River Adventures, Vineyard Production.

A Grand Adventure: Michigan's First Universally Accessible Kayak Trip

EATON RAPIDS, Mich. - Paddling with a purpose is the theme of "A Grand Adventure," a group trek on Michigan's largest inland waterway aimed at …

PHOTO: Exercise is one way to keep diabetes in check, especially group exercise. VA researchers are finding ways to better manage what they call a

Diabetes: "Silent Epidemic" Among Veterans

LANSING, Mich. - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has called diabetes a "silent epidemic" among those who have served in the military…

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.

MI Social Workers Bridging the Gap Between Veterans and Civilians

LANSING, Mich. - While it's good to come home to family and friends after military deployment, getting back into the swing of daily life can be …

Mental Illness Awareness Week Marked in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – Erasing the stigma and navigating the mental health care system were on the agenda this week at a special event in honor of …

Accessing Mental Health Care a Challenge for Deaf in MI

LANSING, Mich. - Not being able to hear in a hearing world is a difficult challenge on its own, but experts say the deaf and hearing-impaired in …

Jim Gordon with the Center for Mind-Body Medicine says while anti-depressants do help some patients, they also have drawbacks and he wants people to consider

More Than 30 Million Americans Taking Anti-Depressants

LANSING, Mich. – When dealing with depression, experts say people are too often turning to prescription drugs as their first option. Dr…

IMAGE: Time is vital when it comes to treating stroke, as brain damage mounts with each passing minutes and there is just a small window of time where clot busting drugs can be administered. CREDIT: AHA

FAST Action is Vital Upon the Onset of Stroke Symptoms

LANSING, Mich. – May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and one of the key points in the event of a stroke is fast action. Cardiologist Dr…

PHOTO: In his State of the State address Wednesday night, Governor Rick Snyder said he would like to see Michigan's largest insurer become a customer-owned nonprofit agency, a move that would relax regulations on the insurer.

Changes to the Blues Could Give MI Seniors the Blues

LANSING, Mich. – Advocates for Michigan seniors and people with disabilities say they foresee increased healthcare costs under legislation to …

The National Hunger Hotline connects people to food pantries and other programs. Courtesy of USDA

Michiganders May Be Forced to Choose Food or Heat This Winter

SAGINAW, Mich. - "Fiscal cliff" negotiations in Washington are threatening a program in Michigan that helps thousands of people get the nutrition …

Report Raises Questions about How Michigan Serves its Elders

LANSING, Mich. - By the year 2030, nearly 20 percent of Michiganders will be over age 65, and questions are being raised about how Michigan serves …

Tax Tips for Adoptive Parents

LANSING, Mich. - When the Affordable Care Act became law, it didn't just affect health care; it also changed what adoptive parents can claim on their …

Michigan Civil Rights Commission Tackles Bullies

LANSING, Mich. – School districts everywhere are trying to deal with the problem of bullying. The Michigan Civil Rights Commission is holding a …

Environmental Health Risks: Not Just Cancer

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A recent report delivered to President Obama by a special panel appointed by President Bush warned that the risk of cancer from …

Mental Health Care in MI: A Decade After Closing Many Institutions

LANSING, Mich. - Mental health workers fought it, but many now embrace the end results. A decade ago, then Michigan Governor John Engler closed most …

Ban the R-Word Pledges Pouring In

LANSING, Mich. - Learning disabilities groups and Special Olympics are spending this week trying to heighten awareness of the words "retard" and …

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MI: Disabilities