10 key things to know about health insurance in 2026

As concern grows about online chatbots and mental health, an expert cautions about potential risk to already-vulnerable people, especially teens and young adults. Read the full article on the Health Lab website.ResourcesNational Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988Program for Risk Evaluation and Prevention Early Psychosis ClinicMore information about psychosis for parents and othersFree Online Course on Psychosis for Health ProfessionalsEpisode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts. All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It may seem odd to talk about end-of-life planning at this time of year. But seizing the opportunity while the family is together can save heartaches and misunderstanding later. Read the full article.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts. All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Medical experts are urging continued hepatitis B vaccine birth doses for newborns. This recommendation is based on decades of data showing that policies put in place for hepatitis B vaccines that have long been the status quo are estimated to have prevented one million hospitalizations and 90,000 deaths. Read the full article.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts. All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s important to look at all options and get some form of health coverage. Free unbiased help is available. Read the full article.Michigan Medicine Patient Financial CounselorsWashtenaw Health Projecthealthcare.govHealthcare.gov: Find Local HelpACA plans that U-M Health’s hospitals and providers in SE Michigan will accept in 2026List of plans accepted at UM Health-SparrowVA: Expanded eligibility criteria for veteransCoverage Calculator & Qualifying IncomeHealthy Michigan PlanMIChild program & its equivalent in other statesCatastrophic Health PlansUnderstanding Health Savings AccountsHealthcare.gov: Immigration Status InformationFederally Qualified Health CentersEpisode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts. All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Health Lab we're bringing you something a little bit different - an expert FAQ with a U-M Health urologist answering common questions about vasectomies.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts.All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ALOX15 loss, which is common in colorectal tumors, impairs the cancer-preventative effects of fish oil. Read the full article on Health Lab.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts.All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The recent study shows the biggest job gains were seen among low income adults with serious health problems whose health improved over time. Read the full article on Health Lab.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts.All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Michigan, laws affecting how children ride in cars will align with guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Read the full article on our website.Episode TranscriptResourcesNew child passenger safety laws based on guidelines and best practices recommended by the American Academy of PediatricsMore information on child passenger safety and injury prevention.Find a certified child passenger safety technician near you at Safe Kids WorldwideFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts.All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A debated link between Tylenol and autism has put the neurodevelopmental condition in the spotlight. An expert answers parents’ top questions. Read the full article on our website.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts.All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A study of those prescribed benzodiazepines or antipsychotics after hospice enrollment highlights two hospice policy issues. Read the full article on our website.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts.All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.