Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners recognize cancer awareness activities; some raise concerns about MRI access
Summary
The board recognized American Cancer Society events and presented a check; commissioners used the moment to raise concerns that insurance and affordability often block access to MRI screening for younger women and women of color, potentially delaying diagnoses.
The board presented a recognition and check to an American Cancer Society representative and several commissioners used that moment to spotlight screening access and disparities.
April Bush, representing the American Cancer Society, described upcoming local events including a fundraiser at Chippewa Valley High School in Clinton Township and Relay for Life of Northeast Macomb in New Baltimore, and thanked commissioners for participating in casual‑day fundraising.
During remarks following the presentation, Commissioner Howard said women of color and younger women sometimes face higher rates of late diagnoses because insurers deny MRI coverage and MRI costs are often unaffordable: "Health insurance doesn't wanna pay for MRI... If you're on government insurance or if you're frankly poor, you can't afford a MRI." Commissioner Zinner asked for clarification about the claim they’re “denied,” and Howard said affordability and insurance coverage are the proximate causes and gave a personal example of a friend who initially was denied coverage but obtained approval through private contacts.
Why it matters: Commissioners flagged access to diagnostic imaging as a public‑health concern. The remarks were framed as commissioner observations and anecdote; no specific policy action or request for staff study on imaging coverage was recorded in the meeting minutes.
The board accepted the presentation and moved on to committee business.
