WEST MICHIGAN — Muskegon’s Mercy Health Partners and Saint Mary’s Health Care of Grand Rapids already share the same parent company, but soon their connections will become even more pronounced.

Mary Free Bed rehabilitation Hospital, as it embarks on a $54 million expansion and renovation, plans to begin working with cancer patients to help them recover from their treatment.

Linking with a group of top corporate executives and university presidents provides MichBio added muscle in formulating a strategic plan to grow Michigan’s life sciences industry.

Metro Health hopes to reclaim market share and drive growth with an $11.9 million outpatient surgery center.

Changes in how the state regulates Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan led to a move to dismiss a federal anti-trust lawsuit against the insurer.

MICHIGAN — Heavy losses on individual health insurance policies more than offset earnings across other portions of the business at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, leading to a $2.5 million net loss in 2012 for the company.

KALAMAZOO — In joining a national pilot project, Borgess Health and Bronson Healthcare Group seek to learn about how best to implement bundled payments that dramatically change how both organizations are paid for care.

GRAND RAPIDS — A trio of projects in West Michigan signifies a noticeable upturn in health care construction projects for the region.

GRAND RAPIDS — Led by a strong gain on the underwriting of health insurance policies, Priority Health recorded net income of $60.6 million for 2012.

Even with the underfunding of Medicaid payments surpassing $800 million two years ago, the trade association for Michigan hospitals offers strong support for expanding the federal health program.

Five business groups are urging state lawmakers to accept $30 million in federal funding and form a partnership to operate a health insurance exchange.

MICHIGAN — Roemer’s Law lives.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan lost $2.5 million in 2012 as deep losses on individual health insurance policies more than offset earnings across other portions of the business.

A new partnership with the area’s largest orthopedic group will allow Metro Health to begin building a medical specialty.

Mercy Health Partners is planning a $96.7 million renovation and expansion project that would consolidate several inpatient services at one of its two Muskegon hospital campuses.