“Do your own research”: What Medicare’s annual open enrollment circus teaches us about the seductive trap of DIY health and science Henry Miller | October 29, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/10/29/do-your-own-research-what-medicares-annual-open-enrollment-circus-teaches-us-about-the-seductive-trap-of-diy-health-and-science/ A striking example of the dubiousness of that maxim is the annual rite of fall for seniors—Medicare’s Open Enrollment period, which extends through December 7. The government opens the door for beneficiaries to compare dozens of plans, each with its own premiums, deductibles, drug formularies, and provider networks, and to choose the one that best fits their health and their budget. Tens of millions of older Americans are told, in effect, to do their own research about which plan to choose, but many people do not review their options at all.

Viewpoints: Public Health Can Win Back Public Trust; What's Behind The Ever-Increasing Insurance Costs?

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-public-health-can-win-back-public-trust-whats-behind-the-ever-increasing-insurance-costs/

Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/research-roundup-the-latest-science-discoveries-and-breakthroughs-84/

CTE Present In 3 Out Of 4 Former NFL Players Who Died From 2008 To 2023: Study

CTE Present In 3 Out Of 4 Former NFL Players Who Died From 2008 To 2023: Study The study, published Wednesday, suggested that more former football players had chronic traumatic encephalopathy than previously identified. “The NFL continuously strives to make the game of football safer, including by implementing strategies to reduce concussions and head impacts," the NFL said in response. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/lifestyle-and-health-102926/

E. Coli Outbreak Possibly Linked To Pumpkin Patch In California Leaves 3 Kids In PICU

E. Coli Outbreak Possibly Linked To Pumpkin Patch In California Leaves 3 Kids In PICU Two adults were also sickened, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Public health officials urge people who visited the popular Brookshire Farms from Oct. 16 through Oct. 26 and then developed gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical attention. The fall attraction has closed while authorities investigate the source of the infections. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/state-watch-102926/

Minnesota's Rural Maternal Healthcare Takes Hit As Sanford Health Ends Obstetric Services

Minnesota's Rural Maternal Healthcare Takes Hit As Sanford Health Ends Obstetric Services Come April 2027, pregnant patients in Luverne will have to travel 30 miles to access inpatient labor and delivery services, MPR News reports. The news was announced the same day that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison unveiled the Strengthening Rural Maternal Health project, designed to close maternal healthcare gaps across the state. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/health-industry-102926/

Being A Family Caregiver Means Spending $11,508 Out Of Pocket Yearly, Research Finds

Being A Family Caregiver Means Spending $11,508 Out Of Pocket Yearly, Research Finds A study, out Wednesday from AARP, found that the out-of-pocket costs of family caregivers — those who assist disabled, chronically ill, or elderly adults — are 60% more than just five years ago and on average comprise 31% of a caregiver's income, NPR reported. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/healthcare-costs-102926/