A ‘Communiversity’ Seeks To Reduce Local Environmental Hazards Author: Marianne Amoss

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01675 Pensacola, Florida, is known for its white sand beaches, but it’s also home to several historically Black communities plagued by environmental hazards. One such community, Wedgewood, has just 270 homes but seven solid waste facilities and four borrow pits—huge holes created by excavating soil or other material that are sometimes converted into landfills that can leach chemicals into the ground. Residents report high rates of respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and cancer that they believe are linked to these hazards.

Creating Climate Change Action Within Communities Author: Margaret Winchester

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01782 Starting from a young age, Amanda Li was interested in climate-related work. As a recent college and master of public health degree graduate, she found her way to ecoAmerica, a nonprofit climate organization based in Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, California. Located in Seattle, Washington, Li is the senior manager of their Climate for Health program.

Menu Changes Under NYC’s Revised Food Standards Were Associated With A Reduction In Greenhouse Gas Emissions Authors: E. R. H. Moore em885@cornell.edu, Alyssa J. Moran, Laura Stadler, Elizabeth Solomon, Sonia Y. Angell, and Roni A. Neff

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01669 Local policy makers increasingly have implemented nutrition standards for municipal programs to advance population health and climate change goals. Yet little is known about the impact of these policies. In 2008, New York City established nutrition standards for food purchased and served by city agencies, and in 2022, it revised the standards to limit meat and increase plant-based options. Using menu data from four agencies serving 77 percent of all city meals, we examined changes in their entrée offerings, as well as greenhouse gas and nutrition content associated with their total menu offerings, from fiscal year 2019 through fiscal year 2024. All agencies reduced the frequency of beef entrées offered on menus and increased the frequency of vegetarian entrées. Changes in total menu offerings were associated with an estimated reduction of 0.64 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions per portion across all agencies and programs, while the nutrition content generally remained consistent. These findings suggest that municipal food standards can support greenhouse gas reductions without compromising nutrition, and they offer a model for other jurisdictions seeking to advance both population and environmental health goals.

Empowering South Los Angeles Tenants To Advance Climate Policies That Protect Their Rights Author: Cynthia Miki Strathmann

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01728 This article tells the story of vulnerable tenants in South Los Angeles, California, and their work with a community-based organization to advance policies that address climate change while also protecting tenant rights. Climate change is having a disproportionately negative impact on low-income renters in South Los Angeles, where housing is often crowded, unaffordable, and poorly maintained, and extreme heat events can make indoor living unbearable. Cooling mandates and improvements such as building decarbonization can help. Because landlords have used remodeling and renovations as an excuse for harassment or eviction, tenants have been wary of these policies’ unintended consequences. But with ongoing education and partnership with a community organization, tenants are now supporting and successfully advocating for policies that address the root causes of climate change and create healthier homes while providing protections that preserve tenants’ access to safe and affordable housing.

Latino Climate And Health Dashboard: Community-Informed Implementation, Data, And Policy Action Authors: Arturo Vargas Bustamante avb@ucla.edu, Silvia R. González, Julia Silver, Rosario Majano, and Samantha Alejandre

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01639 Latino communities in California experience disproportionate climate-related health risks, including extreme heat and air pollution. Despite the state’s leadership in climate and environmental justice policy, existing data systems often do not integrate climate exposures, health outcomes, or neighborhood-level vulnerability in ways that meaningfully inform policy action. This Analysis draws on insights from the Latino Climate and Health Dashboard, a publicly available, neighborhood-level data tool that documents disparities between Latino and non-Latino White neighborhoods across California. The dashboard was developed with advisory board guidance, using the EPIS (exploration, preparation, implementation, sustainment) framework to structure data development and engagement. After the dashboard’s release, we convened community policy dialogues (“policy pláticas”) in which community organization leaders, practitioners, advocates, and legislative staff interpreted the findings and identified five policy priorities: coordinated climate and air quality governance, sustained community monitoring and early warning systems, equitable cooling and infrastructure investments, stronger connections between climate policy and health outcomes, and climate-resilient access to health care and worker protections. A participatory data tool can support equity-oriented climate-health policy making and inform efforts to translate data into policy action.

Farmers And Ranchers: The Stress And Anxiety Fueled By Climate Change, And Interventions That Could Help Authors: Maud Powell maud.powell@oregonstate.edu, Mary Halbleib, David Rothwell, and Chad Reznicek

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01726 Farmers and ranchers are on the front lines of climate change, facing escalating production pressures, economic uncertainty, and profound psychological impacts. Drawing on first-person experience and research in agricultural communities, this Commentary uses narrative to illuminate how climate grief—grief experienced in response to actual or anticipated loss resulting from climate change—affects farmers and ranchers and shapes their capacity for climate adaptation. In addition to this experiential framing, the authors include an illustrative example of a team-developed intervention designed to support farmers’ and ranchers’ mental health; this example is offered not as original research but as a practice-based case to stimulate the broader policy conversation. Taken together, these perspectives underscore the need to integrate mental health support into agricultural climate resilience efforts. Although programs such as the Department of Agriculture’s Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network represent important progress, current initiatives remain fragmented and underresourced. Research on mental health interventions related to climate change in general is sparse. Increasing investment and coherent policy are essential to ensuring that climate adaptation strategies address the full spectrum of challenges that farmers and ranchers face—physical, economic, and psychological.

Assessing The Implementation Of Climate And Health Adaptation In Pacific Island Jurisdictions Authors: Christopher J. Boyer cboyer10@uw.edu, Kristie L. Ebi, Jeremy J. Hess, Kathryn Bowen, Kathleen Dolan, Calvin Johanes, Mary Hannah Smith, and Nicole A. Errett

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01661 Pacific Island Jurisdictions are highly affected by climate change. Across the health sector, implementation of planned adaptation strategies has been uneven. It has been constrained by limited human and financial resources and organizational capacity, inadequate climate-health risk assessments, and imprecise estimates about the effectiveness of climate-related interventions. To fill these gaps, this study assessed the degree of implementation of health adaptation activities in Pacific Island Jurisdictions, using a combination of implementation science and climate change adaptation frameworks. We found that Pacific Island Jurisdictions have made advances in the implementation of health adaptation activities such as establishing coordination mechanisms, building awareness, and conducting assessments. However, less progress has been made in operationalizing targeted policies, programs, and interventions, including monitoring, evaluation, and learning. Our findings offer the potential to increase resilience if applied by practitioners (for example, public health professionals) and decision makers to inform and seek support for additional health adaptation investments.

Reimagining Disaster Response: A New Vision For Community Resilience In The Texas And Louisiana Gulf Coast Authors: Cori Cohen Grant ccgrant@uh.edu, Summer Chavez, Denae King, Reginald Vicks, Huey German Wilson, Doris Brown, Chara L. Bowie, P. Grace Tee Lewis, and Omolola E. Adepoju

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01655 The use of community-rooted resilience models by locally governed systems across the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana demonstrates how preparedness, response, and recovery in historically disinvested communities can be strengthened in disaster-prone areas. Drawing on qualitative interviews of people in this region that were conducted in 2025, we present four case studies here, showing how community, health, and government partnerships maintain essential services, power, and communication during crises. These findings highlight policy gaps and the need for investment in equitable, community-based disaster infrastructure and long-term resilience capacity.

Unequal Exposure: Examining Outdoor Work And Climate Exposure In The US Authors: Lisa Clemans-Cope lclemans@urban.org, Lisa Dubay, Vincent Pancini, and Avani Pugazhendhi

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01659 Outdoor workers face growing exposure to poor air quality, wildfire smoke, and extreme heat, yet protections remain uneven across states and incomplete federally, and little is known about outdoor workers. We combined data from national labor-force surveys with occupation-based exposure data and county-level environmental indicators on air quality, wildfire, and heat waves to describe and compare outdoor and indoor workers. Outdoor workers accounted for 21.9 percent of the workforce in 2023. About 16.9 percent of outdoor workers lived in counties with the highest frequency of unhealthy air quality days, and nearly one-third lived in counties with the highest wildfire (32.4 percent) and heat wave (31.4 percent) risks. Compared with indoor workers, outdoor workers had higher rates of uninsurance, more self-employment, lower access to paid sick leave, and higher rates of work injuries. Results identified outdoor workforces with elevated climate-related risks and differences in coverage and job arrangements, informing federal, state, and local prevention, standards, and enforcement.

Participatory Systems Science To Identify Local Adaptation Strategies For Extreme Heat In King County, Washington Authors: Saria Hassan, Cat Hartwell, Jeremy J. Hess, and C. Bradley Kramer

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01668 Extreme heat is a complex public health problem driven by interactions at the individual, community, health system, and policy levels. Participatory systems science engages interested parties to examine the interconnected factors driving heat-related illness and to develop locally tailored adaptation strategies. This article describes how local government agencies and community members from an area with high heat exposure in King County, Washington, engaged in the participatory systems science approach of group model building to co-develop extreme heat solutions during 2024–25. Recommended solutions included community education on heat risk; health system policies that increase access to health care; policy-informed infrastructure changes that expand access to green space; and lifesaving direct support, including distribution of cool kits to unhoused people and energy assistance programs. The insights generated can inform heat adaptation efforts across jurisdictions. The methods described offer a scalable approach to co-designing policies and interventions that can inform national and global climate resilience strategies to reduce health risks from climate-related events.

Cold-Related Illness In An Era Of Extreme Climate Events: US Trends, 1998–2022 Authors: Dhara Patel dhara8341@gmail.com, Steffie Woolhandler, Lenore S. Azaroff, Samuel L. Dickman, David H. Bor, David U. Himmelstein, and Danny McCormick

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01557 Cold-related illnesses (CRIs) are preventable yet often deadly. Using twenty-five years of data from the National Inpatient Sample (1998–2022), we assessed nationwide trends in CRI hospitalizations and concomitant alcohol use, substance use, and mental health disorders and housing insecurity. We identified 345,314 (weighted) CRI hospitalizations and found that age- and sex-adjusted rates tripled from 42.0 to 122.5 per 100,000 hospitalizations. CRI inpatients were more likely than others to die during hospitalization, live in high-poverty ZIP codes, be publicly insured or uninsured, and have behavioral health conditions and housing instability. These findings highlight the rising and unequal toll of CRIs in the context of social instability and increasingly severe cold events associated with climate change. Expanded access to behavioral health treatments, increased subsidies for home heating, investments in affordable and supportive housing and shelter capacity, and public health measures to increase resilience to extreme weather events could reduce CRI morbidity and mortality.

Who Pays When Temperatures Soar? Authors: Kartikeya Bhatotia kartikeya.bh@gmail.com, Owen Gow, Lisa A. Robinson, Shouro Dasgupta, and Satchit Balsari

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01671 The health effects of extreme heat have gained attention rapidly, as rising global temperatures cause more frequent and severe heat waves. More attention is needed, however, to the myriad pathways by which the financial and physical tolls of extreme heat are ultimately borne by the most disadvantaged members of society. These tolls include direct impacts on health and indirect impacts on income as costs incurred by industry, government, and other entities are passed on to individuals as increased prices or decreased earnings. Strained household finances in turn affect individuals’ ability to pursue a healthy lifestyle and seek medical care. Existing research says little about transmission of these effects between individuals and organizations, however. We explore current evidence, identify gaps in this research, and recommend priorities for future work to promote more comprehensive understanding of the direct and indirect impacts of rising temperatures on health and financial well-being.

From Crisis To Strategy: Mainstreaming Climate Risk In Health Systems Planning Authors: Cecilia Sorensen cjs2282@cumc.columbia.edu, Josephine Borghi, and Sebastian Bauhoff

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01641 Climate change poses a growing threat to health care systems worldwide, exposing weaknesses in infrastructure, workforce, and governance. Climate risk—defined by the interaction of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability—is both similar to and distinct from other systemic risks that health care systems must manage. We propose a risk-based framework that integrates insights from disaster risk management and health systems thinking to identify adaptation strategies. Our approach emphasizes understanding and addressing the upstream determinants of climate risk, including the intersectoral operating environment and social and environmental vulnerabilities that amplify health impacts. This perspective links climate risk reduction to the broader agenda of health equity. Within the health sector, climate change exerts simultaneous pressure on both demand and supply, challenging systems to move from reactive crisis response toward proactive, risk-informed planning. Established tools—such as strategic investment, workforce planning, and emergency preparedness—can be leveraged to manage climate-related risks while advancing core health policy goals. Framing climate change as a systemic risk encourages the integration of climate considerations into everyday policy and planning and strengthens health care system performance.

Extreme Heat, Health Care Use, And Costs: Evidence From Commercial Insurance, Medicaid, And Medicare Advantage Authors: Jeff Romine jeff.romine@carelon.com, Amy Liu, Daniel Cullen, Katelyn Tang, Hakon Mattson, Mark Talavera, Arax Nazarian, Melissa Clarke, and Winnie C. Chi

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01665 Extreme heat events have been demonstrated to increase emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and mortality, but evidence of their impacts on the associated costs and on outpatient use is more limited. We used 2016–23 health insurance claims from a large, national insurer and national temperature and humidity data to conduct a regression analysis on the relationship between extreme heat exposure and ED, inpatient, and outpatient use and cost in the commercial insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage (MA) populations. One additional day with a heat index of 100°F or hotter within a week was associated with increased ED use and cost across nearly all coverage populations and age groups. Extreme heat was associated with significant increases in inpatient use for children with commercial coverage (1.4 percent), members ages 18–64 with Medicaid coverage (0.47 percent), and MA members (0.5 percent) but was not associated with statistically significant increases in inpatient cost for any population group. It was not associated with increases in outpatient use or cost in any population group. MA members had the highest annual cost due to extreme heat. These findings provide evidence to inform population health management strategies, seasonal preparedness planning, and policy interventions to mitigate heat-related morbidity and health care costs.

Climate, Health, And Equity Authors: Donald E. Metz and The Editorial Staff

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2026.00469 Intensifying effects of climate change are seen in human, community, and ecological health, often affecting vulnerable communities disproportionately. In addition, they put added strain on medical, public health, and social services systems. This issue of Health Affairs features a wide range of topics exploring these effects, adaptations and interventions, and community-based issues and efforts.

Aligning Health Policy With Climate Action: Evidence-Based Interventions To Decarbonize Care, Improve Climate Resilience Authors: Stefan Wheat wheati2@uw.edu, Kristie L. Ebi, Jeremy J. Hess, Lawrence Rosen, Elizabeth Cerceo, and Hardeep Singh

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01635?utm_campaign=may%202026%20issue&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--xPsZUW9jkoOWZHbY4LvBLWEVDJ1_McSOHr1y3BkIjpk8gfgt6sNGIVxW9cVpm7MSHW91n18Ghs-fUoRJSVSrn0zGwbw&_hsmi=417873482&utm_source=hasu The US health care system significantly contributes to climate change while increasingly facing its adverse consequences. Despite this dual challenge, policy efforts to incentivize carbon reduction and make care delivery climate-resilient remain fragmented. In this article, we identify policy interventions and other strategies that have the potential to accelerate the transition toward low-carbon, climate-smart health care systems. Drawing on academic literature and real-world implementation examples, we present a framework of strategies, highlighting the evidence in support of mechanisms such as green reimbursement models, integration of climate change into health professional education, and sustainable procurement standards. We further examine emerging policy levers, including circular economy practices and mandated carbon accounting. Last, we highlight opportunities for federal and state policy makers, payers, and health system leaders to guide future action. Ensuring that health policies actively support climate mitigation and adaptation is a moral and environmental imperative and a strategic opportunity to improve quality, reduce costs, and advance health equity.

Health Insurance As Climate Adaptation: A Practical Framework Authors: Carlos F. Gould cagould@health.ucsd.edu, An-Chi Tsou, Shiv Puliady, and Sara B. McMenamin

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01670?utm_campaign=may%202026%20issue&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--HjFSjne_8C1_5wxKTQPwUFM-Ycec633HstrE2LD5OgrZ0bN3CXDH-ubvs_j8jVpQChiWJuK1UEudnFkHA3tH8uRxBIQ&_hsmi=417873482&utm_source=hasu Climate-sensitive hazards—heat, wildfire smoke, floods, and hurricanes—increase morbidity and mortality and disrupt routine care, yet US policy centers on disaster declarations rather than day-to-day hazards. We outline a practical framework to integrate climate adaptation into health insurance coverage, using public indicators such as heat alerts and air quality indices to trigger regional activations that last for the duration of the hazard window. Actions follow two pathways: reduce exposure during short high-risk periods by providing supports such as cooling access and indoor air filtration, and when routine channels fail, preserve care by expanding access during hazard windows using exceptions such as early refills and temporary network flexibilities. Near-term implementation channels include Medicaid Section 1115 demonstrations and “in lieu of services” provisions (which allow a state to substitute cost-effective services outside of its federally approved state Medicaid plan); Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits and Special Needs Plans; existing emergency authorities; and commercial plan flexibilities, following comparable domestic and international precedents. As climate risks grow, embedding adaptation in health insurance systems may be among the most practical and scalable strategies to protect population health.

From Crisis To Strategy: Mainstreaming Climate Risk In Health Systems Planning Authors: Cecilia Sorensen cjs2282@cumc.columbia.edu, Josephine Borghi, and Sebastian Bauhoff

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01641?utm_campaign=may%202026%20issue&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8_G5_Yfo9wwRJuNDwPOPW8xBa_YpgZ-3VUHGV_TqAWBpEbGtw5Qa-ZHt05nA8jG15PIc7NwzUhEa7HJlOZOtXqiP1AxQ&_hsmi=417873482&utm_source=hasu Climate change poses a growing threat to health care systems worldwide, exposing weaknesses in infrastructure, workforce, and governance. Climate risk—defined by the interaction of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability—is both similar to and distinct from other systemic risks that health care systems must manage. We propose a risk-based framework that integrates insights from disaster risk management and health systems thinking to identify adaptation strategies. Our approach emphasizes understanding and addressing the upstream determinants of climate risk, including the intersectoral operating environment and social and environmental vulnerabilities that amplify health impacts. This perspective links climate risk reduction to the broader agenda of health equity. Within the health sector, climate change exerts simultaneous pressure on both demand and supply, challenging systems to move from reactive crisis response toward proactive, risk-informed planning. Established tools—such as strategic investment, workforce planning, and emergency preparedness—can be leveraged to manage climate-related risks while advancing core health policy goals. Framing climate change as a systemic risk encourages the integration of climate considerations into everyday policy and planning and strengthens health care system performance.

Climate-Related Health Risks In US Hospital Community Health Needs Assessments: A Mixed-Methods Analysis Authors: Sara Locke sara.locke@yale.edu, Genevieve S. Silva, Cristina Arnés-Sanz, Matthew J. Eckelman, Melanie Marino, Abby Ong, Stephanie Vartany, Jeannette R. Ickovics, and Jodi D. Sherman

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01652?utm_campaign=may+2026+issue&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_BQfWUXyfAPVk5O12EQ08LmlCjkDRW0HDVHQNrH3d-6gaW_6f18CbA4ISanWNS3YjDd_HYxbKm52JLZt3k5G_fFaBBgA&_hsmi=417873482&utm_source=hasu Nonprofit hospitals conduct a community health needs assessment every three years to maintain federal tax-exempt status. Federal rules do not require these assessments to consider climate-related health risks, despite evidence that climate change affects health and health care delivery. This study examined the extent to which hospitals address climate-related health in community health needs assessments. We reviewed a nationally representative sample of 566 community health needs assessments (2021–24) from 3,468 US hospitals. Climate-related content was scored on an eighteen-point rubric including climate hazards and health risks (for example, extreme heat and flooding). The assessments’ climate-related content was limited (mean score, 2.51 of 18). Hospitals serving more climate-vulnerable communities, especially those with greater socioeconomic disadvantage, were less likely to identify climate-related health risks. Scores in the Northeast and West were nearly twice those in the South and Midwest, although they were still low. Federal requirements should better align community health needs assessments with emerging public health risks, including climate change, to improve health system resilience.

2026 NIST-University Research Summit

https://www.nist.gov/news-events/events/2026/06/2026-nist-university-research-summit Registration is now open: 2026 NIST–University Research Summit On behalf of the NIST International and Academic Affairs Office (IAAO), we are pleased to invite you to the 2026 NIST–University Research Summit. This premier two-day event serves as a collaborative bridge between university faculty, students, and NIST researchers to accelerate advances in measurement science, standards, and emerging technologies. Why Attend? Showcase Your Research: Present technical projects and innovative methodologies aligned with NIST’s high-priority thrusts, including AI/Machine Learning, Quantum Technologies, Semiconductors, Biotechnologies, and Robotics. Direct NIST Engagement: Gain firsthand insights from NIST staff regarding future research directions and participate in discussions on national research priorities. Build Partnerships: Connect with university teams and NIST experts to forge new collaborations aimed at advancing U.S. leadership in science and technology. The Summit’s interdisciplinary format is specifically designed to foster a vibrant exchange of ideas and lay the groundwork for sustained NIST–University research collaborations. We look forward to your participation in shaping the future of U.S. innovation!

CT nursing home oversight bill clears final hurdle Avatar photo by Jenna Carlesso May 7, 2026 @ 11:42 am

https://ctmirror.org/2026/05/07/ct-nursing-home-oversight-bill-clears-final-hurdle/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_jb8ufpZgiv8GTJ1ee6lf86Wc_a_1HLRQs4Dvlo5HUTvUZRGghgClsVAWn_-Me8w6xS76ieXChqEpXmLVKyp0JnSV59w&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email The CT Mirror: CT Nursing Home Oversight Bill Clears Final Hurdle A bill that seeks to bring more scrutiny to nursing home ownership and analyze private equity investment in nursing facilities gained final passage in the Connecticut House Wednesday. (Carlesso, 5/7)

Full-body MRI scans are selling reassurance doctors say they can’t deliver The scans try to spot hidden diseases like cancer before symptoms appear. ByDr. Crystal Joseph and Liz Neporent May 7, 2026, 8:51 PM

https://abcnews.com/Health/full-body-mri-scans-selling-reassurance-doctors-deliver/story?id=132748299&utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8AHmJBLsXjaKil5IR0l7byQ-3GuBlQwMXC2TF88u66dNwprpMQiowjR7Xa6u9jOfU25WNkoXz7oxXk0pUU9CibBmlhcw&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email ABC News: Full-Body MRI Scans Are Selling Reassurance Doctors Say They Can’t Deliver The promise of finding health problems early with a head-to-toe MRI scan is fueling a growing business. For someone who is generally healthy, however, these scans may be more likely to cause potential harm than benefit, according to a new editorial in the science journal JAMA. A full-body MRI scan uses magnets to create detailed images of organs and tissues across the body, to try to spot hidden diseases like cancer before symptoms appear. (Joseph and Neporent, 5/8)

Federal funds for domestic violence services are falling short. California survivors are pushing for a fix.

Federal funds for domestic violence services are falling short. California survivors are pushing for a fix. Advocates are asking for the state to again cover a gap of $100 million caused by a drop in federal funding. https://19thnews.org/2026/05/federal-funding-domestic-violence-services-california/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9lb9U7u_dwjeD1W5EA6xnnRm8-3oBjKHF1qIzjsMhJJEJnFEE2e4nMBPayM-JFtssUXak0TzAjXpdxWnGnT0M4VfB12g&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email The 19th: In CA, Survivors Call On Gavin Newsom For Funding To Combat Domestic Violence “Before I say anything, I want everyone here to take a moment and think about someone finally reaching out for help and there’s no one here to answer,” Jazz LedBetter said to a crowd of over 250 survivors of abuse and advocates against domestic violence and sexual assault. (Mithani, 5/6)

HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY +++ +++ +

HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY San Francisco Chronicle: 18 Legionella Infections At Bay Area Kaiser Hospital Kaiser Permanente confirmed late Wednesday that 18 people were infected with Legionella at its Santa Clara medical center, where officials are still trying to determine the source of the contamination. The health system said it found the infections during routine monitoring. The hospital and its nearby medical office building remain open and are operating normally. (Vaziri, 5/7) https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/legionella-kaiser-santa-clara-22245643.php?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N1KVIscr7UZk1maGTPieuidfbDsydV3PfkV961XIb6NRPz4KjdaTI2XrtJJXoJ4Gtkudf5peM55B0yDjlfBxEdJioBA&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email Modern Healthcare: Nonprofit Hospitals Spent $7.8B On Consultants, JAMA Study Finds Nonprofit hospitals are spending millions of dollars on management consulting services, but the outcomes may not be worth the price tag. More than 20% of nonprofit hospitals hired management consultants from 2009 to 2023, spending an average of $15.7 million for consulting services, according to a study published this week on the JAMA Network. Nonprofit hospitals altogether spent more than $7.8 billion on those services during that time frame, the study found. (Hudson, 5/7) https://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/mh-nonprofit-hospitals-consultants-jama-study/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz---u1Q-hTDHnxqYar8ySX52sd61VWVDUKV35e_rpoZa9a-xyYDZL6rRd5FwQqFRK7yMrme_D8o7sfAa9cGZSv5o4bTUIQ&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email Cardinal News: State Moves Toward Closing Hiram Davis Medical Center, But Lawmakers Express Concern About Plan The Hiram W. Davis Medical Center has been slated for closure since August 2024, but some Virginia lawmakers remain hesitant to support the plan as families raise concerns about where residents with complex medical needs will go. The state-operated medical center in Petersburg provides long-term care for patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities. (Schabacker, 5/8) https://cardinalnews.org/2026/05/08/state-moves-toward-closing-hiram-davis-medical-center-but-lawmakers-express-concern-about-plan/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--kq6uZ__r5_r5wWmc_0WhvSFzTyfCPeSIXRn52xf_xoj_hiyZu-5G-PW53iUZhGH7Emk4IH5YAMo2NiJvMxJj1RA2TpQ&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email Modern Healthcare: Knox Lane To Acquire Cross Country Healthcare Cross Country Healthcare has entered a definitive agreement to be acquired by private equity firm Knox Lane for $437 million. The transaction would take the staffing technology company private, according to a Wednesday news release. Under the agreement, Knox Lane would acquire all outstanding shares of Cross Country Healthcare common stock at $13.25 per share, for an all-cash transaction totaling $437 million. The deal is slated to close in the third quarter, pending regulatory approval. (DeSilva, 5/7) https://www.modernhealthcare.com/mergers-acquisitions/mh-cross-country-healthcare-knox-lane-acquisition/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-86ExY5LqXN3wuRa05OJMtqAG0KAzQ_jJvJsrAU1Qdgi02aurWrNS2QgvLo7tzk8h7MSe4pDiDheVaX3YuqtzgCqNgsQQ&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email MedPage Today: CMS Mulls Auto-Enrolling Seniors Into Medicare Advantage When your patients turn 65, will they automatically be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or accountable care organization (ACO)? That idea is now on the Trump administration's radar. CMS is currently mulling a plan that would automatically enroll beneficiaries into either Medicare Advantage plans -- in which private insurers contract with CMS to serve Medicare beneficiaries -- or ACOs, such as those that participate in the Medicare Shared Savings Program, according to a report in STAT. (Frieden, 5/7) https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/medicare/121161?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9U83zH1pQw46Xb6toLBtEXrPSpNrnroFp_vtTJjgKdQ-s-o2KGm3o_vzst-V5mU6TRCoysKVs_zMhxcjq1LPh8432Bxw&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email Modern Healthcare: States Curb Insurer AI, Prior Authorizations As Congress Stalls States are increasingly targeting insurance companies over hot-button issues such as prior authorization and artificial intelligence in the absence of federal action. President Donald Trump and his allies in the Republican-led Congress have consistently attacked “Big Insurance” since Trump returned to the White House last year. Yet that rhetoric has not led to much federal legislation. Congress has taken only small steps toward addressing provider and patient complaints about cost, denials, delayed payments, prior authorizations, AI and other matters. (McAuliff, 5/7) https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-regulation/mh-states-insurer-ai-prior-authorization-congress/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--ycnuxwLhp2hWcvU3L46W9lGe0QXgt_-HEOHpPr7iuVyW-AMhcz9VHWWF6B6MYJp_GCEp0jUmq6T31J33nPjl6Rca9Vg&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email Central Florida Public Media: AdventHealth Nurses Address Hair Care Disparities For Black Patients AdventHealth Hospital for Children in Orlando reported that Black pediatric patients needed different kinds of shampoo to care for their hair. The hospital listened. (Pedersen, 5/7) https://www.wusf.org/health-news-florida/2026-05-07/national-nurses-week-orlando-nurses-address-hair-care-disparities-for-black-patients?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9-PfcqFW4YSICfK1gbAsIxMjyyFs-lWT8w_svILspazm12kCSJ3zpnjReCm2R-X54onAKGMYHJ00PGl7p3H0vPr9iF0w&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email

WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS ++++

WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS ABC News: Many Medicare Enrollees Can Get GLP-1 Drugs For $50 Starting In July More access to affordable weight-loss medications is coming this summer for adults on Medicare. Starting in July, certain Medicare enrollees can pay $50 a month for specific prescription GLP–1 medications, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medicare announced the pilot program for the popular weight loss medications on Wednesday. The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program will run between July 1, 2026, and Dec. 31, 2027. (Yu, 5/7) https://abcnews.com/GMA/Wellness/medicare-enrollees-glp-1-drugs-50-starting-july/story?id=132738089&utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--8Uo4JCizm4gUWGDeTd-SFkA821s0jvPstR92LCq0tt9BfjluasotMf3Eca06am6KUHGUuB-Kw-Ai5oP1-bL8Uhq1e1A&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email Fierce Healthcare: Amazon Pharmacy To Offer Home Delivery For Novo's Ozempic Pill Amazon Pharmacy will make Novo Nordisk's Ozempic pill available for home delivery, the company announced Thursday. Per the announcement, Amazon customers will be able to secure the oral GLP-1 medication via same-day delivery or pickup within minutes at its kiosks in short order. The drug, which is approved to manage blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes, was originally sold as Rybelsus but was recently rebranded to Ozempic by Novo. (Minemyer, 5/7) https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/retail/amazon-pharmacy-offer-home-delivery-novo-nordisks-ozempic-pill?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--n_hFT0ohBQJI88FTk35RCM0RxBUi8LFz1LQoefpcszSRFRUuY6BRODvOSnY7egbKJ377BW1qWzq-_8vu-Mh2LjrmKNg&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email The Washington Post: GLP-1s May Not Shrink Muscle Mass As Much As We Thought, Study Suggests Are GLP-1 weight-loss drugs hard on your muscles? That question has sparked controversy and concern among some scientists, doctors and the general public. Several large studies in recent years had suggested that people taking GLP-1 drugs such as Zepbound or Wegovy were losing outsize proportions of their muscle mass while also shedding body fat. In some of those studies, nearly 40 percent of people’s weight loss with GLP-1 drugs seemed to come from muscle, a much higher percentage than would be considered normal among people losing weight by dieting or other lifestyle changes. (Reynolds, 5/7) https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2026/05/07/glp-1-muscles/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_Y64fS1Q16WAv0XQ_h10mUr790SgN1e8c1PhEoUL_uzG8bfgSCKzjqTr4xSmDxdTbqx2VZr6FNSZxDahzmL_mOaXsdWQ&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email MedPage Today: Teens With T1D, Obesity Reaped Benefits Of GLP-1s, Case Studies Suggest Two insulin-dependent adolescents with type 1 diabetes and obesity had metabolic improvements after starting a low-dose GLP-1 agent, a case series showed. (Monaco, 5/8) https://www.medpagetoday.com/endocrinology/type1diabetes/121164?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9jl7BuA55WTQXNxaJwEP_FNUUC4q9OZdo9ZtbK5_ajqP_FWZWZYNNGiFQ1X2iM16dcNOiLTkTrQ9bB9QDGXTMvQnJW7g&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ++

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH North Carolina Health News: NC Loses Abortion Clinic As Pressures Mount On Providers North Carolina now has one fewer abortion clinic, shrinking access to the procedure in a state where nearly 48,000 abortions were provided in 2025.Last week, A Woman’s Choice closed its clinic in Greensboro, North Carolina’s third-largest city. The closure leaves 17 abortion clinics in North Carolina, scattered over nine counties across the state, that provide in-person abortion care to thousands of patients — including people traveling from more restrictive states across the Southeast. (Crumpler, 5/8) https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2026/05/08/nc-loses-abortion-clinic-as-pressures-mount-on-providers/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9vFWIhmbqvO0NNCp6jsaOXJQAqufimgvS6_Jtp7eD0ljPnLMYuAJBoDOJvDgk5KdRSP2kCXhcX8nVc5VxUvew8LopSWw&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email HR Dive: Dems Urge EEOC To Retain Pregnancy Rule’s IVF Protections The letter addresses EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas’ condemnation of the EEOC’s PWFA final rule, which was solidified in April 2024. Lucas has been “vocal in her opposition” to certain parts of the final rule, the agency said in a previously released statement. ... According to the Democrats who signed the open letter, Lucas’ position is at odds with Trump’s fertility-related agenda. In August 2024, after the PWFA final rule and before he took office once more, Trump said he would champion in vitro fertilization, either through securing public funding or mandating that insurance companies cover IVF. (Colvin, 5/7) https://www.hrdive.com/news/removing-ivf-protections-from-pwfa-rule-may-mislead-employers-senate-dems/819629/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_FxU3UswSwg_B9tzTwuTh-pnQxwcDlclv414ufbWKLcPJBX3BDx5Sh2qQ9-admTl8OqaSqZu-wIB4IKaZpUqwOmv0Vkw&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email

VACCINES ++++

VACCINES The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer: RFK Jr. Defends Hepatitis B Vaccine Rollback At Cleveland Forum A family physician pressed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Thursday on one of the most contentious decisions of his tenure — the rollback of a longstanding recommendation that all newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. The question at Cleveland’s City Club came from Dr. Patricia Kellner, who said she has practiced family medicine for 40 years. (Eaton, 5/7) https://www.cleveland.com/news/2026/05/rfk-jr-defends-hepatitis-b-vaccine-rollback-at-cleveland-forum.html?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_TyiWHNzPqn3LGPWqDc2j3wcHUdafVh2UuqrodM7Z-V4BLelP1CGi1ddKAxuE4c2SagBEG7O6Akmt0gSxSsFQp6N_Pcw&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email CIDRAP: Lawmakers Ask Kennedy About Blocked COVID Vaccine Study Democratic lawmakers are demanding answers about the suppression of a study on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acting director Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD. In a letter sent yesterday to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, ranking members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce said Bhattacharya’s decision to prevent the study from being published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the CDC’s flagship publication, “appears to be a deliberate effort to suppress evidence of vaccine effectiveness by your hand-selected ideological ally.” (Dall, 5/7) https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/adult-non-flu-vaccines/lawmakers-ask-kennedy-about-blocked-covid-vaccine-study?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_jlTpgPIe4UWblqKIhufdJNsstdYVXs4_T6sSFQzyEia0FF8j41VLD3Ij9RnueiaGNhhoOjXRSRkt5wyxNw6Rb5SBFBQ&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email The Washington Post: As Measles Roars Back, Scientists Search For A New Therapy Using the blood of a 56-year-old woman vaccinated against measles, scientists have isolated a fighting force of four potent virus-blocking antibodies that could pave the way toward a treatment for people exposed to the highly contagious respiratory disease making a comeback in the United States. A safe, highly effective vaccine for measles has been available since the 1960s, and the U.S. officially eliminated the disease in 2000, with sporadic cases and outbreaks. But dropping vaccination rates have sparked large outbreaks in multiple states, and the country is edging closer to the virus spreading freely again—which puts more people at risk. (Johnson, 5/7) https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/05/07/measles-roars-back-scientists-search-new-therapy/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_N2V0KiFuouwt_HCGbwEslhhwEXyE51kJ6kbQTHjrIQIaqylb4aTUz_-t1fbLxcRIXwZqpaTX7ZWQcICNcJ_lzYCliPg&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email CIDRAP: Aluminum In Vaccines Not Linked To Autism, Other Health Problems, Study Finds Aluminum additives used in vaccines are not linked to serious medical problems or long-term conditions in children, according to a report published today in The BMJ. In particular, researchers found no increased risk of asthma, autism, or autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes. The analysis, which included 59 studies conducted over many years, adds to a large body of research finding no ties between aluminum in childhood vaccines and serious health problems, including a 24-year study of more than 1.2 million Danish children published last year in the Annals of Internal Medicine. (Szabo, 5/7) https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/anti-science/aluminum-vaccines-not-linked-autism-other-health-problems-study-finds?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8Wov0t5DU08uIj7dUvccAjI_qHf-yfeaqxlGHl7SaRTnyFTOWsSyp-q4iCsQ1kY8nQT7epsMSDC2bGRpjyrhBVGWptzg&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email

US lifts hold on immigration applications for doctors, but leaves others waiting By SAFIYAH RIDDLE and AMY TAXIN Updated 3:34 PM GMT-3, May 8, 2026 Leer en español

https://apnews.com/article/immigration-trump-visas-pause-doctors-iran-128fed537a91e2cc714d9ed9c7672a6b?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--FcW3bhG4dEQY9SLrgt7DcGIiPK1Mi7DYHpdR_oT_tXj691ZGzmFRDNhYFIfXAvduHvSvyDGBWbhY9w9qWMxIF8tyLZQ&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email AP: Hold On US Immigration Applications Lifted For Doctors. Others Are Still Waiting Libyan Dr. Faysal Alghoula must renew his green card to continue caring for roughly 1,000 patients in southwestern Indiana, but hasn’t been able to since the Trump administration stopped reviewing applications for people from several dozen countries it deemed high-risk. Alghoula’s current visa will expire in September if his application is denied. But last week, the administration quietly made an exemption for medical doctors with pending visa or green card applications, possibly allowing Alghoula’s case to move forward. (Riddle and Taxin, 5/8)

Trump Exempted Some of the Nation’s Biggest Polluters From Air Quality Rules. All It Took Was an Email. by Mark Olalde Co-published with Gray Television/InvestigateTV May 8, 2026, 5:00 am

https://www.propublica.org/article/clean-air-act-exemptions-trump-emails?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9B09ngUd6zt2Tk2MY1PrfFh45s6WghC1MK8Q2pza_N2Lbhf1JkOfELbkOUAxlUwIwcQclMsmhZHk2evhf2uqwJpopQ_A&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email ProPublica: Trump Let Polluters Sidestep Clean Air Act Rules With Just An Email In March 2025, President Donald Trump’s administration made a tantalizing offer to coal-fired power plants, chemical manufacturing facilities and other factories: Their operations could be exempted from key provisions under the Clean Air Act, the bedrock environmental law estimated to have prevented thousands of premature deaths. All they had to do was ask. No rigorous application was needed. An email, which they had until the end of the month to send, would suffice. (Olalde, 5/8)

Agency will move forward with plans to propose weakening some Biden-era PFAS limits, official says By MICHAEL PHILLIS Updated 2:09 PM GMT-3, May 7, 2026

https://apnews.com/article/epa-pfas-trump-drinking-water-maha-b49abd7d0b8460b9a76d28dc4e49319c?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-__DGhM4n15JZsH6PDnPxWCusz3Yl75R3FoC_N5TD2UthHYiHZqbRhgkZaaO1qNl04cwXcanxfJiy_t7PlXIf6nIgHatQ&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email AP: EPA To Propose Rolling Back Some Biden-Era PFAS Limits In Drinking Water Under Trump Plan The Trump administration will soon propose softening Biden-era limits on “forever chemicals” in drinking water, delaying but keeping tough standards for two common types and rescinding limits on some rarer forms of the substance, according to an EPA official. The proposal will start the formal process of rolling back parts of the first-ever limits on PFAS in drinking water finalized during former President Joe Biden’s administration. Officials at the time found they increased the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and babies being born with low birth weight. (Phillis, 5/7)

US will start revoking passports for thousands of parents who owe child support, AP learns By MATTHEW LEE Updated 4:28 PM GMT-3, May 7, 2026

https://apnews.com/article/passports-unpaid-child-support-penalty-state-department-42d90cfa8a06ee349bb9145f668919b6?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--OvsOkax0AslvmPp5aPRo7WYUeOqbUg2nXFMEyoZFMsDQXbicfkJZJ2FKTuhOzq9rQO7lxO5kvWhjDAluL7W7yEv11cg&_hsmi=417857248&utm_content=417857248&utm_source=hs_email AP: US Will Revoke Passports For Parents Who Owe Child Support, AP Learns The U.S. State Department will begin revoking the U.S. passports of thousands of parents who owe a significant amount of unpaid child support. The department told The Associated Press on Thursday that the revocations would begin Friday and be focused on those who owe $100,000 or more. That would apply to about 2,700 American passport holders, according to figures supplied to the State Department by the Department of Health and Human Services. (Lee, 5/7)

Fraudulent citations, blamed on AI hallucinations, are becoming more common in research papers Frequency of false references increased sixfold from 2023 to 2025

https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/07/lancet-study-finds-steep-rise-fraudulent-citations-academic-papers/ By Anil OzaMay 7, 2026 General Assignment Reporter Citations in academic papers are intended to ground research in the work that preceded it, over time creating something of a family tree explaining the roots of ideas, protocols, and studies.

Medicare’s new RAPID pathway is a breakthrough for adults. Children are still waiting Pediatric medical devices are being left behind

https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/08/medicare-rapid-pathway-pediatric-medical-devices/ By Kolaleh EskandanianMay 8, 2026 Eskandanian is a senior research scientist at MedStar Health Research Institute, program director of the BARDA-funded SPARK for Innovations in Pediatrics, and founding principal investigator of the FDA-funded Alliance for Pediatric Device Innovation.

Spain readies for evacuations as a hantavirus-hit cruise ship heads for the Canary Islands Passengers will be taken to ‘completely isolated, cordoned-off area’ on Spanish island of Tenerife

https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/08/hantavirus-outbreak-cruise-ship-spain-evacuations-canary-islands/ By Associated PressMay 8, 2026 MADRID — Spanish authorities on Friday were preparing to receive more than 140 passengers and crew members on board a hantavirus-stricken cruise ship headed for the Canary Islands, where health officials have said they will perform careful evacuations. Key takeaways from WHO briefing on hantavirus cruise ship outbreak The U.S. and Argentina, both recent WHO dropouts, are cooperating in the response https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/07/hantavirus-outbreak-key-takeaways-who-cruise-ship-briefing/ By Helen BranswellMay 7, 2026 Infectious Diseases Correspondent The MV Hondius, the cruise ship that has garnered global attention because of an apparent outbreak of person-to-person spread hantavirus infections, is on the move. At the request of Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization’s director-general, Spain has agreed to let the ship dock off Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. The ship is expected to arrive on Sunday.

RFK Jr. allegedly ‘collected’ a dead raccoon’s penis. Was it bioethically justifiable? Kennedy’s ad hoc collection of animal parts raises critical questions By Sam ZeveloffMay 9, 2026 Zeveloff is the author of “Raccoons: a Natural History.”

https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/09/rfk-jr-raccoon-penis-whale-bear-cub-bioethics/ During one of health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent appearances on Capitol Hill, Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) brought up an unusual allegation: that in 2001, he collected a dead raccoon’s penis. The incident was first described in the new book “RFK Jr.: The Fall and Rise” by Isabel Vincent, which quotes from a journal of Kennedy’s: “I was standing in front of my parked car on I-684 cutting...

Capricor Therapeutics accuses Nippon Shinyaku of slow-walking plans on Duchenne drug Lawsuit claims delays will prevent desperate patients from accessing the therapy if approved

https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2026/05/08/capricor-accuses-nippon-slow-walking-plans-for-duchenne-drug/ By Ed SilvermanMay 8, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer ed.silverman@statnews.com Capricor Therapeutics accused Nippon Shinyaku and its U.S. subsidiary of failing to follow through on marketing plans for a Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment, and refusing to fix a pricing glitch that was belatedly discovered in their exclusive distribution agreement.

Trump reportedly plans to fire FDA Commissioner Makary The departure would add to a slew of key federal health care vacancies By Lizzy LawrenceMay 8, 2026 FDA Reporter

https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/08/fda-commissioner-marty-makary-exit-controversial-tenure/

Dr. Glaucomflecken wants the corporatization of medicine to be national news The ophthalmologist and comedian on advocacy, fighting misinformation, and the eye surgery he hates

https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/09/dr-glaucomflecken-podcast-interview-transcript/ By Torie BoschMay 9, 2026 Editor, First Opinion Below is a lightly edited, AI-generated transcript of the “First Opinion Podcast” interview with Will Flanary, aka Dr. Glaucomflecken. Be sure to sign up for the weekly “First Opinion Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Get alerts about each new episode by signing up for the “First Opinion Podcast” newsletter. And don’t forget to sign up for the First Opinion newsletter, delivered every Sunday.

Why we left the FDA: Six former officials share their stories ‘I didn’t leave the FDA. The FDA left me’ By Alex HoganMay 8, 2026 Senior Multimedia Producer

Why we left the FDA: Six former officials share stories From STAT’s Alex Hogan: A year after U.S. DOGE Service cuts shook up the federal government, STAT FDA reporter Lizzy Lawrence has been speaking with former officials about their time at the agency. Two weeks ago, I hit the road with Lizzy to interview six of them about what drew them to the agency, the important work they did during their career there, and, ultimately, why they decided to leave during the second Trump administration. https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/07/fda-rebuilding-after-doge-former-regulators-speaking-out/?utm_campaign=the_readout&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8hcQ_mEx7b0EoG60rUWuWZxcLSRyguMzn6CFF7JewPWdk8cUOHiQoxXjIf7xNJzOoKJDhbrvk6h37Uz-CwG82rZ-YufA&_hsmi=417864713&utm_content=417864713&utm_source=hs_email In a special road-trip addition of STATus Report, Lizzy and I travel around the leafy suburbs of Washington to bring you first-person testimonies, including from the former director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Richard Pazdur; Sheryl Lard-Whiteford, a leader in the FDA’s biologics center; and Julie Tierney, who worked on Operation Warp Speed. https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/08/former-fda-regulators-on-why-they-left-status-report/?utm_campaign=the_readout&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_E4vXm8rEvvh7tIx4jLYRxHbuYOVmpotyT6z2DMn7Y1f727DWN7m8seOG6R_RNbl4GZ-vNEUmaQ-DxLiOqgZBzkK6H6Q&_hsmi=417864713&utm_content=417864713&utm_source=hs_email

DEI Bans Won’t Erase Health Disparities George D. Lundberg, MD May 07, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/dei-bans-wont-erase-health-disparities-2026a1000e87?ecd=wnl_edit_tpal_etid8328764&uac=148436CN&impID=8328764 Medicine is a social science, and politics is nothing else but medicine on a large scale. — Rudolf Virchow Virchow’s 19th-century observation has rarely felt more urgent than it does today, as political decisions directly disrupt the practice of medicine. In its zeal to root out affirmative action, the current administration overreached into biological realities with its ban of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) terms in medical grant applications. These policy overreaches do more than spark heated debate. They threaten to widen existing health disparities and impede medical research.

Viewpoints: Hantavirus Cruise Ship Outbreak Is A Global Warning; Should Everyone Be On A GLP-1?

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak-is-a-global-warning-should-everyone-be-on-a-glp-1/

Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed

Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to read. Today's selections are on veterans' healthcare, drug detox, longevity, Parkinson's disease, and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/longer-looks-interesting-reads-you-might-have-missed-263/

Management Consultants For Nonprofit Hospitals Might Not Be Worth The Price: Study

Management Consultants For Nonprofit Hospitals Might Not Be Worth The Price: Study According to a study published on the JAMA Network, nonprofit hospitals are emulating their for-profit counterparts and outsourcing management services. The study's findings show no statistical evidence of management consultants' effectiveness. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/not-ready-health-industry/

NC Abortion Clinic Closure Highlights Growing Strain On Providers

NC Abortion Clinic Closure Highlights Growing Strain On Providers The closure of A Woman's Choice clinic in Greensboro leaves 17 clinics in North Carolina, spread across nine counties, North Carolina Health News reports. Amber Gavin, the clinic's vice president of advocacy and operations, stated that the closure was the result of increased restrictions, financial strain, and a “hostile political environment." https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/maybe-top-3-states/

RFK Jr. Defends Decision To Roll Back Hepatitis B Vaccine For Infants

RFK Jr. Defends Decision To Roll Back Hepatitis B Vaccine For Infants Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was challenged over his most controversial policy reversal during a Cleveland Summit he attended. Kennedy defended the policy change, arguing it was driven by concerns about inadequate safety testing. The vaccine has not been taken off the market or removed from insurance coverage, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reports. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/vaccines/

What the Health? From KFF Health News: Abortion Pill Politics

https://kffhealthnews.org/podcast/what-the-health-445-abortion-pill-mifepristone-makary-may-7-2026/ What the Health? From KFF Health News: Abortion Pill Politics A federal court’s decision to restrict availability of the abortion pill mifepristone has launched abortion back into the national spotlight. It’s also raised new questions about the job security of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. Sandhya Raman of Bloomberg Law, Shefali Luthra of The 19th, and Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also, Rovner interviews KFF Health News’ Andrew Jones, who wrote the latest “Bill of the Month." ( 5/7 )

Medicare To Launch Pilot GLP-1 Drug Program For $50 A Month

Medicare To Launch Pilot GLP-1 Drug Program For $50 A Month FDA-approved GLP-1 medications, in both injectable and pill form, will be available with a $50 monthly co-pay to beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage. The pilot program will start in July and run through 2027. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/weight-loss-pharma/

US Starts To Revoke Passports For Some People Who Owe Child Support

US Starts To Revoke Passports For Some People Who Owe Child Support AP reported that the State Department program to revoke passports for about 2,700 Americans who owe $100,000 or more in child support will begin today. That figure will soon expand to include those who owe $2,500 or more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/top-3-trump-admin-3/

More States, Countries On Alert For Hantavirus; WHO Tells People To Remain Calm: 'This Is Not Covid'

More States, Countries On Alert For Hantavirus; WHO Tells People To Remain Calm: 'This Is Not Covid' The cruise ship MV Hondius is scheduled to arrive in the Canary Islands on Sunday, where it will anchor offshore and allow passengers wearing hazmat gear to transfer by boat to the port, ABC News reported. Back in the U.S., two more states — Virginia and Texas — are monitoring former passengers from the ship. Plus: The CDC official in charge of monitoring public health on cruise ships has stepped down. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/more-states-countries-on-alert-for-hantavirus-who-tells-people-to-remain-calm-this-is-not-covid/

Listen: A Federal Agency Is After Workers’ Health Data, and Critics Are Alarmed

https://kffhealthnews.org/health-industry/wamu-health-hub-opm-federal-worker-unredacted-medical-records-hipaa-audio/ Ten years ago, the Office of Personnel Management suffered one of the biggest government data breaches in history. Now, the agency wants millions of federal workers' medical records. KFF Health News reporter Amanda Seitz explained why health policy experts aren't sure OPM can safeguard the data on WAMU’s “Health Hub” on April 29. By Amanda Seitz May 8, 2026

In California Governor Race, Single-Payer Is a Litmus Test. There’s Still No Way To Pay for It. By Christine Mai-Duc May 8, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/health-care-costs/california-governor-race-single-payer-healthcare-becerra-cma-steyer/ When Gavin Newsom ran for California governor in 2018, his support for a state-run single-payer healthcare system was considered a risky move and earned him hefty labor endorsements. Single-payer healthcare is a central talking point in the chaotic race for California governor. In a crowded field, top-polling Democrats are declaring their support for a government-run health system but providing few details about how they’d accomplish it in the nation’s most populous state.

A Look at the GENEROUS Model and Factors That Could Impact Medicaid Drug Costs Authors: Elizabeth Williams, Robin Rudowitz, and Rhiannon Euhus Published: May 8, 2026

https://www.kff.org/medicaid/a-look-at-the-generous-model-and-factors-that-could-impact-medicaid-drug-costs/?utm_campaign=KFF-Medicaid&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-__75syTs8ndhKALGOrlMAzBSzBniozao8F1imjgK3SJm6JYINZhPwJqj-OiRZ5zs4ZpN0TUGq8vmwPXDR16Y2VrGCXDw&_hsmi=417875364&utm_content=417875364&utm_source=hs_email KFF Examines Factors That Could Impact Medicaid Drug Costs Under the GENEROUS Model’s Most-Favored-Nation Pricing As part of efforts to reduce prescription drug costs, the Trump administration has negotiated “most-favored-nation” (MFN) deals with pharmaceutical companies that include providing MFN pricing in Medicaid, though details remain confidential. A new KFF issue brief provides background on the GENEROUS Model (GENErating cost Reductions fOr U.S. Medicaid), a drug payment model through which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will make MFN drug prices available to state Medicaid programs by negotiating supplemental drug rebates based on prices paid in other countries. Although the White House estimates that a voluntary MFN framework in Medicaid would save $64.3 billion over 10 years, it is unclear what assumptions underlie the estimate. Several uncertain factors remain that make it difficult to assess the impact the new model will have on Medicaid drug costs. Such factors include which drug manufacturers and states participate as well as what drugs are included in the model, due to variation in drug rebates (and net prices) as well as spending and utilization trends. While existing Medicaid rebates already reduce overall Medicaid spending substantially -- likely limiting the impact of the GENEROUS model – information on how those rebates vary by drug is not publicly available.Contact: Chris Lee | 202.654.1403 | ChrisL@kff.org

Clostridioides difficile Infection: Developing Drugs for Treatment, Reduction of Recurrence, and Prevention Guidance for Industry May 2026

https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/clostridioides-difficile-infection-developing-drugs-treatment-reduction-recurrence-and-prevention

Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Developing Drugs for Treatment Guidance for Industry May 2026

https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/pulmonary-tuberculosis-developing-drugs-treatment

Postapproval Pregnancy Safety Studies Guidance for Industry May 2026

https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/postapproval-pregnancy-safety-studies

‘Conflict entrepreneurs’ are driving disinformation and shaping public opinion Kate MacArthur | Ipsos | May 8, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/05/08/conflict-entrepreneurs-are-driving-disinformation-and-shaping-public-opinion/

Vaccine shootout at the CDC Apoorva Mandavilli | May 8, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/05/08/vaccine-shootout-at-the-cdc/

Viewpoint: Internal White House documents detail administration’s strategy to undermine climate science Rachel Cleetus | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists | May 8, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/05/08/viewpoint-internal-white-house-documents-detail-administrations-strategy-to-undermine-climate-science/

FDA’s expedited drug reviews are hailed in some quarters but other approval practices are problematic Shelby Bradford | May 8, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/05/08/fdas-expedited-drug-reviews-are-hailed-in-some-quarters-but-other-approval-practices-are-problematic/

Viewpoint: Misinformation infodemic? Why assessing evidence is so challenging Mu Zhu | May 8, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/05/08/viewpoint-misinformation-infodemic-why-assessing-evidence-is-so-challenging/

Manufacturing a conspiracy: The timeline of how the White House embraced the fringe claim that scientists are being mysteriously murdered T.M. Brown | CNN | May 7, 2026

Manufacturing a conspiracy: The timeline of how the White House embraced the fringe claim that scientists are being mysteriously murdered T.M. Brown | CNN | May 7, 2026 https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/05/07/manufacturing-a-conspiracy-the-timeline-of-how-the-white-house-embraced-the-fringe-claim-that-scientists-are-being-mysteriously-murdered/ On April 20, the House Oversight Committee announced that it was planning an investigation of its own. “If the reports are accurate, these deaths and disappearances may represent a grave threat to U.S. national security and to U.S. personnel with access to scientific secrets,” Republican lawmakers James Comer of Kentucky and Eric Burlison of Missouri wrote in a statement. Immortal dragons: The quest to ‘make death optional’ Karen Fischer | New York Post | May 7, 2026 https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/05/07/immortal-dragons-the-quest-to-make-death-optional/ …[I]n recent years, finding the secret to longer life has transitioned from mythical fiction to actual science with the help of over $5 billion in investments from the likes of Peter Thiel, Jeff Bezos and Sam Altman. How RFK, Jr.’s false vaccine claims are holding up $600 million to fight diseases in poor countries Carmen Paun | Politico | May 5, 2026 https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/05/05/how-rfk-jr-s-false-vaccine-claims-are-holding-up-600-million-to-fight-diseases-in-poor-countries/ Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s push to remake the U.S. vaccination schedule is on hold following a federal judge’s decision last month, but the health secretary is still using his power to affect which shots children in poor countries receive.

‘Protecting the integrity of science’: Kennedy’s FDA blocks release of taxpayer-funded studies finding COVID and shingles vaccines safe Lois Collins | Deseret News | May 7, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/05/07/protecting-the-integrity-of-science-kennedys-fda-blocks-release-of-taxpayer-funded-studies-finding-covid-and-shingles-vaccines-safe/ Although large studies of the COVID-19 and shingles vaccines found few risks and overall safety, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has blocked their publication, even as millions of dollars in taxpayer money was spent on them.

Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs ++

Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/research-roundup-the-latest-science-discoveries-and-breakthroughs-67/a> Viewpoints: Maternity Deserts Are Failing US Families; Are Abortion Pill Reversal Claims Free Speech Or Medical Misinformation? https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-maternity-deserts-are-failing-us-families-abortion-pill-reversal-claims-free-speech-or-medical-misinformation/

Many Kids Hurt By Tear Gas, Pepper Spray During ICE Raids: Report +++

Many Kids Hurt By Tear Gas, Pepper Spray During ICE Raids: Report ProPublica reports on how officers have escalated the use of the chemicals throughout recent anti-immigration initiatives, causing harm to at least 79 children across the country in the process. The Department of Homeland Security says parents are to blame for any harm caused. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/top-3-trump-admin-2/ California Hospital Sees Several Cases Of Legionella, As Search For Source Continues The Santa Clara Medical Center and medical office building are operating normally as additional water treatment measures are implemented. More news is on potential hospital closures in Minnesota and Pennsylvania; AI integration into healthcare; and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/health-industry-9/ Georgia Knew About PFAS In Water Near Carpet Mills But Didn't Warn Residents, Investigation Finds People who live in and around Calhoun, Georgia, say the levels of "forever chemicals" in their bodies are higher than what national health guidelines consider safe. Some have been diagnosed with liver and thyroid conditions or cancer. Scientists have warned for decades about the risks, but Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division did little to confront the problem, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, AP, and FRONTLINE (PBS) found. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/states-116/

Cruise Passengers From 3 States Monitored For Hantavirus Exposure +++

Cruise Passengers From 3 States Monitored For Hantavirus Exposure As of Wednesday, at least three states — Georgia, California, and Arizona — are monitoring residents who previously disembarked from the MV Hondius cruise ship. At this time, none of the former passengers are showing signs of illness. https://kffhealthnews.org/latest-morning-briefing/ New ALS Drug Shows Promise In Helping Some Patients Improve Tofersen targets a small subset of patients with a specific genetic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease. The New York Times reports that new study results— in which some patients improved and others did not get worse — are generating hope for the usually fatal disease. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/maybe-top-3-pharma1/ Mounjaro Topples Keytruda As The World's Best-Selling Medication Eli Lilly's diabetes drug Mounjaro brought in nearly $9 billion in the first quarter of 2026, surpassing the nearly $8 billion in sales for Merck's Keytruda, a cancer therapy. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/mounjaro-topples-keytruda-as-the-worlds-best-selling-medication/

That Discount at the Pharmacy Counter May Pack Hidden Costs By Rachel Spears May 7, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/health-care-costs/pharmacy-discount-coupons-hidden-costs/ Next time you go to the pharmacy, you might be offered a coupon on your prescription drugs. While it may sound like a great deal — with the prospect of saving hundreds of dollars — the decision to accept it is complicated, especially for people with insurance.

Trump Promised Cheaper Drugs. Some Prices Dropped. Many Others Shot Up. By Elisabeth Rosenthal and Arthur Allen May 7, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/health-care-costs/trumprx-reality-check-drugs-not-always-cheaper/ Since his second term started, President Donald Trump has announced, negotiated, or floated a flurry of initiatives aimed at taming the excesses of the pharmaceutical industry.

Regulatory Education for Industry (REdI) Annual Conference 2026: Innovative Regulatory Strategies to Advance Medical Products May 19 - 20, 2026

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/regulatory-education-industry-redi-annual-conference-2026-innovative-regulatory-strategies-advance?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery Regulatory Education for Industry (REdI) Annual Conference 2026: Innovative Regulatory Strategies to Advance Medical Products May 19 | 9:00 AM - 4:50 PM ET May 20 | 9:00 AM - 3:50 PM ET SAVE the DATE In-Person or Virtual Drugs | Devices | Biologics Tracks will offer an opportunity for 1:1 questions Learn directly from the FDA’s regulatory experts in medical product centers: drugs, devices, and biologics. This course is designed to provide participants with a strong, basic foundation in the FDA’s regulatory requirements, and also create awareness of current activities.

Louisiana v. FDA: Access to Mifepristone Back at the Supreme Court Authors: Laurie Sobel, Alina Salganicoff, and Rolonda Donelson Published: May 6, 2026

https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/louisiana-v-fda-access-to-mifepristone-back-at-the-supreme-court/?utm_campaign=KFF-Womens-Health-Policy&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8bB7qsapZehJxC-IfE11caNd4A_V-VefWI_2TG09IitlsZyW9NRiBgoe44FI07S2295x2Ll0WdqSsM5EwZr0MfV2BulQ&_hsmi=417470885&utm_content=417470885&utm_source=hs_email In response to emergency appeals filed by Danco and GenBioPro, on May 4, 2026, Justice Alito issued a one-week administrative stay of the 5th Circuit’s decision in the Louisiana v. FDA case. The FDA 2023 dispensing policy allowing mifepristone to be mailed remains in place pending a decision from the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is reviewing the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals order on May 1, 2026, which temporarily reinstated an in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone nationwide. Louisiana v. FDA and the Latest Challenge to Medication Abortion Access On Monday, in the most recent twist in the fight over abortion access, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito issued a one-week stay of a lower court decision that would have temporarily, but immediately, banned access to the abortion drug mifepristone by mail — affecting abortion access nationwide. A new KFF brief reviews the case that’s now before the Supreme Court, Louisiana v. FDA, and describes the many other cases challenging the FDA’s regulation of mifepristone. The brief also examines the regulatory landscape and mounting tensions between states over mail access to the abortion pill. The Supreme Court’s decision in the case will ultimately determine if Louisiana has legal standing to challenge FDA policy (the Supreme Court previously denied standing to anti-abortion doctors in a similar case, Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine). Both the district court and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals found that Louisiana has standing because it has shown injury resulting from the FDA’s 2023 rule change allowing mifepristone to be mailed. In addition to an overview of the case, the brief explores the implications for: State Shield Laws to protect telehealth providers prescribing and mailing mifepristone in their state from criminalization across state lines, and interstate conflict between states protecting and banning the provision of abortion. The FDA's scientific independence and agency authority in drug regulation. The Trump administration’s challenge in upholding the FDA’s independence while not directly defending the 2023 regulatory change issued under the Biden administration. The broader post-Dobbs regulatory framework, including recent state laws targeting mifepristone access and congressional efforts to restrict the medication. Contact: Mikhaila Richards | 202.654.1328 | MRichards@kff.org

There Are Many MAHAs Author: Drew Altman Published: May 7, 2026

https://www.kff.org/from-drew-altman/there-are-many-mahas/ Make America Health Again (MAHA) is led by influencers and commentators and Secretary Kennedy and through that vanguard, it has influence, but the MAHA movement is not a monolith, and it may not be a movement. MAHA is a collection of Americans with interests in different health issues, felt with varying degrees of intensity, and like all Americans, they care much more about health care costs than the issues typically associated with them or with Secretary Kennedy.

Regulation of AI in Prior Authorization and Claims Review: A Look at Federal and State Consumer Protections Authors: Kaye Pestaina, Rayna Wallace, Justin Lo, and Michelle Long Published: May 6, 2026

https://www.kff.org/patient-consumer-protections/regulation-of-ai-in-prior-authorization-and-claims-review-a-look-at-federal-and-state-consumer-protections/?utm_campaign=KFF-Private-Insurance&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9sDxEnpwI6Lwy4_jm_9zIx2IlkUU6dKJh1cir9_wW1bgIJ86aS0-ISB9apl7Ygsdoh1aG4mLTL4-UQzDLu65imIzWCSQ&_hsmi=417520503&utm_content=417520503&utm_source=hs_email KFF Examines AI’s Role in Claims Review and Prior Authorization Rapid technological developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to increased use in health care, including to submit and review insurance claims, prior authorization requests, and appeals. A new KFF brief brief explores how health plans, providers, and patients are using AI to process the paperwork that determines when services are covered and assesses the risks and benefits for consumers. It also examines the Trump administration’s proposed “National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence,” which recommends preempting state consumer protection laws—such as those that ban AI from being the sole decision-maker on adverse determinations—in order to create uniform national standards. It reviews the current landscape of federal and state consumer protections, including state laws addressing AI and claims review. Contact: Craig Palosky | 202.654.1369 | CraigP@kff.org

Join SAMHSA to Discuss the Report on Revised Regulations for Opioid Treatment Programs: Establishing a Baseline to Measure Progress Over Time Thursday, May 14, 1-2 p.m. ET

Join SAMHSA to Discuss the Report on Revised Regulations for Opioid Treatment Programs: Establishing a Baseline to Measure Progress Over Time Thursday, May 14, 1-2 p.m. ET SAMHSA's Center for Financing Reform and Innovation (CFRI) is releasing a report and hosting a webinar titled Revised Regulations for Opioid Treatment Programs: Establishing a Baseline to Measure Progress Over Time. https://westat.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_inbu_-TlSpyvI9G47z_m0w?utm_source=SAMHSA&utm_campaign=825e2ccfea-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_05_05_02_48&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-825e2ccfea-167840245#/registration In 2024, revisions were made to 42 CFR part 8, the federal regulations that guide opioid treatment programs (OTPs). The revisions promote increased access to evidence-based medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), greater retention in care by promoting practitioner's professional judgment in providing a patient-centered approach to care and reducing barriers to receiving services. Learn more about this report during SAMHSA’s webinar which examines the extent to which states/territories and OTPs have adopted the changes outlined in 42 CFR part 8 within the first year since the revised regulations were put into effect. Speakers include: Karran Phillips, M.D., MSc, Acting Director, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), SAMHSA – Opening Remarks Jennifer Caputo, Ph.D., Senior Research Associate, Westat – Welcome/Housekeeping Rikki Welch, M.A., Principal Research Associate, Westat – Report Overview Nichole Smith, MHSA, Chief, Regulatory Programs Branch, Division of Pharmacologic Therapies (DPT), CSAT, SAMHSA – Panel Moderator Patti Juliana, Ph.D., LCSW, Division Director, DPT, CSAT, SAMHSA – Panelist Adam Bucon, LSW, State Opioid Treatment Authority, New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services – Panelist (Invited) Chrissie Martin, LMFT, LAC-S, CS, National Clinical Director – Midwest Division, Behavioral Health Group™ – Panelist Dustin Mets, J.D., Chief Executive Officer, CompDrug – Panelist

End-Stage Renal Disease Payment Model Falls Short of Goals Nancy A. Melville May 07, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/end-stage-renal-disease-payment-model-falls-short-goals-2026a1000eqn The End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment Choices (ETC) model, a pay-for-performance program introduced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) to improve kidney outcomes, did not significantly increase rates of home dialysis or kidney transplantation over 4 years, according to a new study.

Rapid Sepsis Testing Can Save Lives and Curb Costs Heidi Splete May 07, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/rapid-sepsis-testing-can-save-lives-and-curb-costs-2026a1000eqi Fast identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (fast ID/AST) for sepsis has the potential to prevent approximately 84,400 sepsis cases and 36,200 sepsis-related deaths in the US each year, according to a new report published by the Office of Health Economics.

Why Scientists Put a Tiny Elephant Inside a Living Cell David Brzostowicki May 06, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/why-scientists-put-tiny-elephant-inside-living-cell-2026a1000egm How do you put an elephant in a refrigerator? You open the door and put it in. So, how do you put in a giraffe? You open the door, take out the elephant, and put the giraffe in. The point is the absurdity of fitting something large into such a small space.

‘A Return to Normalization’: Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2026 Jon McKenna April 10, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/p11/return-normalization-medscape-physician-compensation-report-2026a10009um Doctors in the US reported a better year for pay gains than a year earlier, and in a Medscape survey, they offered a positive vibe as well. Compared to the previous year, physicians more often said they felt fairly paid, and practitioners in eight specialties enjoyed more than $500,000 of total compensation on average. (Note: Respondents were full-time physicians who practice in the US only, and they reported total compensation including base salary, incentive bonus, and other income such as profit-sharing contributions.)

The Race for Relevance: Medscape Most Popular Specialties for Doctors Report 2026 Jennifer Nelson April 21, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/p11/race-relevance-medscape-most-popular-specialties-doctors-2026a1000a3c American physicians must navigate a high-stakes obstacle course between the subsidy cliff that has left millions of patients uninsured and new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services efficiency mandates, shifting the definition of a "desirable" specialty. Relevance isn't just about who has the best job, but which specialties can survive and thrive. We asked physicians whether their specialty was appealing or not to assess how specialties are faring amid these economic headwinds.

Medscape Physician Wealth & Debt Report 2026: Is the Rising Net Worth Tide Carrying Your Boat? Jon McKenna April 24, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/p11/medscape-physician-wealth-debt-report-2026-rising-net-worth-2026a10009up Despite their substantial paycheck, many doctors would tell you that building wealth and a secure retirement is not easy. Early in their practicing careers, investing for the future can take a back seat to paying down school debt. In a Medscape survey, physicians reported their net worth, discussed their approaches to retirement savings and investments, revealed how well their family does with money management, and expressed unease about inflation. Our report also shows physician wealth disparities by gender and race/ethnicity remain substantial, even when improvements were made.

Alternative Board Certification Gains Ground as Debate Grows Over MOC Time, Cost Burdens Steph Weber May 06, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/alternative-board-certification-gains-ground-debate-grows-2026a1000ehd For decades, physician board certification has typically involved certifying through one of the 24 specialty boards under the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Patient-Matched Guides for Orthopedic Implants Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff May 2026

https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/patient-matched-guides-orthopedic-implants?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery Patient-Matched Guides for Orthopedic Implants; Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff; Availability https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/07/2026-09023/patient-matched-guides-for-orthopedic-implants-guidance-for-industry-and-food-and-drug

Viewpoints: Is It Ethical For Young Kids To Take GLP-1s?; AI In Medicine Is A Tool, Not A Replacement

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-is-it-ethical-for-young-kids-to-take-glp-1s-ai-in-medicine-is-a-tool-not-a-replacement/

EpiPen Makers Agree To $4.5M Deal With Maryland Over Its Pricing, Marketing

EpiPen Makers Agree To $4.5M Deal With Maryland Over Its Pricing, Marketing The settlement comes after the makers were accused of using a monopoly to increase prices, requiring injectors to be purchased in a two-pack, and restricting generic versions of the EpiPen. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/states-115/

AI Deepfakes Are Using Doctors' Likenesses To Promote Dubious Products, Misinformation

AI Deepfakes Are Using Doctors' Likenesses To Promote Dubious Products, Misinformation Physicians are calling for stricter laws governing AI in the wake of a slew of deepfake videos circulating on social media. Doctors worry that it could contribute to the ongoing erosion of public trust in the medical establishment, and even to insurance fraud, Axios reports. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/health-industry-8/

While Courts Hash Out Mifepristone Case, Providers Eye Misoprostol For Abortion Care

While Courts Hash Out Mifepristone Case, Providers Eye Misoprostol For Abortion Care If the Supreme Court rules that mifepristone can't be prescribed via telehealth or dispensed by mail, providers say, misoprostol alone has been found to be a safe and effective method for ending pregnancies. Some countries already rely on misoprostol for abortion care. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/reproductive-2/

2 Cruise Ship Hantavirus Victims Had 'Andes' Strain That Spreads From Person To Person

2 Cruise Ship Hantavirus Victims Had 'Andes' Strain That Spreads From Person To Person Health officials in South Africa confirmed the findings. Meanwhile, a battle over where to dock the MV Hondius continued Wednesday morning. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/2-cruise-ship-hantavirus-victims-had-andes-strain-that-spreads-from-person-to-person/

FDA OKs First Fruit-Flavored Vapes For Adults 21 And Older

FDA OKs First Fruit-Flavored Vapes For Adults 21 And Older The move marks a shift after years of efforts by the FDA to regulate flavored vapes and just after The Wall Street Journal reported that President Donald Trump pushed for the approval, The Washington Post reports. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/top-3-more-trump-admin-stuff/

Feds Kept Favorable Studies On Covid, Shingles Vaccines Under Wraps, HHS Confirms

Feds Kept Favorable Studies On Covid, Shingles Vaccines Under Wraps, HHS Confirms Scientists combed millions of patient records and determined that serious side effects from the covid and shingles shots are rare. The Trump administration withdrew the publication of those studies. Although HHS said "the authors drew broad conclusions that were not supported by the underlying data," career scientists who reviewed the drafts say the studies were well done. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/top-3-vaccines/

A New Medicare Option for Weight Loss Drugs: What Older Americans Should Know By Jackie Fortiér May 6, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/medicare/cheaper-glp-1-weight-loss-medicare-bridge-wegovy-zepbound-foundayo/ Starting in July, Medicare beneficiaries may be able to get a GLP-1 prescription for weight loss for $50 a month. It’s a notable shift for Medicare, which has long been barred from covering weight loss treatments.

Trump’s Drug Strategy Aims To Bolster Addiction Services — Despite Gutting of Government Support By Aneri Pattani May 6, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/public-health/trump-national-drug-control-strategy-addiction-treatment-funding-cuts/ The White House’s strategy for tackling the drug and addiction crisis, released this week, sets lofty public health goals but highlights deep inconsistencies with the administration’s own funding cuts and other policies.

Recent Changes to Temporary Protected Status Designations: Potential Impacts on Health and Health Care Authors: Drishti Pillai, Nambi Ndugga, and Samantha Artiga Published: May 1, 2026

https://www.kff.org/immigrant-health/recent-changes-to-temporary-protected-status-designations-potential-impacts-on-health-and-health-care/ This brief provides an overview of the TPS program, recent changes to TPS designations announced by the Trump administration, and potential implications of loss of TPS for individuals on health and health care.

The U.S. Government and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Published: May 4, 2026

https://www.kff.org/global-health-policy/the-u-s-government-gavi-the-vaccine-alliance/ This fact sheet examines Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (also known as Gavi), an independent, public-private partnership and multilateral funding mechanism that aims to increase access to immunization in lower income countries, and explores the role the U.S. government plays in supporting the partnership.