A historical analysis of vaccine mandates in the United States military and its application to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9376337/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--9GNq-j4GA32rlDwhPTlptuTUn46z49LyvWxMpRBiXQm0PXhRm688JKwdsM21tmv05L6rBjYWs0-SMgCybcUhYbO5eYg&_hsmi=415011283&utm_content=415011283&utm_source=hs_email After more than half a century of mandatory vaccination, the U.S. military will no longer require all American troops to get the flu shot, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced yesterday. He said that service members will not be forced to get the shot “because your body, your faith, and your convictions are not negotiable.” The AP has more details. Some interesting background that STAT editor Zachary Tracer pulled up: The history of these military mandates goes all the way back to 1777, when George Washington demanded all soldiers be inoculated against smallpox — something they did by smearing pus from a sick person into a small cut on a healthy person’s skin. When it comes to the flu vaccine specifically, the U.S. military pushed for the development of a shot after the 1918 pandemic, which killed more than 26,000 soldiers. The military first mandated the flu vaccine in 1945, and it’s been consistently required since the early 1950s. https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/21/flu-vaccine-military-no-longer-required-hegseth/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--QkuFvwrt5TVX5bY_xPeAGhzZBi3BMH4sjjWgX2BWQ-clMW0JQh2_CWsdxMpDf2F-RpfjEZ4Vo1f4E-ACS5oxzHHFEBA&_hsmi=415011283&utm_content=415011283&utm_source=hs_email

Clinical Trial for an Investigational Bird Flu Vaccine

https://trials.modernatx.com/study/?id=mRNA-1018-P301&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9emYPizaX3qpBLMYTGbf_GFXdEAAbvdbMWtK8cjNzQymCUOkUe24uJ6DBkSb-Tp7xrtM2VrSeFhuwAqOMqqzn-4BU8Aw&_hsmi=415011283 Moderna continues bird flu vax study, but limits work in the U.S. In other vaccine news: Last year, when the U.S. government canceled hundreds of millions of dollars of contracts with Moderna, one of the casualties was an effort to test and license a bird flu vaccine, a tool the world will want should the virus ever evolve to set off a pandemic. https://cepi.net/cepi-fund-pivotal-phase-3-trial-modernas-mrna-pandemic-influenza-candidate?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--ysALS5qv_2VrkhyQpTsecu10f3093Rbf4WQSGggMVV8wNGBgX84TqZLjJguktLOAZPk7zDT7eA5Za_Wp8MFpVc53cqQ&_hsmi=415011283&utm_content=415011283&utm_source=hs_email But Moderna, with funding support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, is pushing forward with a Phase 3 trial of its H5 messenger RNA shot, announcing Tuesday night that the first participants in the U.S. and U.K. had received doses of its candidate vaccine, mRNA-1018. Notably, the bulk of the work — 3,000 of the 4,000 volunteers, and 26 of the 36 trial sites — is taking place in the U.K., while the rest happens in the U.S. At a media briefing, Hiwot Hiruy, a senior director of clinical development at Moderna, declined to say whether more of the trial would have been held in the U.S. if the country’s health department, led by vaccine critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., hadn’t cut its support for the program. https://www.statnews.com/2025/09/25/mrna-vaccines-united-kingdom-invests-as-united-states-cuts-back/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_sdBhFiO2MIqftM21nTvQF9uhAPVkFgL6YTLuV18MlnBWt9Uqj1ztcf7DASfgjIOpcf6lxMIUUZMzoVtgv0mpv0psngQ&_hsmi=415011283&utm_content=415011283&utm_source=hs_email The U.K., meanwhile, has been aiming to attract more investment from biopharma companies by speeding up the process of getting trials up and running. The country has also emphasized its particular enthusiasm for mRNA research, underscored by its decade-long partnership with Moderna. — Andrew Joseph https://www.statnews.com/2023/06/23/uk-moderna-partnership-science/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_e0dlaQx2x3_36h6xLgm3pXEbpwr1OtXpr2aKcivoBjOnhc_e9cHaHBP4COKKJAo01p_eet0BnPhksX18xGOYDVWPOGA&_hsmi=415011283&utm_content=415011283&utm_source=hs_email HHS cancels $766 million in Moderna contracts for vaccines for flu pandemics The decision will be seen as a significant blow to pandemic preparedness https://www.statnews.com/2025/05/28/moderna-flu-vaccine-development-cancelled-by-hhs-mrna-platform-offers-speedy-pandemic-response/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9uFW37B6DiMB1AFPnyKoO59e3QkgHSckBtuICzg9Vi_xvDCcBychNjZoOcOuJdaGa9N46vPjOJaMD63ljTX2PZQ8v12A&_hsmi=415011283&utm_content=415011283&utm_source=hs_email

Judge postpones OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma’s sentencing to let opioid victims attend in person After years of legal twists and turns, the settlement could take effect a week after the sentencing

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/21/purdue-pharma-oxycontin-justice-department-settlement-criminal-sentence/ By Associated PressApril 21, 2026

Insurers refuse to join Medicare pilot offering weight loss drugs to seniors at steep discount CMS will keep low copays for seniors in place through 2027 by funding the program a different way

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/21/trump-medicare-weight-loss-drug-plan-unraveling-insurer-pushback/ By John WilkersonApril 21, 2026 Washington Correspondent

At AACR, more strong results for Revolution Medicine’s KRAS drug, plus assurance from NCI’s director By Angus Chen, Damian Garde, and Matthew HerperApril 21, 2026

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/21/aacr-2026-pancreatic-cancer-oral-cancer-wildfires-nci-director/ By Angus Chen, Damian Garde, and Matthew HerperApril 21, 2026

Kyverna Therapeutics plans to submit cell therapy for stiff person syndrome for FDA approval If cleared, the medicine would be first personalized CAR-T therapy for an autoimmune disease

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/21/kyverna-therapeutics-stiff-person-syndrome/ By Adam FeuersteinApril 21, 2026 Adam Feuerstein, a senior writer and biotech columnist, is the author of Adam’s Biotech Scorecard, a subscriber-only newsletter about the crossroads of drug development, business, Wall Street, and biotechnology.

NASA’s plans for living in space should prioritize immunology and infectious disease Space travel can be tough on the immune system

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/22/artemis-space-travel-immunology-infectious-disease-bacteria/ By Scott E. SolomonApril 22, 2026 Solomon is teaching professor of biosciences at Rice University and the author of “Becoming Martian: How Living in Space Will Change Our Bodies and Minds.”

The CDC’s ‘disease detective’ program turns 75 The training ground for public health leaders is a bright spot in a time of tumult

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/22/eis-anniversary-cdc-disease-detectives-conference/ By Eric J. Chow, Ariella Perry Dale, and Matthew DonahueApril 22, 2026 Chow is an alumnus of the Epidemic Intelligence Service program (2018-2020) and serves as the president-elect for the Epidemic Intelligence Service Alumni Association. Dale is an alumna of the EIS (2020-2022) and serves as the president of the Epidemic Intelligence Service Alumni Association. Donahue is an alumnus of the EIS (2019-2021) and serves as the secretary-treasurer for the Epidemic Intelligence Service Alumni Association.

Key GOP senators push back on Trump’s plan to cut NIH, reorganize HHS GOP lawmakers tell RFK Jr. they support research funding

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/21/senate-budget-writers-skeptical-kennedy-hhs-budget-cuts/ By Chelsea CirruzzoApril 21, 2026 Washington Correspondent

With successful trials, Roche takes its MS drug to regulators, but safety questions loom Approval could offset lost revenue from older therapy as company looks for its next blockbusters

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/21/roche-multiple-scleroris-efficacy-safety/ By Andrew JosephApril 21, 2026 Europe Correspondent

Behind every miracle drug is a story Thomas Goetz, host of ‘Drug Story,’ on how his podcast explores the intersection of medication and modern life

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/22/drug-story-thomas-goetz-interview/ By Torie BoschApril 22, 2026 Editor, First Opinion

From Revolution Medicines, more strong data on KRAS drug and a glimpse of a ‘novel class’ beyond it Biotech tested daraxonrasib earlier in pancreatic cancer and has preclinical data on a RAS modulator

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/21/aacr-2026-pancreatic-cancer-revolution-medicines-future/ By Angus ChenApril 21, 2026 Cancer Reporter

Are MAHA snacks really better for you? Nutrition experts parse a grocery aisle gold rush Protein Pop-Tarts and avocado-oil chips promise better health outcomes. Do they deliver?

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/22/better-for-you-snacks-maha-influence-food-companies/ By Sarah ToddApril 22, 2026 Reporter, Commercial Determinants of Health

Montana Moves Ahead With Doula Pay but Warns Medicaid Cuts Still May Come By Katheryn Houghton April 22, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/medicaid/doula-care-pregnancy-medicaid-montana-budget-cuts/ Montana officials said they are moving forward with plans to allow Medicaid to pay doulas, reversing a previous statement that budget problems had prompted them to pause the effort to reimburse the birth workers.

California Lawmakers Seek Protections for Patients in ICE Custody By Claudia Boyd-Barrett April 22, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/health-industry/ice-custody-immigrant-patient-protection-california-legislation/ California lawmakers alarmed by the treatment of people brought to hospitals by federal immigration agents want to strengthen protections for detained patients receiving care at medical facilities, including by making it easier for their families and attorneys to find them.

They’re in Remission, but Their Medical Bills Aren’t: Cancer Survivors Navigate Soaring Costs By Renuka Rayasam April 22, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/health-care-costs/cancer-survival-costs-testing-treatment-premiums-deductibles-trump/ Nearly four years after doctors declared Marielle Santos McLeod free of colon cancer, she has yet to feel liberated from the burden of medical expenses.

A Time to Cast Away Meds… April 22, 2026 By Larry K. Houck —

https://www.thefdalawblog.com/2026/04/a-time-to-cast-away-meds-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-time-to-cast-away-meds-2 The Byrds was one of my favorite bands growing up. I find much of their music fresh and timely today due in no small part to Roger McGuinn’s trademark jingle-jangle on the Rickenbacker twelve-string guitar. The Byrds’ version of Pete Seeger’s “Turn! Turn! Turn!” reached Number One on the Billboard charts in December 1965. Seeger took the lyrics, ascribed to King Solomon in the 10th Century B.C., from the Book of Ecclesiastes, thereby giving the Byrds recording of the song the distinction of being the Number One Billboard hit with the oldest lyrics.

FDA’s Pep(tide) Rally! What Compounders and Industry Need to Know (Post 2 of 2) By Charles D. Snow & Karla L. Palmer —

FDA’s Pep(tide) Rally! What Compounders and Industry Need to Know (Post 2 of 2) By Charles D. Snow & Karla L. Palmer — https://www.thefdalawblog.com/2026/04/fdas-peptide-rally-what-compounders-and-industry-need-to-know-post-2-of-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fdas-peptide-rally-what-compounders-and-industry-need-to-know-post-2-of-2 As promised and teased in yesterday’s blog post, we discuss other practical implications of and compliance concerns surrounding the ongoing shift in peptide policy below. Supply Chain Complications There is also a supply chain issue that sits upstream of any FDA regulatory authorization of their use in compounding. Pursuant to Section 503A, these peptides must be manufactured at an FDA-registered drug establishment, and accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis. Similarly, because they are likely sterile injectable products, they should be pharmaceutical-grade. As the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding’s (APC) CEO Scott Brunner put it: Even if FDA acted tomorrow, pharmacies would still have to turn away those prescriptions because they couldn’t acquire the compliant API to prepare the drugs. Compounding industry representatives have argued that the Agency must provide clearer forward-looking regulatory signals to incentivize the investment in pharmaceutical-grade supply chains. Without that signal, manufacturers have little economic reason to build the infrastructure the market will need.

Public Webinar: FDA Review of Biologics License Applications for Blood and Source Plasma May 12, 2026

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-webinar-fda-review-biologics-license-applications-blood-and-source-plasma-05122026?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

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

Viewpoints: FDA’s Peptide Plan Fails On Consumer Safety; Health Care Is Hindered By Constant Second-Guessing

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-fdas-peptide-plan-fails-on-consumer-safety-health-care-is-hindered-by-constant-second-guessing/

High Court Rebuffs Gender Transition Case But OKs Case On Religious Rights

High Court Rebuffs Gender Transition Case But OKs Case On Religious Rights Justices declined to hear a case over whether a public school violates parents' rights when it encourages their child's social gender transition without their knowledge or consent, CBS News reported. In separate news, the Supreme Court said it will decide whether Catholic preschools in Colorado that decline to enroll 4-year-olds with gay or transgender parents can participate in a publicly funded state program, The New York Times reported. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/high-court-rebuffs-gender-transition-case-but-oks-case-on-religious-rights/

Supreme Court Rejects Lawsuit Over Covid-Era Nursing Home Policy In NY

Supreme Court Rejects Lawsuit Over Covid-Era Nursing Home Policy In NY Justices declined to hear the case of a Brooklyn man who said former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's policy of directing nursing homes to accept covid-positive patients contributed to his father's death. Lower courts held that Cuomo was protected by qualified immunity, the New York Post reported. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/supreme-court-rejects-lawsuit-over-covid-era-nursing-home-policy-in-ny/

Constitutionality Of Abortion Upheld In Pa.; Medicaid Fund Use Ban Is Lifted

Constitutionality Of Abortion Upheld In Pa.; Medicaid Fund Use Ban Is Lifted Although the ruling may be appealed to the state's Supreme Court, it marks a victory for Planned Parenthood, which sued Pennsylvania over its Medicaid funding restrictions in 2019. This is the first time the right to abortion has been protected by the Pennsylvania Constitution, AP reported. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/constitutionality-of-abortion-upheld-in-pa-medicaid-fund-use-ban-is-lifted/

Diets High In Fruits, Veggies May Raise Risk Of Lung Cancer In Younger People; Exposure To Pesticides Questioned

Diets High In Fruits, Veggies May Raise Risk Of Lung Cancer In Younger People; Exposure To Pesticides Questioned Researchers at the University of Southern California found that patients with early‑onset lung cancer reported eating significantly more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains than the general population, Newsweek reported. However, experts stressed that people should not interpret this as a reason to stop eating healthily. Instead, people are advised to wash produce and buy organic when possible. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/diets-high-in-fruits-veggies-may-raise-risk-of-lung-cancer-in-younger-people-exposure-to-pesticides-questioned/

Autism Risk Linked To Common Drugs Taken During Pregnancy, Study Finds

Autism Risk Linked To Common Drugs Taken During Pregnancy, Study Finds The authors stress that no pregnant patient should discontinue or alter medication without medical supervision, as many SBIMs (sterol biosynthesis–inhibiting medications) are essential, often lifesaving treatments. But safer alternatives for use during pregnancy should be developed, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln reports. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/autism-risk-linked-to-common-drugs-taken-during-pregnancy-study-finds/

To Better Prevent Cyberattacks, FBI Asks Hospitals To Step Up Info-Sharing

To Better Prevent Cyberattacks, FBI Asks Hospitals To Step Up Info-Sharing In an attempt to forge a more coordinated offense, FBI deputy director Andrew Bailey has asked hospital executives to share what they know, when they know it. More health industry news is about assault reports, a nursing home workers strike, donations to children's hospitals, and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/to-better-prevent-cyberattacks-fbi-asks-hospitals-to-step-up-info-sharing/

Listen: Cheap Health Insurance Isn’t Always Cheap By Jackie Fortiér April 21, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/listen-health-care-helpline-life-kit-high-deductible-plans-out-of-pocket-costs/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--ioheyQGokHVVppxhZmTFellQkIBhm4AVxY7J5FD151nV5lflnZnb2DWICuVxmrnHL12bcF0mytF6nPOo4d50LJwreLg&_hsmi=414866610&utm_content=414866610&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: Listen: Cheap Health Insurance Isn’t Always Cheap High-deductible plans can look like a deal, until the bills start rolling in. On this episode of the NPR podcast Life Kit, reporter Jackie Fortiér breaks down what to expect and how to prepare. (Fortiér, 4/21)

Democrats Demand Trump Administration Halt Plan To Collect Federal Workers’ Health Data By Amanda Seitz and Maia Rosenfeld April 21, 2026

KFF Health News: Democrats Demand Trump Administration Halt Plan To Collect Federal Workers’ Health Data Democratic lawmakers are demanding that the Trump administration halt plans to collect sensitive medical records for millions of federal workers and retirees, as well as their family members. The Office of Personnel Management has asked 65 insurance companies to provide monthly reports with detailed medical and pharmaceutical claims data of more than 8 million people enrolled in federal health plans, KFF Health News reported earlier this month. The request, which could dramatically expand the personally identifiable medical information OPM can access, alarmed health ethicists, insurance company executives, and privacy advocates. (Seitz and Rosenfeld, 4/21) https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/opm-federal-workers-health-records-hipaa-democratic-letters/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_ZSlyCIBn9F5PjRBWs5GGB4IRQ1Ho0vONCgAYLrQM5j3aZUQwanuCLAS-Fy91NdOLFvbheFuYgfrwcgscp8d9ghVfMCQ&_hsmi=414866610&utm_content=414866610&utm_source=hs_email

KFF Health News: Real Estate Investors Profit From Long-Term Care While Residents Languish By Jordan Rau April 21, 2026

KFF Health News: Real Estate Investors Profit From Long-Term Care While Residents Languish By the time she was hospitalized in 2020, Pearlene Darby, a retired teacher, had suffered open sores on both legs, both hips, and both heels, as well as a five-inch-long gash on her tailbone. She died two weeks later at age 81 from infections and bedsores, according to her death certificate. Her daughter sued the nursing home, alleging it had left Darby sitting in her own feces and urine time and again. The lawsuit, settled on confidential terms last year, blamed not only the managers of City Creek Post-Acute and Assisted Living but also the building’s owner, a real estate investment trust, or REIT. (Rau, 4/21) https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/real-estate-investment-trusts-senior-housing-nursing-homes-profit/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9GOLIlepZdV8QcRqLin4tgsTb_eO1Bs8Uny_9yEosqU9EKR2rPVhQp0WbBTil9LrykR9T0QJnqTMtzxEIjGqtflHE8jw&_hsmi=414866610&utm_content=414866610&utm_source=hs_email

Costs, Coverage, and Enrollment Changes: Current Public Opinion and Policy on the ACA Marketplaces

Consolidation and Integration in Health Care: What It Means for Patients, Payers, and Policy

Why KFF Is Launching a Podcast on the Business of Health

New Podcast: KFF’s Business of Health with Chip Kahn Launching today, KFF’s new weekly podcast — KFF’s Business of Health with Chip Kahn — will explain how the $5 trillion health care industry operates and where it’s headed for KFF’s health policy audiences. The first podcast season examines artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on clinical practice, hospital operations, clinical performance, patient experience, and how the health care industry is financed and structured. Kahn, who recently joined KFF as a Senior Visiting Fellow, will host conversations with guests who are at the forefront of using AI to help run systems, manage insurance, build technology, and allocate capital to deliver health care and improve patient outcomes. Tune in to explore how the business of health is evolving and what it means for all of us, starting with an interview with KFF’s Founding President and CEO, Drew Altman, who discusses why KFF launched the new podcast and the importance of its initial focus on AI in health care. 

AI chatbots give misleading health advice nearly half the time

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260421/AI-chatbots-give-misleading-health-advice-nearly-half-the-time.aspx A major audit of leading AI chatbots reveals widespread inaccuracies in responses to everyday health questions, highlighting urgent risks for public health and the need for stronger oversight.

FDA’s Pep(tide) Rally! What Compounders and Industry Need to Know (Post 1 of 2) By Charles D. Snow & Karla L. Palmer —

https://www.thefdalawblog.com/2026/04/fdas-peptide-rally-what-compounders-and-industry-need-to-know-post-1-of-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fdas-peptide-rally-what-compounders-and-industry-need-to-know-post-1-of-2 The peptide compounding landscape shifted last week, and if you are interested or involved in the peptide industry, compounding pharmacies, telehealth, or the broader market for injectable wellness products, you’ll want to understand what happened—and perhaps more importantly, what hasn’t happened yet.

AI Holds Promise in Dermatology, Issues Remain to be Addressed Damian McNamara, MA April 21, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ai-holds-promise-dermatology-issues-remain-be-addressed-2026a1000cik

Why Real Estate Is the One Investment Doctors Can’t Resist Beth Braverman April 21, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/why-real-estate-one-investment-doctors-cant-resist-2026a1000cia

Germany Risks Missing Out on New Drugs, AstraZeneca CEO Tells Paper April 21, 2026

https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/germany-risks-missing-out-new-drugs-astrazeneca-ceo-tells-2026a1000cjp

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

FDA Grand Rounds: FDA Grand Rounds presented by the Office of Women’s Health: FDA Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) Labeling: Historical Context and Recent Changes

FDA Grand Rounds presented by the Office of Women’s Health: FDA Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) Labeling: Historical Context and Recent Changes Thursday, April 23, 2026 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET Webcast CME Credit Offered https://www.fda.gov/science-research/about-science-research-fda/fda-grand-rounds?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery About the Presentation: Join FDA’s Office of Women’s Health (OWH) and the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) for an FDA Grand Rounds Webcast on Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT). This lecture will provide the historical and regulatory context of MHT which led to the creation of the Women's Health Initiative studies, as well as the results of those studies and the subsequent impact. The lecture will also describe the rationale for the FDA’s requests to update the MHT labeling and describe the labeling changes in each of the 4 MHT product categories.

PBMs warn Trump’s proposal to disclose drug prices is illegal PBMs want transparency rule on ice, but drug companies also want prices to stay hidden

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/20/pbm-reform-proposal-draws-lobbyist-opposition/ By Bob HermanApril 20, 2026 Bob Herman is the author of Health Care Inc., an award-winning weekly newsletter about the business of health and medicine.

A controversy over research monkeys highlights ambiguity over health standards PETA accuses Pfizer of jeopardizing animal welfare and scientific integrity

https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2026/04/20/animal-testing-peta-questions-pfizer-research-monkey-health/ By Ed SilvermanApril 20, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer

Even for trans adults, care is hard to find: ‘I could not do it on my own’ By Theresa GaffneyApril 20, 2026

Even for trans adults, care is hard to find: ‘I could not do it on my own’ How an LGBTQ+ center in Georgia is expanding trans medical care while it shrinks elsewhere https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/20/transgender-adults-caught-in-youth-gender-affirming-care-policies/

Viewpoint — AI doomsday projections: Will social media save us or make the panic worse? Nitasha Tiku | Washington Post | April 20, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/04/20/viewpoint-ai-doomsday-projections-will-social-media-save-us-or-make-the-panic-worse/

Does free will exist? Why you may have no choice but to read this article Sarah Scoles | MIT Review | April 20, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/04/20/does-free-will-exist-why-you-may-have-no-choice-but-to-read-this-article/

Despite disease surges, poll shows Kennedy-driven disinformation has left most Americans skeptical of vaccines Lauren Gardner | Politico | April 20, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/04/20/despite-disease-surges-poll-shows-kennedy-driven-disinformation-has-left-most-americans-skeptical-of-vaccines/

Viewpoint: ‘Make America Healthy Again” appeals to fake nostalgia about non-existent golden age Joe Schwarcz | April 20, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/04/20/viewpoint-make-america-healthy-again-appeals-to-fake-nostalgia-about-non-existent-golden-age/

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

Eight Trends Shaping 2026 Healthcare Costs March 17, 2026

https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/

Viewpoints: 340B Is Driving Up Hospital Prices; Measles Dramatically Alters Lives Of Immunocompromised

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-340b-is-driving-up-hospital-prices-measles-dramatically-alters-lives-of-immunocompromised/

Dangerous Fentanyl Substitute Carfentanil Sees Alarming Surge

Dangerous Fentanyl Substitute Carfentanil Sees Alarming Surge Officials warn carfentanil, which is a weapons-grade chemical that is 100 times stronger than fentanyl, is spreading across the United States and causing fatal overdoses. A poppy seed-sized amount can be lethal. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/dangerous-fentanyl-substitute-carfentanil-sees-alarming-surge/

La. Father Who Killed 8 Kids Struggled With Mental Health, Family Says

La. Father Who Killed 8 Kids Struggled With Mental Health, Family Says Authorities say Shamar Elkins, 31, fatally shot eight children — seven of them his own — who ranged in age from 1 to 14, The New York Times reported. He also shot two others, including his wife, before leading police in a car chase that ended in gunfire. It's unclear whether Elkins took his own life or was shot by police. He had recently expressed suicidal thoughts, family members said. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/la-father-who-killed-8-kids-struggled-with-mental-health-family-says/

Using Organ Donor Immune Cells Can Help Avoid Organ Rejection: Study

Using Organ Donor Immune Cells Can Help Avoid Organ Rejection: Study Although the study was effective in only three of the eight participants, experts hope this partial success will lead to breakthroughs that allow transplant patients to no longer need anti-rejection drugs, which suppress the body’s immune response and can lead to serious health consequences. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/using-organ-donor-immune-cells-can-help-avoid-organ-rejection-study/

Employers Shopping Around For Health Care Coverage Amid Rising Costs

Employers Shopping Around For Health Care Coverage Amid Rising Costs The percentage of members of the Purchaser Business Group on Health who are shopping between insurance providers has risen 25 points since 2024, Healthcare Dive reported. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/employers-shopping-around-for-health-care-coverage-amid-rising-costs/

Trump Gives Go-Ahead To Fast-Track Psychedelics For Mental Health Illness

Trump Gives Go-Ahead To Fast-Track Psychedelics For Mental Health Illness President Trump's executive order directs federal agencies to ease restrictions that have prevented scientists from studying the use psychedelic drugs to treat myriad mental health challenges. It also opens up some of the investigational drugs for use in patients, The New York Times reported. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/trump-gives-go-ahead-to-fast-track-psychedelics-for-mental-health-illness/

RFK Jr. Defends Health Care Agenda: ‘I’m Not Anti-Vax. I’m Pro Science.’

RFK Jr. Defends Health Care Agenda: ‘I’m Not Anti-Vax. I’m Pro Science.’ On Friday, lawmakers on Capitol Hill grilled HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about his stance on the measles vaccine, his thoughts about whether Donald Trump is fit to be president, and his take on autism and gender-affirming care. Plus, CDC workers are "guarded but hopeful" that Erica Schwartz could be the agency's next leader. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/rfk-jr-defends-health-care-agenda-im-not-anti-vax-im-pro-science/

The Accidental Architect of America’s Drug Patent Problem Season 15, Episode 5 April 20, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/podcast/an-arm-and-a-leg-alfred-engelberg-accidental-architect-drug-patent-thicket/ KFF Health News: KFF Health News’ ‘An Arm and a Leg’: The Accidental Architect Of America’s Drug Patent Problem Depending on whom you ask, Alfred Engelberg could be a hero or a villain in the story of American pharmaceuticals. The patent lawyer helped write legislation that led to a dramatic increase in the number of generic drugs on the market. He also contributed to a patent system that gives pharmaceutical companies monopolies on their most lucrative drugs, blocking generic competition and keeping prices high along the way. (Weissmann, 4/20)

In Connecticut, Doctors Now Sue Patients Most Over Medical Bills, Surpassing Hospitals By Noam N. Levey and Katy Golvala and Jenna Carlesso, CT Mirror April 20, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/medical-debt-connecticut-doctors-sue-patients/ KFF Health News: In Connecticut, Doctors Now Sue Patients Most Over Medical Bills, Surpassing Hospitals Many hospital systems in Connecticut have stopped suing their patients over unpaid bills, stung by criticism about the harm caused by aggressive collection tactics. But physicians, dentists, ambulance companies, and other health care providers are still taking their patients to court, a Connecticut Mirror-KFF Health News investigation of state legal records shows. Lawsuits by doctors and other nonhospital providers now dominate health care collections in Connecticut, the records show, accounting for more than 80% of cases filed against patients and their families in 2024. (Levey, Golvala and Carlesso, 4/20)

How employers support lower-waged workers’ access to health insurance options By Gary Claxton, Lynne Cotter, Cynthia Cox Twitter, Matthew McGough, Nirmita Panchal, Emma Wager Twitter, and Matthew Rae Twitter KFF April 20, 2026

https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/chart-collection/how-employers-support-lower-waged-workers-access-to-health-insurance-options/?utm_campaign=KFF-Health-Costs&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_RAVuJCaFDjcLB9D93-miYZH-xWxD_0wT9E0lIMhOluK9BUcJsmgSlIsp8EGHQVJ6imW1BldsICi9cyzFYuM0mybmkWQ&_hsmi=414669537&utm_content=414669537&utm_source=hs_email Lower-Paid Workers Are More Likely to Go Without Health Insurance Due to Access and Costs Health insurance makes up 8% of total employee compensation on average, and while most employees take up health insurance when it is offered, lower-wage workers are far less likely to be able to access coverage, according to a new KFF analysis of survey data and focus groups with more than 100 U.S. employers with over a quarter of a million employees. About three in four employees are offered health insurance on average, and nearly two-thirds of those offered insurance enroll in the benefit. Workers in occupations with lower wages, such as service occupations, are much less likely to have access to health benefits at their jobs (94% of workers in higher-wage jobs vs. 44% in lower-wage jobs) and, even when they do, they are much less likely to enroll (72% vs. 49%). Employers say the high price of premiums is a barrier to enrollment, particularly for hourly, lower-wage workers, and only a small proportion offer premium or cost-sharing support for workers with lower wages. Large employers are the most likely to offer additional support with premiums and cost-sharing for lower-wage workers. Contact: Tammie Smith | 202-654-1410 | tammies@kff.org

ACI’s 2nd Annual Summit on GLP-1 Law & Policy April 20, 2026

https://www.thefdalawblog.com/2026/04/acis-2nd-annual-summit-on-glp-1-law-policy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=acis-2nd-annual-summit-on-glp-1-law-policy The GLP-1 market is set to hit over $30 billion by 2030. Intellectual property litigation and FDA crackdowns have led to a boom in M&A and partnership activity. Long-term patient effects have yet to be fully realized. The future of GLP-1s is bright, but ownership, liability, and regulatory priorities still hang in the balance. That’s the backdrop for the American Conference Institute’s (“ACI”) 2nd Annual Summit on GLP-1 Law & Policy, which returns on June 4, 2026, at 3 Times Square, New York, NY.

The podcast bringing together MAHA and public health for hard conversations ‘Why Should I Trust You?’ takes a new approach to controversial health topics

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/18/maha-public-health-why-should-i-trust-you-podcast/ By Torie BoschApril 18, 2026 Editor, First Opinion

How Trump is pushing psychedelics reform through the health agencies Saturday’s executive order comes, in part, because of a text message from influential podcaster Joe Rogan

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/18/psychedelics-ptsd-mental-health-research-boost-from-trump-executive-order/ By Daniel PayneApril 18, 2026 Washington Correspondent

A pancreatic cancer expert on why Revolution Medicines’ study could ‘open up a new era’ of treatment An investigator in a trial of daraxonrasib believes it could open the floodgates for better therapies

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/17/revolution-medicines-daraxonrasib-clinical-trial-readout-loud-podcast-transcript/ By Adam Feuerstein, Allison DeAngelis, and Elaine ChenApril 17, 2026

The race to catch KRAS, pancreatic cancer’s ‘greasy ball,’ and create the most promising drug in decades Long pursuit of common mutation appears to be paying off for patients and for Revolution Medicines

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/19/daraxonrasib-pancreatic-cancer-kras-revolution-medicines-patient-story/ By Angus ChenApril 19, 2026 Angus Chen angus.chen@statnews.com

Abortion: the possibilities of progress The Lancet ++...

Abortion: the possibilities of progress The Lancet https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(26)00753-1/fulltext?dgcid=raven_jbs_etoc_email Apr 18, 2026 Volume 407Number 10538p1483-1572 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/issue/vol407no10538/PIIS0140-6736(26)X2013-X

Exposure to the New Medicare Advantage Risk Adjustment Model Varies Across Insurers

https://academic.oup.com/healthaffairsscholar/advance-article/doi/10.1093/haschl/qxag092/8655583?rss=1&login=false

Impact on Hospitals of Price Reductions for Physician-Administered Biologics Open Access James C Robinson , Mark Thomson , Ari D Kosorukov , Christopher M Whaley

https://academic.oup.com/healthaffairsscholar/advance-article/doi/10.1093/haschl/qxag090/8655188?rss=1&login=false

Invisible Staffing Churn in Nursing Homes: CMS Turnover Metrics Miss a Growing Short-term Workforce

https://academic.oup.com/healthaffairsscholar/advance-article/doi/10.1093/haschl/qxag094/8658564?rss=1&login=false

Podcast: The FY 2027 HHS Budget Proposal: Changes, Cuts, and Investments Jeff Byers Jessica Bylander April 17, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hp20260416.822553/full/?utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9eNPq35-kNHGg1acC9sekl4y02SD35LPV-rt7_1vJqSioZpUWBFXyXsld1SV6CR9oEtbbSEephzKkWcTcDbifH5WU-7w&_hsmi=414329065&utm_content=hatw&utm_source=hasu

Podcast: What Most Favored Nation Drug Pricing Would Mean for the US James C. Robinson Rob Lott April 14, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hp20260413.536050/full/?utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--iUHmvCVD1Lwhni61smbWgKwcHOzNGSUAc3LP2-F2Nv4VxSexm9nm1AXRAkeB4gUMD9eOwXad-2UJWp0lKMohUtOSsXg&_hsmi=414329065&utm_content=ahp&utm_source=hasu

AI Prescribing Medications In Utah: A Flawed Regulatory Playbook Eric Bressman April 17, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/ai-prescribing-medications-utah-flawed-regulatory-playbook An experiment is taking place in Utah right now that may preview the future of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven medical care. Through its regulatory sandbox, the state has partnered with a company called Doctronic—which markets itself as an AI doctor—to allow its software to autonomously prescribe medication refills; similar pilots are set to follow. We should be wary.

A Functional Vaccine Against HIV: Lenacapavir Demands A New Prevention Infrastructure Steven N. Leonard April 16, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/functional-vaccine-against-hiv-lenacapavir-demands-new-prevention-infrastructure When the results of the PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2 trials were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2024, I felt something I had not expected to feel about HIV in my lifetime: genuine awe—not at progress but at the possibility of an end. PURPOSE 1 reported zero infections. Not fewer infections. Zero, among more than 2,100 women receiving twice-yearly subcutaneous injections of lenacapavir. PURPOSE 2 confirmed it across a broader, more diverse global population: a 96 percent reduction in HIV incidence, with superiority over daily oral PrEP. Taken together, 100 percent efficacy in one trial and 96 percent in another.

Safeguarding Health For People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: Absent Federal Leadership, Others Must Step Up Hoangmai H. Pham Alison Barkoff Teal Benevides Reid Caplan Margaret Nygren Greg Robinson April 13, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/safeguarding-health-people-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities-absent-federal Recent federal actions have eliminated or weakened multiple programs and federal initiatives intended to improve the health and well-being of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We maintain hope that federal leaders will change course. In the meantime, we must consider new agents of authority and credibility when it comes to: maintaining trustworthy health information, funding direct services and research, and coordinating long-term health priorities across sectors.

Facility Fee Reform: States Can Protect Household Budgets Without Upending Hospital Budgets Christine H. Monahan Amy Killelea Caroline Picher April 15, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/facility-fee-reform-states-can-protect-household-budgets-without-upending-hospital Affordability is at the forefront of health care policy in 2026. One pain point for consumers and focus area for policy makers is the relatively higher prices for services provided in hospital outpatient settings compared to those same services when provided in physician office settings. This pricing difference is, in part, driven by use of facility fees that hospitals charge in addition to professional service fees.

A Vision For MIPS’s Next 10 Years: Short-Term Changes, Long-Term Strategy Development Michelle Schreiber Dora Lynn Hughes April 14, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/vision-mips-s-next-10-years-short-term-changes-long-term-strategy-development In 2015, Congress passed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) with wide bipartisan support. The law created the new clinician Quality Payment Program (QPP) at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). At the time, Medicare fee-for-service was the predominant form of payment, with few providers engaged in value-based care. The QPP was a paradigm shift: It ended the Sustainable Growth Rate payment formula, which had rewarded clinicians for the volume of services provided, and moved instead toward rewarding the quality and efficiency of care.

As States Implement Medicaid Community Engagement Requirements, Due Process Safeguards Loom Large Sara Rosenbaum Alison Barkoff Allyson Crays April 15, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/states-implement-medicaid-community-engagement-requirements-due-process-safeguards-loom For over a half century, the US Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Goldberg v. Kelly has guided the administration of public benefit programs aimed at helping people meet “brutal needs,” including medical assistance. Goldberg’s enduring holding is that means-tested public assistance programs can confer statutory legal entitlements to benefits. Therefore, before a state can deny, reduce, or terminate assistance, it must comply with the procedural safeguards required by the US Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment due process protections.

The AI Wild West Is Over: Why 2026 Is the Year Health Systems Must Take Control Premier | April 12, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/sponsored-content/the-ai-wild-west-is-over-why-2026-is-the-year-health-systems-must-take-control?utm_campaign=34032557-Health%20Affairs%20Sunday%20Update%202026&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8miW1h1mNA3Y5RpSY6G1F5OcJfJ3wR1pq4DR-a4ijOaAurfk5Yqx9LH_-HsBiODZbtxydP6455ElR3kdMvWgEzKzR1Yg&_hsmi=414329065&utm_content=414329065&utm_source=hs_email Artificial intelligence has moved rapidly from experimentation to everyday use in healthcare. By the end of 2025, more than two‑thirds of U.S. hospitals were using some form of AI in daily operations. What once felt like a future ambition is now embedded in scheduling, documentation, analytics, and even clinical decision support. Yet this speed has created new risks. Fragmented data, isolated pilots, weak governance, and intense competition for AI talent have produced an environment where innovation often moves faster than strategy.

Understanding ICHRA With Jason Levitis Jason Levitis Kathleen Haddad May 13, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/he20260326.24181/full/?utm_campaign=insidermarketing&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9YhvzA0dMTCdFpjRiD_2OtHOb__M9Ow5G2PGbgNa7DCPCNsaONqQHgULPOgv-3ZkmbYhhEz4uPD2N6_gTEKDBG968dRQ&_hsmi=414329065&utm_content=eventspecific&utm_source=hasu Understanding ICHRA With Jason Levitis Join Health Affairs Publishing on May 13 for an exclusive Insider virtual event exploring individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements (ICHRAs) with Urban Institute’s Jason Levitis.

Theme Issue Briefing: Climate, Health, and Equity Cecilia Sorensen Stefan Wheat Sacoby M. Wilson Arturo Bustamante Margaret Winchester Jeff Romine Carlos Gould Kartikeya Bhatotia Chris Boyer Lisa Clemens-Cope Elizabeth Moore Cori Cohen Grant Bradley Kramer Cynthia Strathman Maud Powell Sara Locke Dhara Patel Erin Marcus May 6, 2026

https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/he20260414.92163/full/?utm_campaign=event&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--TPzc9XwuwEMWYDUk3KNmMrbMgxqJUGFac06O02eEqYuuD0vdBWn6WKJ2tJLUHvS-HBqEb7Yx67AK2k6zupo_dfoiaKw&_hsmi=414329065&utm_content=briefing&utm_source=hasu Theme Issue Briefing: Climate, Health, and Equity Join Health Affairs Publishing on May 6th for a free virtual event discussing research, insights, data, and takeaways from the May 2026 theme issue on climate, health, and equity. Authors and experts will discuss policy and practice approaches to strengthen climate response strategies across health care and community settings. The briefing will consist of three panels: Addressing Climate Through Policy and Intervention Community-Based Solutions to Climate Crises Health System Approaches to Climate Adaptation

Cutting-edge systemic cancer therapies ++... ++ +...

The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for self-harm in males compared to females: a systematic review and meta-analysis Oliver Matias Oliver.Matias@citystgeorges.ac.uk ∙ Alexandra E. Bakou ∙ Kirsten Barnicot ∙ Rose McCabe https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(26)00018-9/fulltext?dgcid=hubspot_update_feature_updatealerts_lanepe&utm_campaign=update-lanepe&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_6QghD46vbVyE0L1AwSpldCO9iYyG-U0C7iKQk0oYrtVqrUuzCAC1_93ylRZN_kH_fimm7B5n0xzl2HiMz8tgC4ifdRw&_hsmi=413587672&utm_content=413506161&utm_source=hs_email Cutting-edge systemic cancer therapies Executive summary Systemic cancer therapies are undergoing rapid transformation, redefining precision and durability in oncologic treatment. This Series examines advances across antibody–drug conjugates, cell therapies, multispecific antibodies, and immunologically driven strategies such as oncolytic viruses and cancer vaccines. It highlights how innovations in molecular design, conjugation technologies, and antibody engineering are expanding therapeutic potential while introducing challenges related to toxicity, cost, and access. The Series also explores the growing role of engineered cell therapies in haematological malignancies and solid tumours, emphasising Europe’s scientific leadership alongside regulatory and manufacturing barriers. Advances in immune engagement underscore a shift toward more precise and durable antitumour responses, while reinforcing the need for biomarker-guided patient selection and system-level solutions to translate innovation into equitable clinical benefit. https://www.thelancet.com/series-do/cancer-therapies?dgcid=hubspot_update_feature_lanepecancertherapies26&utm_campaign=update-lanepe&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9Iv30TOsv86ubzEPvvi7y09sDdaNoJxYby5gKpAJq_uAuz1hIvQpGLf2MgjAH0enHrK161StJw5_-if2okpprLT1f70g&_hsmi=413587672&utm_content=413506161&utm_source=hs_email European medicines agency approvals of new medicines in January and February 2026 Bruno Sepodesa,b ∙ Juan Garcia Burgosc ∙ Steffen Thirstrup https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(26)00069-4/fulltext?dgcid=hubspot_update_feature_updatealerts_lanepe&utm_campaign=update-lanepe&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9THJdPjb1atX04h2d9CGSxtNbidbKL6AHPyZO5Y7ErBrwLtOtjg9HCH8GafIDDrff_OPsoB5FAJ1yYWiF6U4RKGcIKkg&_hsmi=413587672&utm_content=413506161&utm_source=hs_email Humanity first, not country first The Lancet Regional Health – Europe https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(26)00076-1/fulltext?dgcid=hubspot_update_feature_updatealerts_lanepe&utm_campaign=update-lanepe&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--v2vIxd72bJVaEkaNOXJ2X-9-cCUsdGPGZ3hn_zSKQL11EW4Lj7f0AxQnBKQ9qjNNIutT1d9ZcxapW9d9H0Zl_YrbV7A&_hsmi=413587672&utm_content=413506161&utm_source=hs_email Apr 2026 Volume 63 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/issue/vol63nonull/PIIS2666-7762(25)X0014-4

Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance 101KFF Authors: Gary Claxton Gary Claxton Matthew Rae Matthew Rae Aubrey Winger Aubrey Winger

https://www.kff.org/health-costs/health-policy-101-employer-sponsored-health-insurance/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--fcZ-sZMOjbOVgorHC0wr053_prBDJ82FJ-vNFaLBhQ7vq1yi0Y9mu-FSjdn7e-w0fmum2sMJsxc-FiTPGdb9ZnEayfQ&_hsmi=414344360&utm_content=414344360&utm_source=hs_email&entry=table-of-contents-introduction Employer-sponsored health insurance (ESI) is the largest source of health coverage for U.S. residents under age 65. Unlike many other nations, the U.S. relies on voluntary, private health insurance as the primary source of coverage for residents who are not elderly, poor or disabled. Providing health insurance through workplaces is an efficient way of offering coverage options to working families, and the tax benefits of employer-based coverage further enhance its attractiveness. Yet ESI often results in uneven coverage, especially for those with low wages or those working at smaller firms. Overall, 60% of people under age 65, or about 165.6 million people, had employment-sponsored health insurance in 2025. The level of coverage varies significantly with income and other factors, even among working families.

Implementing Medicaid Work Requirements: Lessons from Unwinding Authors: Amaya Diana and Robin Rudowitz Published: Apr 14, 2026

https://www.kff.org/medicaid/implementing-medicaid-work-requirements-lessons-from-unwinding/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--zmBYlHcUR1mZqqftRnWDx7gXVHNElYjm1AJXF0NT1SKQRKISYYDiFjbvl-nWES-iCprNEifLG6gIemgfhtkZSgLrazQ&_hsmi=414344360&utm_content=414344360&utm_source=hs_email Implementing Medicaid Work Requirements: Lessons from Unwinding States' experiences with Medicaid unwinding illustrated the complexity of Medicaid eligibility processes and that outcomes reflect federal and state policy decisions, implementation, and systems.

New Federal Medicaid Rules Require One Month of Work. Some States Demand More. By Samantha Liss April 16, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/federal-medicaid-work-rules-one-three-months-indiana-missouri/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8MdkUkB9LYWC7GmDC12V_uxFJghOvhnQWwwdxUieLpZMwsFS1uZOUyLgGYSDfdOzLKf5zLCwZOyyMgf2ISFp2oeuYk2g&_hsmi=414344360&utm_content=414344360&utm_source=hs_email New Federal Medicaid Rules Require One Month of Work. Some States Demand More. Starting next year, about 18.5 million adults will be subject to new Medicaid work rules in 42 states and Washington, D.C. Applicants must show they’ve been working for at least a month before receiving benefits. Some Republican-controlled states want to triple the required work period.

New Podcast Coming Soon: The Business of Health with Chip Kahn

https://www.kff.org/series/business-of-health/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9_QADrfyKzyNT_8-GrfTTSJUHsqbSQLP0RFWTAlDjjg9FISxtulxITwDb79CVnwjfvzXIUfJm4Ia9983lXS0GfTAzJ2g&_hsmi=414344360&utm_content=414344360&utm_source=hs_email New Podcast Launching Next Week: KFF's The Business of Health with Chip Kahn On Tuesday, April 21, KFF will launch a new weekly podcast focused on the business of health care, featuring host Chip Kahn, Senior Visiting Fellow. In the inaugural episode, Dr. Drew Altman, KFF's President and CEO, joins Kahn in conversation, explaining how KFF is continually evolving to research, analyze, and lead on health policy, and discussing the importance of the podcast's forthcoming series on how AI is changing health care.

Americans’ Challenges with Health Care Costs Authors: Grace Sparks, Lunna Lopes, Alex Montero, Marley Presiado, and Liz Hamel Published: Apr 16, 2026

https://www.kff.org/health-costs/americans-challenges-with-health-care-costs/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9jJ8RqgGYJh-IkM32TCeblyXPVpirrMlSDwaFtj9eAsKC7H3Ntef0GVawb9pD_8eITaakVInPG1CopP1S5x_ndIET9Dg&_hsmi=414344360&utm_content=414344360&utm_source=hs_email For many years, KFF polling has found that the high cost of health care is a burden on U.S. families, and that health care costs factor into decisions about insurance coverage and care. These costs also rank as the top financial worry for adults and their families. This data note, updated with the most recent KFF polling, documents the public’s experiences with health care costs.

Abortion Pills, the Budget, and RFK Jr.

A New CDC Nominee, Again

RFK Jr. Made Lots of Promises. He’s Broken Many of Them.

As AI Makes More Health Coverage Decisions, the Risks to Patients Grow

Rural Health Payout Tracking the $50B Rural Health Fund

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/tag/rural-health-payout/?utm_campaign=KHN%20-%20Weekly%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_cuIWiEeTwlrULnMeH8fXCuXnPgbMhegmPQrKgjxa8Jxv6O5TGLyl9j4R1Y1gm3O5buFQOZUtWR6jPrEzubVt586yexg&_hsmi=414350106&utm_content=414350106&utm_source=hs_email

Health Care Helpline

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/tag/health-care-helpline/?utm_campaign=KHN%20-%20Weekly%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8WG3CAoFO_bcJhjm1H2T6tSOuu3_0bUzUkeJc3By6ziwTgn1_AjmMYU7OlIgZVHtvD0oaPXJddV2vhN_2v1WN7JaeK2g&_hsmi=414350106&utm_content=414350106&utm_source=hs_email

How To Make a High-Deductible Health Plan Work for You By Jackie Fortiér Ilustrations by Oona Zenda April 13, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/health-care-helpline-npr-hsa-savings-account-high-deductible-plan-tips/?utm_campaign=KHN%20-%20Weekly%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--ufg7Zn_iEZCMZslO_fHzeF04QXj9O3LTwlP7C7EdaMTfSfk7TVOK3cb9coo2j0924M5Fl8bj50U6OzqXAUEc9yNSBfw&_hsmi=414350106&utm_content=414350106&utm_source=hs_email How To Make a High-Deductible Health Plan Work for You By Jackie Fortiér; illustrations by Oona Zenda Lower premiums often mean higher costs when you get sick and need care. Among the ways to plan ahead and soften the financial hit: health savings accounts, which act like a medical piggy bank.

‘They Tricked Me’: A Father Was Chained After He Went to ICE To Reunite With His Kids By Claudia Boyd-Barrett and Renuka Rayasam and Amanda Seitz March 24, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/trump-deportation-immigration-unaccompanied-children-bait-parent-arrests-hhs/?utm_campaign=KHN%20-%20Weekly%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_WB9JFZoC6To5nj96FQg1ZqjBCGyL9A1T9rzxjxWDEGugV48fDIyk1gv6OByePnQi-IgQpt8unX_9UfFuqNAO_qJ-iVA&_hsmi=414350106&utm_content=414350106&utm_source=hs_email I’m Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez, a KFF Health News correspondent in Elko, Nevada, covering rural and Native American health. Share your health stories with me at jorozco@kff.org. By Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez As family separations caused by immigration enforcement ramped up last year under President Donald Trump, I wondered what happens to the children whose parents are detained or deported. I found that some have been placed in foster care if they don’t have other family or friends to assume responsibility for them — but it’s not known how many. The federal government doesn’t track what happens to children after their parents are detained or deported, and state data varies. Independent news reports are scarce and likely undercount the issue. But there’s evidence that in many states some of the children are being placed in foster care. In Oregon, for example, there have been at least two cases in which children who were separated from their parents were placed into foster care by the state. Jake Sunderland, press secretary for the state Department of Human Services, said that before last fall, this “simply had never happened before.” Separation from a parent can be deeply traumatic for children and lead to a broad range of health and psychological issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Some states have responded by updating their temporary guardianship laws to help immigrant parents better prepare care for their children in the event of their detention or deportation. Lawmakers in New Jersey are considering a bill to allow parents to nominate standby, or temporary, guardians in the event of death, incapacity, or debilitation. The proposal adds separation caused by federal immigration enforcement as another allowable reason. Nevada and California passed similar laws last year. Yet some parents are hesitant to participate, said Cristian Gonzalez-Perez, an attorney at Make the Road Nevada, a nonprofit that provides resources to immigrant communities. The hesitancy is out of fear that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents could access their personal information and use it to target them for detention or deportation. My colleagues Claudia Boyd-Barrett, Renuka Rayasam, and Amanda Seitz reported on a case in which ICE used data from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement to detain parents under the impression they were reuniting with their children, highlighting the precarious situation for immigrant parents. Additionally, ICE detention makes it difficult to reunite parents with their children if they’ve been placed in foster care because reunification often requires court-ordered programs, said Juan Guzman, director of children’s court and guardianship at the Alliance for Children’s Rights, a legal advocacy organization in Los Angeles. Nominating a guardian is one way to ease immigrants’ feelings of helplessness when facing the threat of detention or deportation, Gonzalez-Perez said. https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1930562?utm_campaign=KHN%20-%20Weekly%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_NPPyzlQ4VieyI2BeSyrRgznZqzpsHdloQDSX7cTpcZw7P-TjG8FbX6A19cNhNH7ycHUXenHnjORfsBZAPX1XDDCmbAQ&_hsmi=414350106&utm_content=414350106&utm_source=hs_email

The Science is Clear: Separating Families has Long-term Damaging Psychological and Health Consequences for Children, Families, and Communities

https://www.srcd.org/briefs-fact-sheets/the-science-is-clear?utm_campaign=KHN%20-%20Weekly%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_Y3d4F_gvgF7PIOXLQaXPeuHtxYPM056Tx8cEdpHEaj0cN_QB_o7sCsQtfyDVJO7Oz0nLHbmZT8LkUmdOki-30rV5v0Q&_hsmi=414350106&utm_content=414350106&utm_source=hs_email

What Are the Recent Trends in Employer-Based Health Coverage? Authors: Gary Claxton, Matthew Rae, and Aubrey Winger Published: Apr 17, 2026

https://www.kff.org/health-costs/long-term-trends-in-employer-based-coverage/ Employer-sponsored health insurance is the largest source of health coverage for people under 65, covering 165.6 million people in March 2025. This analysis examines who among people under 65 have employer coverage and which workers are offered and eligible for coverage at their jobs, using the Annual Economic and Social (March) Supplements of the Current Population Survey.

UNFPA Funding and Kemp-Kasten: An Explainer Authors: Kellie Moss and Jennifer Kates Published: Apr 17, 2026

https://www.kff.org/global-health-policy/unfpa-funding-and-kemp-kasten-an-explainer/ This fact sheet provides an overview of the history of the Kemp-Kasten amendment, which states that no U.S. funds may be made available to “any organization or program which, as determined by the president of the United States, supports or participates in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization,” and examines its current application. Since enacted in 1985, Kemp-Kasten has often been used to withhold funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

New federal Medicaid rules require one month of work. Some states demand more.

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260417/New-federal-Medicaid-rules-require-one-month-of-work-Some-states-demand-more.aspx Millions of people who apply for Medicaid in the coming years will have to prove they've been working, going to school, or volunteering for at least a month before they can gain or retain health insurance through the government program.

FDA Takes Step Forward on Testosterone Therapy for Men

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-step-forward-testosterone-therapy-men?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today is taking an initial step to advance treatment options for men’s health by encouraging sponsors of approved testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) products to contact FDA for information if they are interested in pursuing a potential new indication for low libido in men with idiopathic hypogonadism (without a known cause). “New and emerging data suggest there may be an opportunity to help men suffering from symptoms that significantly affect quality of life,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “We are eager to work with sponsors to further evaluate this potential new use while upholding our rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness.” Currently, FDA-approved TRT products are indicated only for men with specific forms of hypogonadism tied to known structural or genetic causes. Following a preliminary review of emerging evidence from published clinical literature and discussion at a December 2025 expert panel meeting, the agency identified data suggesting that TRT may be safe and effective for certain men experiencing low libido related to idiopathic hypogonadism—a condition characterized by low testosterone levels without an identifiable cause. “Sexual health is an important component of overall well-being and quality of life,” said Brian J. Christine, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Health. “This is an exciting opportunity to build on new science and potentially expand treatment options for men with hypogonadism. We encourage continued innovation and collaboration to bring forward high-quality evidence that can expand options for men with hypogonadism.” The agency’s preliminary assessment focused on published literature of rigorous, well-controlled clinical trials evaluating relevant outcomes. Following this review, the agency is encouraging holders of approved TRT new drug applications (NDAs) that are interested in seeking approval for the treatment of low libido in men with decreased libido associated with idiopathic hypogonadism to contact FDA for further information regarding submission of a supplemental NDA, including data needed to support an approval. Application holders are encouraged to contact the FDA by April 30. FDA emphasizes that any approval for a new indication would require demonstration of substantial evidence of effectiveness and that the benefits outweigh the risks for the intended population.

OTC Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments (OMUFA): Understanding FY 2026 User Fees and Registration May 5, 2026

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/otc-monograph-drug-user-fee-amendments-omufa-understanding-fy-2026-user-fees-and-registration?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Establishing Impurity Specifications for Antibiotics April 2026

https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/establishing-impurity-specifications-antibiotics?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery Today, FDA issued the draft guidance for industry, Establishing Impurity Specifications for Antibiotics. This guidance, if finalized, will provide manufacturers with recommendations for establishing impurity limits for antibiotic drugs produced using fermentation or semi-synthetic methods. Manufacturers can use established impurity limits to develop and apply quality testing standards for these products. The ICH guidances for industry Q3A(R) Impurities in New Drug Substances (June 2008) and Q3B(R2) Impurities in New Drug Products (August 2006) provide recommendations on thresholds for the identification, reporting, and qualification of impurities and degradation products in new drugs produced by chemical synthesis. However, these guidances lack recommendations for controlling impurities and degradation products in antibiotics manufactured by fermentation and semi-synthesis, a process that produces novel compounds through chemical modification of compounds obtained from fermentation or isolated from natural sources. Antibiotics manufactured by fermentation or semi-synthesis are typically more complex than those produced solely by chemical synthesis. The draft guidance issued today applies the principles covered in the ICH guidances to antibiotics manufactured by these more complex production methods and additionally draws upon the recommendations in the ICH guidance for industry M7(R2) Assessment and Control of DNA Reactive (Mutagenic) Impurities in Pharmaceuticals to Limit Potential Carcinogenic Risk (July 2023). Antibiotic drugs with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) monographs must meet the requirements outlined in the respective USP monographs for the drug substance and the drug product.

Health care is not ready for the new era of AI-enabled cyberattacks It’s not a technical problem, it’s a structural one By Andrea DowningApril 17, 2026 Downing is a security researcher, patient advocate, and co-founder of The Light Collective.

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/17/health-care-cybersecurity-ransomware-project-glasswing/

Don’t believe headlines saying that vaccine skepticism is widespread A badly worded poll is making vaccine skepticism look more common than it is. That’s dangerous

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/17/vaccine-skepticism-politico-poll-analysis/ By David HigginsApril 17, 2026 Higgins is a practicing pediatrician and public health physician.

Trump taps former public health leader Erica Schwartz to run CDC Schwartz was deputy surgeon general and served in medical roles in the military By Helen Branswell and Chelsea CirruzzoApril 16, 2026

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/16/erica-schwartz-cdc-director-nominee/

Woo truce? The science and health establishment divided on how to deal with MAHA and RFK, Jr. Margaret Manto | NOTUS | April 17, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/04/17/woo-truce-the-science-and-health-establishment-divided-on-how-to-deal-with-maha-and-rfk-jr/

Ban the ads? Should government restrict prescription drug commercials? Paula Span | April 17, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/04/17/ban-the-ads-should-government-restrict-prescription-drug-commercials/

Scientists warn of a silent surge in resistant Aspergillus and Candida

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260417/Scientists-warn-of-a-silent-surge-in-resistant-Aspergillus-and-Candida.aspx An increasing number of fungi are becoming resistant to medication, posing serious risks for patients with weakened immune systems. That is why fifty researchers from around the world, led by Radboudumc, are calling for action against drug‑resistant fungi. Their call has been published in Nature Medicine.

Americans’ Challenges with Health Care Costs Authors: Grace Sparks, Lunna Lopes, Alex Montero, Marley Presiado, and Liz Hamel Published: Apr 16, 2026

https://www.kff.org/health-costs/americans-challenges-with-health-care-costs/ For many years, KFF polling has found that the high cost of health care is a burden on U.S. families, and that health care costs factor into decisions about insurance coverage and care seeking. These costs also rank as the top financial worry for adults and their families. This data note summarizes recent KFF polling on the public’s experiences with health care costs.

Viewpoints: Using ChatGPT As A Second Opinion Is Risky; Rate Of Vaccine Skepticism Is Overblown

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-using-chatgpt-as-a-second-opinion-is-risky-rate-of-vaccine-skepticism-is-overblown/

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 enjoy. Today's selections are on decongestants, food as medicine, aging, South Korea's medical crisis, and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/longer-looks-interesting-reads-you-might-have-missed-260/

Study Links Louisiana Pollution To Pregnancy Risks, Learning Disabilities

Study Links Louisiana Pollution To Pregnancy Risks, Learning Disabilities The study was conducted by the Collaborative Data Analysis (CoDA) research team using data collected from Louisiana Medicaid claims from 2017 to 2019. Researchers found a broad range of health problems potentially linked to industrial pollution https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/study-links-louisiana-pollution-to-pregnancy-risks-learning-disabilities/

First Case Of Dangerous Clade 1 Mpox Confirmed In San Francisco

First Case Of Dangerous Clade 1 Mpox Confirmed In San Francisco The adult patient, who recently had close contact with someone who had traveled internationally, was hospitalized and is improving, public health officials said. Plus: Avian flu virus RNA has been found in the semen of a bull that was not displaying flu symptoms. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/first-case-of-dangerous-clade-1-mpox-confirmed-in-san-francisco/

Experts Slam Review Of Alzheimer’s Treatments, Suggest Data Was Misused

Experts Slam Review Of Alzheimer’s Treatments, Suggest Data Was Misused The systematic review looked at data from 17 trials that took place over a 10-year period and concluded that amyloid-targeting treatments probably had little to no difference on cognitive function results, MedPage Today reports. One expert said, "The combined results do not accurately reflect the two treatments that are now approved and clinically used." https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/experts-slam-review-of-alzheimers-treatments-suggest-data-was-misused/

Man Entered Aetna Building With Assault Weapon, Hartford Police Say

Man Entered Aetna Building With Assault Weapon, Hartford Police Say Security guards detained the man without incident, AP reported. Police say they aren't sure what the man's intentions were when he entered the insurer's headquarters in Connecticut. Other health industry news looks at private Medicare Advantage plans; a report on the out-of-network billing system; hospital-at-home programs; and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/man-entered-aetna-building-with-assault-weapon-hartford-police-say/

Dr. Erica Schwartz Tapped To Lead CDC

Dr. Erica Schwartz Tapped To Lead CDC Although some public health experts lauded the choice — she's a person with "experience, credentials and dedication to public health" — an ally to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s MAHA movement panned the pick: "She can’t even respect the right to and need for informed consent" on vaccines. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/dr-erica-schwartz-tapped-to-lead-cdc/

RFK Jr. Concedes Measles Vaccine Is Safe, Effective, Better Than Being Sick

RFK Jr. Concedes Measles Vaccine Is Safe, Effective, Better Than Being Sick While testifying Thursday on Capitol Hill, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose previous anti-vaccine beliefs steered federal policy, allowed that shots might have saved young lives during a measles outbreak in Texas. He also said removing the hepatitis B vaccine from the childhood immunization schedule was the right call. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/rfk-jr-concedes-measles-vaccine-is-safe-effective-better-than-being-sick/

Trump to sign executive order on psychedelic drug used abroad to treat PTSD By Jennifer Jacobs, Dr. Céline Gounder Updated on: April 16, 2026 / 11:51 AM EDT / CBS News

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/psychedelic-drug-ibogaine-ptsd-trump-to-sign-executive-order/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--Z-IPuW2o1B6fnSszTNsx1f1YnndpW9eoN3EENRBfpKYWktLbpDeFC4Ygadu9qHfyUUteZUE0hiFaBs77LK-TEU4B5JQ&_hsmi=414297350&utm_content=414297350&utm_source=hs_email

Listen: With Little Federal Regulation, States Are Left To Shape the Rules on AI in Health Care By Lauren Sausser April 17, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/wamu-health-hub-ai-state-regulation-april-15-2026/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--GPtpqoYWwQeb6nwSJVtpZNh4PfNrXpUn1q0CWU3w_qBYWJUOZKf6bAvBUIuLEg3fkpYLDBlHuaxeHzyAOeluui7e4_g&_hsmi=414297350&utm_content=414297350&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: Listen: With Little Federal Regulation, States Are Left To Shape The Rules On AI In Health Care Speed, efficiency, and lower costs. Those are the traits artificial intelligence supporters celebrate. But the same qualities worry physicians who fear the technology could lead to insurance denials with humans left out of the loop. With scant federal regulation, states are left to shape the rules on AI in health care. For residents in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, a divide is playing out on opposite sides of the Potomac River. Maryland and Virginia have taken very different approaches to regulating AI in health insurance. (Sausser, 4/17)

Your New Therapist: Chatty, Leaky, and Hardly Human By Darius Tahir Illustration by Oona Zenda April 17, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/ai-chatbots-therapy-big-risks-few-regulations/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8tT2RjRyPkSuGh5cXubiIy5AH2vaT-yXZeSkdWR9QLdQIMOAUt8wlbo-l3RoxA9EA33Yo4L0TrM4xVMDcqT2FX47Rk3Q&_hsmi=414297350&utm_content=414297350&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: Your New Therapist: Chatty, Leaky, And Hardly Human Vince Lahey of Carefree, Arizona, embraces chatbots. From Big Tech products to “shady” ones, they offer “someone that I could share more secrets with than my therapist.” He especially likes the apps for feedback and support, even though sometimes they berate him or lead him to fight with his ex-wife. “I feel more inclined to share more,” Lahey said. “I don’t care about their perception of me.” There are a lot of people like Lahey. (Tahir, 4/17)

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Webinar on the RCT-DUPLICATE Initiative: Emulating Randomized Clinical Trials with Non-Randomized Real-World Data Studies

https://healthpolicy.duke.edu/events/us-food-and-drug-administration-webinar-rct-duplicate-initiative-emulating-randomized?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the FDA is hosting a free public webinar to provide updates on RCT-DUPLICATE, one of FDA’s demonstration projects addressing key methodological challenges in studies using real-world data (RWD). This webinar will highlight how the RCT-DUPLICATE initiative evaluates when and how non-randomized healthcare database studies have generated valid causal inferences, using randomized controlled trial findings as a benchmark. The initiative has demonstrated that results have been strongly concordant when those studies closely emulated trial designs and has helped clarify when and why divergence may occur. Building on these findings, the project has also predicted the results of seven randomized controlled trials that were ongoing at the time the database study was conducted and is developing a structured approach that may increase confidence in using RWE to support potential indication expansions.

Enough Will They-Won’t They! FDA Pushes for Permanent Rare Pediatric Disease PRVs April 17, 2026 By Charles D. Snow & James E. Valentine —

https://www.thefdalawblog.com/2026/04/enough-will-they-wont-they-fda-pushes-for-permanent-rare-pediatric-disease-prvs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=enough-will-they-wont-they-fda-pushes-for-permanent-rare-pediatric-disease-prvs As any well-rounded consumer of television knows, one of the most ubiquitous tropes in sitcoms is the “will they-won’t they” dynamic. Take your pick: Ross and Rachel from Friends, Jim and Pam from The Office, or Mulder and Scully from The X-Files. It’s riveting and exhausting. FDA has grown similarly tired of Congress’s will they-won’t they decision-making when it comes to the reauthorization of the Rare Pediatric Disease (RPD) Priority Review Voucher (PRV) program.

Travere’s drug for a kidney disease doesn’t improve kidney function. The FDA approved it anyway The agency has taken heat for not showing enough flexibility. In this case, it showed too much

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/16/travere-therapeutics-kidney-disease-fda-approval/ By Adam FeuersteinApril 16, 2026 Senior Writer, Biotech

The medical AI revolution requires rethinking health care’s architecture If AI relies solely on episodic, compressed reconstructions from the clinic, its impact will plateau

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/16/medical-ai-revolution-consumer-devices-health-records/ By Freddy Abnousi and Celina YongApril 16, 2026 Abnousi is vice president of health technology at Meta, an interventional cardiologist, and an adjunct professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Yong is associate professor of medicine at the Stanford University School of Medicine and director of interventional cardiology at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System.

7 key issues we’re watching as RFK Jr. faces a Congressional gauntlet Can Kennedy stay on message? And will he get combative with lawmakers? By Chelsea CirruzzoApril 16, 2026 Washington Correspondent

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/16/kennedy-congress-testimony-balance-maha-goals-trump-priorities/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9wQ-1pQJV5LCbq9DYr6-ThZypJvmGDeAyEbZS7PQ-9ashivZ0o6uNlfYeVKf6eGR2MaUaG9xbdetuTyNhsDgvWHyw6gQ&_hsmi=414032008&utm_content=414032008&utm_source=hs_email Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. heads to Capitol Hill today to testify about the fiscal 2027 budget request. He’ll sit through at least seven hearings in front of key House and Senate committees over the next week. And as STAT’s Chelsea Cirruzzo reports, how Kennedy navigates lawmakers’ questions will test whether he can stay on message before embarking on a midterms tour to shore up support for the MAHA movement and the White House’s agenda. He’s likely to boast about the administration’s “MAHA wins” over the last year, but the focus is meant to be the budget. That includes a proposed 12% cut to HHS and other proposals floated in the fiscal 2026 budget that were ultimately ignored by Congress. Read more from Chelsea on the key questions she’ll be tracking over the course of the day.

Viewpoint: Is Trump turning against RFK, Jr.’s vaccine rejectionism? Izzy Brandstetter Figueroa, Jess Steier | April 14, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/04/14/viewpoint-is-trump-turning-against-rfk-jr-s-vaccine-rejectionism/

Viewpoint: CRISPR and mRNA — under attack by technology skeptics — poised to save millions of children with rare diseases Jeff Coller | New York Times | April 15, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/04/15/viewpoint-crispr-and-mrna-under-attack-by-technology-skeptics-poised-to-save-millions-of-children-with-rare-diseases/

Public health advocates turn to influencers to fight online misinformation Wendy Glauser | Journal of Medical Internet Research | April 16, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/04/16/public-health-advocates-turn-to-influencers-to-fight-online-misinformation/

Fluoride lowers intelligence? First-ever widescale water supply study debunks Kennedy’s scare claim Erika Edwards, Kaan Ozcan | NBC News | April 16, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/04/16/fluoride-lowers-intelligence-first-ever-widescale-water-supply-study-debunks-kennedys-scare-claim/

Americans’ Challenges with Health Care Costs Authors: Grace Sparks, Lunna Lopes, Alex Montero, Marley Presiado, and Liz Hamel Published: Apr 16, 2026

https://www.kff.org/health-costs/americans-challenges-with-health-care-costs/ This data note reviews our recent polling data that finds that many Americans struggle to afford many aspects of health care, including disproportionate shares of uninsured adults, Black and Hispanic adults and those with lower incomes.

Viewpoints: MAHA Helped RFK Jr. — Now It May Sink Him; New Pancreatic Cancer Drug Impresses Doctors

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-maha-helped-rfk-jr-now-it-may-sink-him-new-pancreatic-cancer-drug-impresses-doctors/

Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/research-roundup-the-latest-science-discoveries-and-breakthroughs-64/

Roblox Settles With Nevada, Will Pay $12M, Increase Protections For Kids

Roblox Settles With Nevada, Will Pay $12M, Increase Protections For Kids AP reports that Roblox will block access to adult-rated content and expand parental oversight for users under age 16. Also: The number of foods that can be purchased in Florida with SNAP is shrinking; North Carolina legislators recommend fixes to the state’s intertwined mental health and criminal justice systems; and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/roblox-settles-with-nevada-will-pay-12m-increase-protections-for-kids/

Many Women Who Go Out Of State For An Abortion Go To Illinois, Data Show

Many Women Who Go Out Of State For An Abortion Go To Illinois, Data Show Stateline reports that Illinois is the destination for nearly 25% of people traveling to another state for abortion care, according to a report from the Guttmacher Institute. Illinois has implemented safe-haven policies such as a commitment to covering abortion access, coordinating care through a regional hotline, and providing funds for out-of-state patients. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/many-women-who-go-out-of-state-for-an-abortion-go-to-illinois-data-show/

Rotavirus Is Surging Across The US; Health Experts Note Vaccine Hesitancy

Rotavirus Is Surging Across The US; Health Experts Note Vaccine Hesitancy In the United States, 73.8% of children are vaccinated against the highly contagious virus, which is still surging late into the season. The Trump administration has tried to remove the rotavirus vaccine from the childhood immunization schedule. Plus, vaccine-preventable measles is still spreading. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/rotavirus-is-surging-across-the-us-health-experts-note-vaccine-hesitancy/

American Medical Group Association, Talkiatry Team Up To Broaden Access To Mental Health Providers

American Medical Group Association, Talkiatry Team Up To Broaden Access To Mental Health Providers Under the terms of the deal, the more than 175,000 physicians who are members of the AMGA can virtually connect their patients to Talkiatry's network of more than 800 psychiatrists, Modern Healthcare reports. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/american-medical-group-association-talkiatry-team-up-to-broaden-access-to-mental-health-providers/

RFK Jr. Taking The Hot Seat To Answer For Hot-Button Health Care Initiatives

RFK Jr. Taking The Hot Seat To Answer For Hot-Button Health Care Initiatives Starting today on Capitol Hill, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will likely face lawmakers' questions regarding the court-blocked changes to the childhood vaccine schedule, the upheaval at HHS during his tenure, and the department’s budget, Capitol Hill aides say. Plus, the latest on RFK Jr.'s peptide push. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/rfk-jr-taking-the-hot-seat-to-answer-for-hot-button-health-care-initiatives/

HHS Hires Economic Adviser To Oversee Health Care Affordability

HHS Hires Economic Adviser To Oversee Health Care Affordability The newly appointed chief economist and chief regulatory officer, Casey Mulligan, served on the Council of Economic Advisers during the previous Trump administration. This comes ahead of the midterms, as voters continue to express concern over health care costs, Axios reports. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/hhs-hires-economic-adviser-to-oversee-health-care-affordability/

As US Birth Rate Falls, Feds’ Response May Make Pregnancy More Dangerous By Céline Gounder April 16, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/us-birth-rate-decline-title-x-family-planning-grants-contraception-pronatalist/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9Pd7JKUXUkyCup4JnhMeppLYe-MjXLaNDFYVLEF4cQnCoCulK5vMtaMCsCLIQtihADJE9uXaGv0IpgqOKG_WpieHm1SQ&_hsmi=414096529&utm_content=414096529&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: As US Birth Rate Falls, Feds’ Response May Make Pregnancy More Dangerous The number of babies born in the United States fell again last year. According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 3.6 million births in 2025, a 1% decline from 2024. The fertility rate dropped to 53.1 births per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44, down 23% since 2007. (Gounder, 4/16)

New Federal Medicaid Rules Require One Month of Work. Some States Demand More. By Samantha Liss April 16, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/federal-medicaid-work-rules-one-three-months-indiana-missouri/ KFF Health News: New Federal Medicaid Rules Require One Month Of Work. Some States Demand More Millions of people who apply for Medicaid in the coming years will have to prove they’ve been working, going to school, or volunteering for at least a month before they can gain or retain health insurance through the government program. But Republican lawmakers in some states think the new rules — part of the GOP’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed last July by President Donald Trump — don’t go far enough. (Liss, 4/16)

FDA Looks East—Here’s What Industry Needs to Know By Charles D. Snow & Kalie E. Richardson —

https://www.thefdalawblog.com/2026/04/fda-looks-east-heres-what-industry-needs-to-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fda-looks-east-heres-what-industry-needs-to-know If you’ve been tracking FDA’s international presence, you know FDA has been through a bit of a roller coaster over the past decade. After consolidating from 13 foreign offices down to 8 between 2012 and 2014—and losing its Pretoria, South Africa office in 2015—the Agency is now back in expansion mode. And the latest moves are worth paying close attention to if your products are manufactured or sourced overseas. For a general overview of FDA’s purpose behind and process for choosing foreign offices, see the Agency’s 2012 Report to Congress on the FDA Foreign Offices. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has also issued several reports related to improvements needed at FDA’s foreign offices to support inspections of foreign food (2015) and drug (2016 and 2022) facilities.

FDA Scientists Working in Satellite Laboratories Across U.S. Help Prevent Harmful Drugs from Reaching Americans

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-voices/fda-scientists-working-satellite-laboratories-across-us-help-prevent-harmful-drugs-reaching?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery FDA Scientists Working in Satellite Laboratories Across U.S. Help Prevent Harmful Drugs from Reaching Americans Satellite laboratories stationed inside high-volume international mail facilities at airports in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Miami—and now Honolulu—are one of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s numerous weapons in combating counterfeit and other potentially harmful drugs. The goal of the chemists working in these laboratories is to analyze and stop suspicious imported drugs—some containing potentially lethal, never-before-seen substances—before they can harm the public. Managed by the National Forensic Chemistry Center (NFCC) in Cincinnati, Ohio, the satellite laboratories are the brainchild of former NFCC director, Duane R. Satzger, Ph.D., who was determined to bring the power of science and drug detection directly to major points of entry. The laboratories also address responsibilities and authorities given to the FDA through the 2018 SUPPORT Act.