Implementation of Immigrant Eligibility Restrictions for ACA Marketplace Subsidies Under the 2025 Reconciliation Law: Issues to Consider Authors: Akash Pillai, Drishti Pillai, and Samantha Artiga Published: Oct 30, 2026

https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/implementation-of-immigrant-eligibility-restrictions-for-aca-marketplace-subsidies-under-the-2025-reconciliation-law-issues-to-consider/ Beginning January 1, 2027, the 2025 reconciliation law will limit immigrant eligibility for ACA Marketplace subsidies. This brief provides an overview of implementation of the immigrant eligibility changes for Marketplace subsidies and issues to consider for affected individuals and states. https://www.kff.org/

With Midterms Looming, Americans Feel Priced Out of Healthcare By Sam Whitehead Oct. 30, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/health-care-costs/the-week-in-brief-rising-healthcare-costs-priced-out-of-care-midterms/ Ahead of the midterm election on Tuesday, many voters say they’re stressed about being priced out of healthcare. In mid-September polling from KFF, as many American adults said they were worried about seeing a doctor or paying for prescriptions as said they were worried about affording high fuel prices.

GOP Focuses on Fraud, Seeking To Redirect Voters’ Ire Over Healthcare Costs By Stephanie Armour Oct. 19, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/elections/republicans-gop-fraud-midterms-election-voters-medicaid-obamacare-costs-affordability/?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8irkjHi2TbzDWomMhD4ji1k3FAiTqrjhDD-tzFyhzy53vAPqRb_NMrb9lRMSUNE1fwSJh6Iw7-_Vmc8amWBLWdaOVZFQ&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email GOP Focuses on Fraud, Seeking To Redirect Voters’ Ire Over Healthcare Costs The anti-fraud efforts highlight a broader political fight ahead of the midterms. Republicans say they’re protecting taxpayer dollars by going after bad actors. Democrats contend the administration is — with insufficient evidence — targeting blue states to cut programs the GOP has long sought to shrink. (KFF Health News)

Trump Dangles Rural Health Dollars To Push States To Change Hospital Laws By Andrew Jones Oct. 22, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/rural-health/rhtp-funding-certificate-of-need-con-laws-hospitals-tennessee/?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8suowBPEafGyd2GE_nKYOcEYZJca108Jh-VjtAsGoWXUnmW4NgeoERojg65FOtralPTBAUOfH_oaJtl55hO6J871nl1w&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email Trump Dangles Rural Health Dollars To Push States To Change Hospital Laws The Trump administration has tied billions in rural health funding for states partly to the policy commitments they make, including ending their certificate of need, or CON, laws governing the construction of new hospitals. (KFF Health News)

Data Center Health Worries Animate Midterm Campaigns By Stephanie Armour and Amanda Seitz Oct. 29, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/elections/data-centers-midterm-campaigns-health-pollution-noise-light-arizona-ohio/?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_QyjI0Os5gR3B8DvuLIzEge87w9q6p2_P5_qC6dC3XasktLvKdtMyj0mbzWAkV5VRNcmjCLgBeRe6hLeBGmMzIBhHmmg&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email Data Center Health Worries Animate Midterm Campaigns Opposition to the rapid emergence of data centers in states such as Ohio and Arizona has ginned up activism and unified voters. A range of public health issues have played into the resistance. (KFF Health News)

Medicaid Is Now a Campaign Issue Episode 468 • October 22, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/podcast/what-the-health-468-medicaid-midterm-elections-trump-fraud-october-22-2026/?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-83G40HC44u5gplwqy-KfkrDplAh1JXRnsTveQd_orNTeWwd1ZX_CrkqE0Mbb3zW0mk_Wr15ocPUpfepfdMIpw6y2zoaw&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email 'What the Health?' Podcast: Medicaid Is Now a Campaign Issue In the latest episode of What the Health?, KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner and panelists discuss how Republicans tried to backload Medicaid cuts in 2025’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act so they would take effect after this year’s elections, but that’s not stopping Democrats from using them to hammer their opponents. (KFF Health News)

The Cost of Healthcare Is Hitting America Where It Hurts: The Wallet

The Cost of Healthcare Is Hitting America Where It Hurts: The Wallet Rising healthcare costs are upending the lives of Americans. People are forgoing health insurance, rationing medications, cutting back on doctor visits, and putting off health procedures they can’t afford. But bringing the costs down won’t be easy. (KFF Health News) https://kffhealthnews.org/health-care-costs/priced-out-healthcare-costs-medical-debt-insurance-disability-chronic-conditions/?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_r-tOnSDk8NfWakoZ0RXVL7dy0M9SLCaUE9iSYZyZOpz4uuZhiJJSBiy91hyTeroLj4exqBnvr29aVyNswkCDq0z6bsQ&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email

A New Era for the ACA

Open enrollment for 2027 Affordable Care Act plans begins Nov. 1 in most states, with consumers facing higher out-of-pocket costs and more bureaucratic hurdles. Meanwhile, Democrats in Congress are laying out plans for an aggressive health policy agenda should they win majorities in the House and/or the Senate. With President Donald Trump in office, however, it’s unclear whether any of their legislative efforts could become law in the next two years. This week’s panelists are Julie Rovner of KFF Health News, Julie Appleby of KFF Health News, Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, and Victoria Knight of Bloomberg Government.

KFF Midterms Data Presentation: What Do Voters Think About Health Care Now?

KFF public opinion and survey experts provide analysis and insights on the latest findings from recent public opinion surveys about health care issues in advance of the midterms, including current public sentiment about Medicare-for-All and how it compares historically. https://www.kff.org/event/kff-midterms-data-presentation-what-do-voters-think-about-health-care-now/?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8LCN4LYp0mlKduVFjPT3DEJe9t9MVGE0cChGUOzuy3c8lLuQqc0vuVn_FYK3797i9sZ2VoS63BtuqEPiX0WO20Z4ThGg&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email

2026 Employer Health Benefits Survey Published: Oct 22, 2026

https://www.kff.org/health-costs/2026-employer-health-benefits-survey/ This is the 28th annual Employer Health Benefits Survey. As in years past, the survey examines trends in employer-sponsored health coverage, including premiums, employee contributions, cost-sharing provisions, offer rates, and employer practices. This year we asked employers detailed questions about satisfaction with their health plans; coverage for GLP-1 agonists and IVF; actions taken in response to projected cost increases; and firms’ ability to obtain information about health care costs and utilization. The 2026 survey includes 1,937 interviews with non-federal public and private firms.

Workers Now Pay $7,471 on Average Annually for Family Health Coverage, Up 9% or $621 from 2025, Benchmark Employer Health Benefits Survey Finds Average Total Family Premiums, Including Employer’s Share, Rose 5% To $28,303 Published: Oct 22, 2026

https://www.kff.org/private-insurance/workers-now-pay-7471-on-average-annually-for-family-health-coverage-up-9-or-621-from-2025-benchmark-employer-health-benefits-survey-finds/?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_ho7VdSGO8thGcdw2DrpHEg3CqPxu5xGLG4n64PZUUH5nqcX5zmMepIjD0NWOYrhxUfNVvalj5mUMOtOTWk1NHVeTCOg&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email 2026 Employer Health Benefits Survey Workers are paying on average $7,471 annually toward the premiums for employer-sponsored family health benefits this year, which is up 9%, or $621, from 2025, per KFF’s annual benchmark health benefits survey of large and small employers. "We have been hearing a lot about Affordable Care Act and Medicaid cuts. Now add a 9% increase in what workers with employer coverage paid toward family premiums in 2026 to the reasons voters are so concerned about their health care costs," KFF President and CEO Drew Altman said.

Policy Tracker: Exceptions to State Abortion Bans and Early Gestational Limits Last updated on October 16, 2026

https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/exceptions-in-state-abortion-bans-and-early-gestational-limits/?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--yldOcoBsJcam311QtgWdXWnkeQgjTOj6Ejic18pHb6QsSYbrdeGgVG53ykgXN1yBlqI1r8HF5Nsx6qnraNUCoGkDRTg&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email Policy Tracker: Exceptions to State Abortion Bans and Early Gestational Limits Abortion provision is banned in 13 states, and 6 more limit it at 6–12 weeks. Nearly all of these bans have exceptions for the pregnant person’s life or health, rape or incest, or lethal fetal anomaly. Health exceptions usually cover only physical conditions; only Alabama’s includes mental health exceptions. This tracker includes maps that show the exceptions in each state’s most restrictive gestational limit or total ban.

What We Know about Trump’s $500 ACA Checks and the User Fees Funding Them Authors: Justin Lo, Rayna Wallace, Emma Wager, Matt McGough, and Cynthia Cox Published: Oct 23, 2026

https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/what-we-know-about-trumps-500-aca-checks-and-the-user-fees-funding-them/?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_EO_iWy1yJc8PRdmtxho2bsPkBM-ymOJ-WWemzaaTFqw0ymPl-GIkreS1ESLFApBpOPQraPI5w_8FInylxXLatIwMf1Q&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email What We Know about Trump’s $500 ACA Checks and the User Fees Funding Them This analysis examines the $500 checks the Trump administration is sending to some Affordable Care Act Marketplace enrollees and the user fees that are paying for them. The checks are going to about 1 million enrollees in the 30 states that rely on the federal HealthCare.gov Marketplace who are not receiving any tax credits this year – a small share of the 19.2 million people who were enrolled nationally as of February.

Health in the 2026 Midterm Elections

https://www.kff.org/series/health-2026-midterm-elections/?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-89YjnUnHnF5Cv_ajlnCABtew8DQcKXWxIjTq3Zk27ULu0egfvAdRgLBJBRDUOvjyTZ7PvjlvBwH3-bgfhfzunOEB2O4Q&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email

What’s in a Name? From Today’s Medicare to Medicare for All Larry Levitt, MPP

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2856253?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_WNBO4s89pLPMRX8CrbRUkLju-AYv3DkCsMp_JpFh7fXGUmjUWGs8Qzqabu-vQNsO9eZP-BmPuctaSyw_SNhNSbE-Nbw&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email What’s in a Name? From Today’s Medicare to Medicare for All In this JAMA Health Forum post, KFF's Larry Levitt explains how proposals to create Medicare-for-All promise more generous benefits than the existing Medicare program, with no premiums or cost-sharing, but could end up looking more like Medicare if it became the subject of a serious national debate about the tradeoffs involved to implement it.

Midterm Election Update: Immigrant Health Policy Published: Oct 27, 2026

https://www.kff.org/elections/midterm-election-update-immigrant-health-policy/?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9IExGhyKHQK7ZrH4YEu1WuTHgH_H7JeeJPgpBYtaQpaGC235i2ehisFwEKUQE8u09jCJLOZwjUysYIQFESaeUedOlnvw&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email Immigrant Health Immigration restrictions and enforcement are central to the Trump administration’s domestic agenda and a focus of debate in the 2026 midterm elections. These policies have ripple effects on health care.

Midterm Election Update: Vaccines Published: Oct 6, 2026

https://www.kff.org/elections/midterm-election-update-vaccines/?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8sGAVqoFJlUuHOO68H1oyNtmeNECm4OcN4oatd9P0AAsV3QXcyZa3-GWxO30wJVnbIjmJ8bc3zrdh5s_xOSPZ3tkAytQ&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email Vaccine Policy Federal vaccine policy has shifted toward fewer recommended routine childhood vaccinations, more emphasis on individual decision-making, and greater skepticism about the safety and efficacy of some vaccines.

Midterm Election Update: Medicaid Changes Published: Oct 21, 2026

https://www.kff.org/elections/midterm-election-update-medicaid-changes/?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--IP95X8Kfa-cUEKhrRIA0OL3-9LAOvhsv7eohtkF60iJCL1yWEMW2JFte9G9P5JWgUZlqzi_OU7zia5SNEe8ShsEmuxQ&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email Medicaid Major federal changes to Medicaid eligibility and financing from the 2025 reconciliation law are coming, including new work requirements that will affect millions of Medicaid enrollees.

Midterm Election Update: The Affordable Care Act Marketplaces Published: Oct 6, 2026

Midterm Election Update: The Affordable Care Act Marketplaces Published: Oct 6, 2026 https://www.kff.org/elections/midterm-election-update-the-affordable-care-act-marketplaces/?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9wm_EquastS3ClJhvY4O3gvIwSL5ON7cg4l4ayGtbilnyeogRmjOB1LULsFDRnvHYdNWy8hOdgGgHdK3jP2R52sc0bjg&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email KFF Backgrounders on Election-Related Health Policy Issues ACA Marketplaces More people than ever got coverage through the Affordable Care Act Marketplaces in 2025, but the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits has driven up what people pay and contributed to declining enrollment in 2026.

What Do the Midterm Election Results Mean for Health Care? Fecha y hora 5 nov 2026 02:00 p. m.

https://kff-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/4917931145503/WN_rcsmnBeXRHi8hIKXW1IMTQ?utm_campaign=55398279-KFF-Elections&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--B2qei2z1j8KpdrijN2er_pUo2g2cFVo19gPqQCh9zNEmUvhV-yv3OZXXY7f-cKhi-fEjQc1fHenU-lxlWD0_Mvs-Wiw&_hsmi=446596526&utm_content=446596526&utm_source=hs_email#/registration Register and Join: KFF Virtual Event and Special Post-election “What the Health?” Podcast With voters focused on health care costs as a top affordability concern, what will the results of the midterm elections mean for health care going forward? What motivated voters at the polls, and which ideas or proposals gained momentum on the campaign trail? What health care legislation and oversight might advance with a potential change in the balance of power in Congress while President Trump is still in the White House? On November 5 at Noon ET, join KFF for a special post-election discussion and live podcast taping on these topics and more.

Explaining Health Care Reform: Questions About Health Insurance Subsidies Published: Oct 28, 2026

https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/explaining-health-care-reform-questions-about-health-insurance-subsidies/ This brief provides an overview of the financial assistance provided under the ACA for people purchasing coverage on their own through health insurance Marketplaces (also called exchanges).

Tracking Insurer Participation Changes in the ACA Marketplaces in 2027 Authors: Jared Ortaliza, Justin Lo, Lynne Cotter, Matt McGough, and Cynthia Cox Published: Oct 28, 2026

https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/tracking-insurer-participation-changes-in-the-aca-marketplaces-in-2027/ This interactive tracks announced insurer exits from and entries into the ACA Marketplaces for 2027.

What’s in a Name? From Today’s Medicare to Medicare for All Author: Larry Levitt Published: Oct 29, 2026

https://www.kff.org/elections/whats-in-a-name-from-todays-medicare-to-medicare-for-all/ In this JAMA Health Forum post, KFF's Larry Levitt explains how proposals to create Medicare-for-All promise more generous benefits than the existing Medicare program, with no premiums or cost-sharing, but could end up looking more like Medicare if it became the subject of a serious national debate about the tradeoffs involved to implement it.

Medicare Part D Premiums and Cost Sharing in 2027 The average premium for Part D stand-alone drug plans will increase substantially if current enrollees do not switch to lower-premium plans. Authors: Juliette Cubanski, Meredith Freed, and Nancy Ochieng Published: Oct 30, 2026

https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-part-d-premiums-and-cost-sharing-in-2027/ Medicare Part D is a voluntary outpatient prescription drug benefit for people with Medicare provided through private plans, including stand-alone prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans that offer drug coverage. This analysis provides an overview of Medicare Part D premiums and cost sharing in 2027 and key trends over time.

The Average Monthly Premium for Medicare Part D Stand-Alone Plans Is Projected to Increase by 50% From $34 to $51 in 2027 Unless Enrollees Switch to Lower-Cost Plans Published: Oct 30, 2026

https://www.kff.org/medicare/the-average-monthly-premium-for-medicare-part-d-stand-alone-plans-is-projected-to-increase-by-50-from-34-to-51-in-2027-unless-enrollees-switch-to-lower-cost-plans/ A new KFF analysis finds that the average monthly premium for Medicare Part D coverage in stand-alone prescription drug plans (PDPs) will increase to $51 in 2027, up 50% from $34 in 2026, if current enrollees don’t switch into lower-premium plans during open enrollment, which runs through December 7.  

Medicare Part D Premiums and Cost Sharing in 2027 The average premium for Part D stand-alone drug plans will increase substantially if current enrollees do not switch to lower-premium plans. Authors: Juliette Cubanski, Meredith Freed, and Nancy Ochieng Published: Oct 30, 2026

https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-part-d-premiums-and-cost-sharing-in-2027/?utm_campaign=KFF-Medicare&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--fTRYgzQj4SsAfIj3YcMgw84QM7kWXISegO5vagtKAG5tkh_3QAfNQSL-jGvKaDiKDsqGwjs1J5NtlBquGV1BQV7uRRA&_hsmi=446715050&utm_content=446715050&utm_source=hs_email Media Contact: Chris Lee | 202.654.1403 | ChrisL@kff.org The Average Monthly Premium for Medicare Part D Stand-Alone Plans Is Projected to Increase by 50% From $34 to $51 in 2027 Unless Enrollees Switch to Lower-Cost Plans A new KFF analysis finds that the average monthly premium for Medicare Part D coverage in stand-alone prescription drug plans (PDPs) will increase to $51 in 2027, up 50% from $34 in 2026, if current enrollees don’t switch into lower-premium plans during open enrollment, which runs through December 7.   The analysis of premium and cost-sharing requirements for Part D coverage in 2027 also finds that the projected average monthly premium of $51 for PDPs is more than five times higher than the drug coverage premium in Medicare Advantage plans that offer Part D coverage (MA-PDs), which is projected to average $9 per month next year. The estimated $17 increase in the average monthly PDP premium contrasts with an expected increase of less than $2 in monthly premiums for drug coverage through MA-PDs.  “With some plans increasing premiums substantially, the stakes are higher this year for people with Medicare stand-alone drug coverage if they sit on the sidelines during open enrollment,” said Juliette Cubanski, a vice president and director of the Program on Medicare Policy at KFF. “There are relatively low-premium PDP options, but people facing large premium increases need to take action if they want to avoid paying significantly more.” Most PDP enrollees who are not receiving extra financial subsidies provided to low-income enrollees will pay higher premiums in 2027 if they don’t switch to cheaper plans, including more than 4 million enrollees who are currently enrolled in PDPs that charge zero premium. This is because there are no zero premium PDPs available in 2027. Average monthly premiums for the eight national PDPs are projected to range from around $6 to $204 in 2027. The lowest-premium national PDP is Centene’s Wellcare Value Script Rx, with an average premium of $6.50 for 2027, up from $5.80 in 2026. The highest-premium national PDP is United’s AARP Medicare Rx Preferred, with an average monthly premium of $204.50, up from $126.00 in 2026.     The analysis also finds that most Part D enrollees will face a deductible of several hundred dollars for drug coverage in 2027, including 85% of MA-PD enrollees (up from 80% in 2026) and virtually all PDP enrollees (99.8%, up from 96% in 2026), based on enrollees keeping their current plans. In 2027, Part D plans are allowed to charge a deductible up to $700, an increase from $615 in 2026, but can charge a lower amount. On average, the Part D deductible in 2027 will be $643 for PDP enrollees (up from $540 in 2026) and $489 for MA-PD enrollees (up from $360 in 2026).   Most Part D enrollees also will face coinsurance rather than copayments for both preferred brands and non-preferred drugs, which can mean less predictable out-of-pocket costs.

Viewpoints: People Who Donate Their Bodies To Science Deserve A Say In What Happens To Them; Amid The Rise Of AI, We Need More Live Scientific Demonstrations

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-people-who-donate-their-whole-bodies-to-science-deserve-a-say-in-what-happens-to-them-amid-the-rise-of-ai-we-need-more-live-scientific-demonstrations/

Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/longer-looks-interesting-reads-you-might-have-missed-280/

Over 40% Of 13- to 17-Year-Olds In US Have Gambled In The Past Year: Survey

Over 40% Of 13- to 17-Year-Olds In US Have Gambled In The Past Year: Survey According to a survey conducted by Rutgers University’s Center for Gambling Studies, 52.5% of Americans between 13 and 27 and 43% of those 17 and younger said they had gambled. Also, 10% of those surveyed fell into the “high-risk problem gamblers" category, NBC News reported. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/lifestyle-and-health-103026/

Groups Demand Info About Potential Radioactive Hazards After Fire At Federal Lab In South Carolina

Groups Demand Info About Potential Radioactive Hazards After Fire At Federal Lab In South Carolina Wednesday's blaze prompted what's known as a site area emergency, which restricts movement around the area. “What were they so concerned about that they would close the airspace over the plant?” asked Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists. “It is mysterious, and I think the public deserves to know.” The emergency declaration was lifted about five hours later, AP reported. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/state-watch-103026/

Contraception Funding Will Be Diverted To Defray US Energy Costs Instead

Contraception Funding Will Be Diverted To Defray US Energy Costs Instead Congress had earmarked nearly $49 million for birth control for women in low-income countries, but those funds — plus over $75 million more — will be set aside to pay for skyrocketing energy costs. Also, the Food and Drug Administration is planning to update infant formula standards. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/administration-news-103026/

Glitches During Board Exams Cause Some Physicians To Receive Failing Scores

Glitches During Board Exams Cause Some Physicians To Receive Failing Scores A system glitch that caused a delay during the internal medicine board exam this year is being blamed for some test-takers receiving "indeterminate" results with failing scores and having to wait until next year to retake the exam, MedPage Today reported. Test-takers are wondering whether that glitch prevented their answers from being properly saved. A spokesperson has said that these results are the fairest approach for candidates, allowing them to retest under normal conditions without a failed attempt on their record. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/healthcare-industry-103026/

Trump Says He'll Deny Disaster Aid, Veterans' Benefits Unless Midterms Go His Way

Trump Says He'll Deny Disaster Aid, Veterans' Benefits Unless Midterms Go His Way The president has said in remarks and at rallies that he would continue to send hurricane relief money to North Carolina and to settle Camp Lejeune contamination claims only “if we win the House and the Senate.” He has made similar pledges in Ohio, Montana, Kansas, and Georgia, AP reported. Plus, state healthcare policies on the line in this year's midterm elections. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/elections-103026/

Judge Blocks Medicaid Work Rule Requiring Sick People To Prove 'Medical Frailty'

Judge Blocks Medicaid Work Rule Requiring Sick People To Prove 'Medical Frailty' U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns in Boston did not strike down the 80-hours-per-month work requirement, but his ruling will make it easier for some Medicaid recipients with qualifying medical conditions to obtain an exemption, AP reported. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/medicaid-and-costs-103026/

A New Era for the ACA Episode 469 • October 29, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/podcast/what-the-health-469-aca-obamacare-open-enrollment-election-october-29-2026/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8HccLLPoVParh-aobDuh3vs8q_Xftl0UhpAH7LjmrEYMGgxixfjPZ_FetDdDfW5hbiOJe-jCuZrl-DaR0Mg4B24on7Iw&_hsmi=446704312&utm_content=446704312&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: KFF Health News’ ‘What The Health?’: A New Era For The ACA Open enrollment for 2027 Affordable Care Act plans begins Nov. 1 in most states, with consumers facing higher out-of-pocket costs and more bureaucratic hurdles. Meanwhile, Democrats in Congress are laying out plans for an aggressive health policy agenda should they win majorities in the House and/or the Senate. With President Donald Trump in office, however, it’s unclear whether any of their legislative efforts could become law in the next two years. (Rovner, 10/29)

Frights, Fangs, and Healthcare Nightmares in Winning Halloween Haikus Illustrations by Oona Zenda Oct. 30, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/halloween-haiku-winners-2026-healthcare-nightmares/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-92cAIHW_skJw08OEaVXbMZdM8vvSp6xkkNTj1vJ9XRRNJeXOl3Wn3VAmpN-HPRSQJEGFbPiRrmVzg8kadVKXAY0EOV7w&_hsmi=446704312&utm_content=446704312&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: Frights, Fangs, And Healthcare Nightmares In Winning Halloween Haikus What’s scarier than ghosts and goblins? How about measles, unaffordable dental care, and an insurance claim denied by artificial intelligence? Nearly 80 healthcare-themed haikus crept into our inbox this Halloween season. Meet the winners of KFF Health News’ eighth annual Halloween haiku contest below. (10/30)

For Californians Drowning in Healthcare Costs, Governor’s Race Offers Few Answers By Christine Mai-Duc Oct. 30, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/elections/california-healthcare-costs-affordability-debt-governor-race-becerra-hilton/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_r8XF7eZFtLcElBdj_dkzYa2Sd13ACV94DZVY_MAddDn1y0C4NjypEPrbKU1DqYK5dmLa1Kc4xToNQfqt7CSpyxhtGKQ&_hsmi=446704312&utm_content=446704312&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: For Californians Drowning In Healthcare Costs, Governor’s Race Offers Few Answers When Ashley Porter began slurring her speech one October day four years ago, doctors suspected a stroke. A spinal tap, an MRI, dozens of blood draws, another MRI, and a night spent at the hospital were followed, finally, by an answer: Porter had multiple sclerosis. Her shock turned to outrage, she said, when she received the roughly $180,000 hospital bill, even though insurance covered most of it. (Mai-Duc, 10/30)

Your Phone Knows You’re at the Doctor, and Data Brokers Do, Too — Then Profit From It The sensitive information is used for targeted ads, often touting unproven treatments. By Michael Scaturro Illustration by Oona Zenda Oct. 30, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/health-industry/data-brokers-phone-location-tracking-sensitive-medical-data-targeted-ads/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8SnxVpJvLtZMUEK8wCJqXUgpiYuqHNxZSbOGwHZa0jKGF48LcYikqy-U0wrcix0HhTQ-5BaE9EnXBz_9jMJUg4FaSEJQ&_hsmi=446704312&utm_content=446704312&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: Your Phone Knows You’re At The Doctor, And Data Brokers Do, Too — Then Profit From It Chris McQueen finished treatment for leukemia a year and a half ago, but the ads for fake cures never stopped. Juice cleanses to cure cancer, “natural” cancer treatments, clinics in Mexico promising full recovery with little chemotherapy — all appeared on McQueen’s mobile phone during routine oncologist visits and monthly bloodwork. McQueen and others have taken to social media to vent about companies known as data brokers tracking their whereabouts via their smartphones’ location data, connecting it with other data gathered about them, and then drawing inferences about their health struggles to sell to companies hawking unproven treatments. (Scaturro, 10/30)

Medicare Drug Plans Are Hiking Premiums While Trump Claims Victory on Medicine Prices By Phil Galewitz Oct. 30, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/medicare/medicare-drug-plans-premium-hikes-affordability-trump-cms/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8WSV_IeYa5EywPc3Xoyv-VqN5vtxu745Ke5Oz7Mjxm-K1vLtax2mbUHVMz12gBMQGIgBw38zWcvXuPolM99X-DeNjN8Q&_hsmi=446704312&utm_content=446704312&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: Medicare Drug Plans Are Hiking Premiums While Trump Claims Victory On Medicine Prices Millions of Medicare enrollees who buy stand-alone prescription drug plans will see their average monthly premiums rise by 50% in 2027, a new analysis finds. But enrollees can avoid the average increase — from $34 a month to $51 — by switching to lower-cost plans during the program’s open enrollment period, which runs through Dec. 7. (Galewitz, 10/30)

DEA Clarifies Direct Delivery of Prescribed Controlled Substances to Practitioners October 30, 2026 By Andrew J. Hull & Karla L. Palmer —

https://www.thefdalawblog.com/2026/10/dea-clarifies-direct-delivery-of-prescribed-controlled-substances-to-practitioners/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dea-clarifies-direct-delivery-of-prescribed-controlled-substances-to-practitioners On October 28th, DEA issued the guidance we anticipated and discussed over two years ago in our June 2024 blog post. The guidance explains when a DEA-registered pharmacy may deliver a prescribed controlled substance directly to a practitioner for administration to a patient, so long as the patient has executed a power of attorney (POA) permitting the practitioner to accept delivery of the substance on the patient’s behalf.

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

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

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

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

Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pharmacy Benefit Managers Will Soon Be Required To Disclose Pricing, Payment Data

Pharmacy Benefit Managers Will Soon Be Required To Disclose Pricing, Payment Data In an attempt to curb healthcare costs, the Labor Department will require drug middlemen to disclose details on how they get paid, the prices paid for pharmaceuticals, and payments they receive from drugmakers, The Wall Street Journal reported. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/pharma-102926/

HHS Permits Access To 6 Peptides Not Yet Approved By The FDA

HHS Permits Access To 6 Peptides Not Yet Approved By The FDA The Department of Health and Human Services won't pursue legal action against compounding pharmacies that offer the peptides while the administration determines what rules to put in place to ensure the safety of the products. Plus, the healthcare concerns on the minds of candidates and voters heading into the midterm elections. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/administration-news-102926/

Listen to the Latest ‘KFF Health News Minute’ Oct. 29, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/listen-kff-health-news-minute-2026/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--8Q4v2rzHJTn8myq0UGOrsmATIkDyxCNP4luC2aao_D-UyZdB0vlDwZ7LCf5uiS-Xeb-A8QZLgRYb7YesCGQUoMs4D3w&_hsmi=446544410&utm_content=446544410&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: Listen To The Latest ‘KFF Health News Minute’ Arielle Zionts reads the week’s news: Prescription drugs can be lifesavers, but taking many different meds can be risky. Plus, people shopping for Obamacare plans for next year may see some changes. (10/29)

The Campaign To Defend Trans Healthcare in Missouri Is Slow Going, on Purpose By Bram Sable-Smith Video by Hannah Norman and Kyle Pyatt Oct. 29, 2026

KFF Health News: The Campaign To Defend Trans Healthcare In Missouri Is Slow Going, On Purpose Reneé Luckfield tries not to knock like a cop. In fact, the 29-year-old spends a lot of time thinking about how to make strangers comfortable when she shows up at their door to talk about transgender healthcare. A syncopated “tap — tap-tap-tap” sounds friendly even when she knocks loudly. In each encounter, she masks her own unease. “Honestly, it’s not something that I’m entirely comfortable with,” Luckfield, a transgender woman, said while walking door to door in this affluent St. Louis suburb. “And it’s not fair that we have to do this work.” (Sable-Smith, 10/29) https://kffhealthnews.org/elections/transgender-healthcare-missouri-canvassing-campaign-midterms/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8z6cKV9qM3QiKT9ivIjxmYOT695OZh-mLfvup_Y6U3Up1HGg0S32ExGgEOIkI2aCtiNu_2MLxg0zp5BO8r5cnW1oLi5Q&_hsmi=446544410&utm_content=446544410&utm_source=hs_email

Data Center Health Worries Animate Midterm Campaigns By Stephanie Armour and Amanda Seitz Oct. 29, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/elections/data-centers-midterm-campaigns-health-pollution-noise-light-arizona-ohio/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-88-Qlyq3YXYsn6m5jLkeMr-JptFO9f6NOoF-GiLtghlYqXSeFOa-CneKSNt9vPw3xsib6BogRHG2HyISCHkRTGimsUbw&_hsmi=446544410&utm_content=446544410&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: Data Center Health Worries Animate Midterm Campaigns Doug Herrera still lives in the house his father built, though his dad died some time ago from cancer. Herrera wonders if that illness could have been linked to pollutants from nearby uranium mining. Now, he worries that a possible new neighbor — a proposed $10 billion mega data center — could imperil his health. “I’m a patriot, but I’m highly against the data center,” Herrera, 64, said from his front porch near a yard sign that reads “No Data Centers.” “There is light pollution, sound pollution. The temperature is going to rise,” he said. (Armour and Seitz, 10/29)

She Needed an EpiPen. But First, an Urgent Care Asked Her To Pay. By Phil Galewitz Photos by Eric Harkleroad Oct. 29, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/health-industry/urgent-care-prepay-allergic-reaction-sting-virginia-bill-of-the-month-october-2026/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--u9U7LelNpg8ZEFI6pKJ3GRI6KtEGpitjRFEXSGd_r-NKLAPy-ZYm4R60MeAoKH0KP85oURzEk3_eur-EMXptnj3wFTw&_hsmi=446544410&utm_content=446544410&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: She Needed An EpiPen. But First, An Urgent Care Asked Her To Pay Stephanie Rowell was standing on her parents’ front porch in July when a wasp stung her left arm. She said that almost immediately her arm felt like it was “on fire,” her body started itching all over, and her face became swollen and red.Rowell, 53, took Benadryl, and her father started driving her to the nearest emergency room, about 25 minutes away. But after driving for 10 minutes they spotted a TruHealthNow urgent care facility in Purcellville, Virginia, and decided to stop, hoping she would get help faster. (Galewitz, 10/29)

The PEPTIDE-L Wave Reaches HHS: Enforcement Discretion … Not the Finish Line October 28, 2026 By Karla L. Palmer & Charles D. Snow —

https://www.thefdalawblog.com/2026/10/the-peptide-l-wave-reaches-hhs-enforcement-discretion-not-the-finish-line/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-peptide-l-wave-reaches-hhs-enforcement-discretion-not-the-finish-line The PEPTIDE-L Wave Reaches HHS: Enforcement Discretion … Not the Finish Line October 28, 2026 By Karla L. Palmer & Charles D. Snow — Well, readers, we finally have an answer. Or at least an interim answer. And, yes, it comes with “guardrails.” After the July 23-24, 2026, Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) meeting left compounders asking whether (and when) FDA enforcement discretion would follow the favorable peptide votes, HHS has announced a limited Interim Policy. See our previous posts covering the PCAC meetings (here and here). But keep the champagne on ice: This is conditional enforcement discretion while rulemaking proceeds, not final placement on the Section 503A bulks list. That final rulemaking could take quite a while, if FDA’s 503A bulk substance rulemaking process is any indicator of the Agency’s timeliness to action. After 15 years of waiting and since nomination, only six bulk substances have been moved from FDA’s interim 503A list via the required notice-and-comment rulemaking.

The Flexibility Papers, No. 1: First Principles for a Rare Disease Framework October 29, 2026 By James E. Valentine & Gayatri R. Rao & Frank J. Sasinowski —

https://www.thefdalawblog.com/2026/10/the-flexibility-papers-no-1-first-principles-for-a-rare-disease-framework/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-flexibility-papers-no-1-first-principles-for-a-rare-disease-framework The Flexibility Papers, No. 1: First Principles for a Rare Disease Framework October 29, 2026 By James E. Valentine & Gayatri R. Rao & Frank J. Sasinowski — Yesterday, FDA and the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA convened a public meeting to kick off stakeholder engagement on FDA’s new Rare Disease Framework Initiative. And while there is no shortage of opinions about how FDA should approach rare disease drug development, this time the Agency is asking stakeholders to help build the framework itself.

More Medications, More Risks. If You’re Worried, Start a Deprescribing Discussion. By Blake Farmer, Nashville Public Radio and Cara Anthony Oct. 20, 2026 (++++) video

https://kffhealthnews.org/aging/healthq-deprescribing-medication-mix-drug-risks-polypharmacy-talk-to-doctor/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Colorado&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9sCP5IUMKKQDOJWfe8hZ_aZcbJ4tJX6Q2zfXXWFFURf6GmWsdStNWiKKuqc-Z59NWiZ9KREPSU9uhBYJ1eyfD0BaTCsw&_hsmi=446375587&utm_content=446375587&utm_source=hs_email More Medications, More Risks. If You’re Worried, Start a Deprescribing Discussion. By Blake Farmer, Nashville Public Radio; and Cara Anthony As people take a greater number of medications across years or decades, medical experts say the risk for adverse drug interactions increases. One way to advocate for yourself? Keep a list of your meds handy. Four Red Flags and One Truth Amid the Peptide Hype By Amy Maxmen Experimental peptides are all the rage on longevity and “optimization” podcasts, but a lot of the chatter is misleading. https://kffhealthnews.org/public-health/peptide-hype-experimental-unproven-drugs-red-flags/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Colorado&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_8SBeJItMnIIUQmvITaQnKwy764GZ-9J-VAZFFTtO3hRPTC7PXDXpp8Fh0trgi8GRUND9JjtaIXNU76VJWtf_r4X0_gw&_hsmi=446375587&utm_content=446375587&utm_source=hs_email After Booting 760K People From ACA Plans, Trump Administration Has Added Some Back By Julie Appleby The Trump administration has provided few details about its process for canceling hundreds of thousands of Affordable Care Act marketplace enrollments — even as the next stage of the anti-fraud effort is underway. https://kffhealthnews.org/insurance/trump-aca-affordable-care-act-obamacare-cms-fraud-cancellations-reinstatements/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Colorado&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_ZmzSIqY6yOaMDZsq1U-txDjQ2MJeXr43dN22LM5gKThr9veqNgcRvql-NzzBwZyHJfgE6wXlqFXb8zzRLfbYyjgE16A&_hsmi=446375587&utm_content=446375587&utm_source=hs_email Democrats Demand Tougher Standards for Companies Running Medicaid Systems By Samantha Liss and Rachana Pradhan A year after launching an inquiry into companies, including Deloitte, that receive billions in taxpayer dollars to build complex computer systems determining Medicaid eligibility, senators are urging the federal government to impose stricter rules. https://kffhealthnews.org/medicaid/medicaid-eligibility-computer-systems-deloitte-democratic-senators-demand-tougher-standards/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Colorado&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_-9S5QsXm4lJ6nCE4IoafWZS6EcwHVqqJlwE5cjjqTj7iyz4SusccsIGPcK8Qqt0Uq_ZM0EdWHLC7zruRcqg6x4GizGw&_hsmi=446375587&utm_content=446375587&utm_source=hs_email

Midterms Have Revived Universal Healthcare Debate. These States Are Ahead of Everyone. By Markian Hawryluk Oct. 2, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/elections/single-payer-universal-healthcare-debate-midterms-oregon-proposal/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Colorado&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9Jw8Yn7m6Cv6rNzy-8cCAQUW9m6kpW1fi8-3radgQZ2oqCQJxEw0qe-ms4OiGsQw0CAcnldB0fiyEaF49_0y6FDiiVxg&_hsmi=446375587&utm_content=446375587&utm_source=hs_email Midterms Have Revived Universal Healthcare Debate. These States Are Ahead of Everyone. By Markian Hawryluk While Democratic congressional candidates are floating the restoration of federal Affordable Care Act subsidies and Medicaid funding, Oregon officials are crafting a more ambitious plan to implement universal coverage in their state. But advocates of the plan expect a significant fight from healthcare behemoths that have helped derail myriad universal healthcare efforts. Single-payer ballot measures in Colorado in 2016, Oregon in 2002, and California in 1994 all failed by large margins.

As Politicians Argue About China, US Patients Find Cutting-Edge Treatment There By Arthur Allen Oct. 20, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/health-industry/china-cancer-drugs-foreign-travel-pharma-biotech-fda-regulation-clinical-trials/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Colorado&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9CawA6-tn1UJbfU3sIOlrZirrEFxHbV5oZ_dC5PFVDT4gcldrfQPRx2NyF-K_3vI_51pDI8h0L0UO8J_GpwlcHVitobA&_hsmi=446375587&utm_content=446375587&utm_source=hs_email As Politicians Argue About China, US Patients Find Cutting-Edge Treatment There By Arthur Allen Americans, Europeans, and others are trekking to China to enter clinical trials for CAR-T therapy, an area in which China is now a world leader. Kyle Concannon, a leader of a University of Colorado research team that has developed a variety of CAR-T therapy, said regulatory uncertainty in the U.S. has slowed his team’s progress.

‘Go to Canada’: Trump Touted Americans’ Access to Cheaper Drugs. A New Rule Threatens It. The import regulation was set to take effect Oct. 22 but was pushed back three months. By Arthur Allen Oct. 22, 2026 (++++)

https://kffhealthnews.org/health-care-costs/prescription-drugs-fda-cheaper-imports-trump-canada-new-rule-customs/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Colorado&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_LRGlDIw4NlKct4JxHpRCRFZtVO4zzx51WZSB3__GqeFhl1kcoNsXFDOn_IadJdmG4bakXePk37e8jHW-1mDtpsi3LOw&_hsmi=446375587&utm_content=446375587&utm_source=hs_email By Arthur Allen Days before it was to go into effect, the Trump administration pushed back a U.S. customs rule threatening the supply of vital prescription drugs imported by millions of Americans. Under the rule, Customs and Border Protection and the FDA will require coding on packages that makes it easier to know what’s in them. It is aimed at collecting tariffs on even low-value imports, and at catching illegal drugs like fentanyl. It will also add costs and complex paperwork to each order. Now the regulation, which was set to start Oct. 22, is delayed until Jan. 20. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/international-mail-entry-type-13-mandatory-implementation-date?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Colorado&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-96wu-48R1h8UDpCV_0KdIw52JTVxpRYMHBRg9ovGBmIXqWjb4YggKPW6sQMs3l0ZQMXJA7PqaOiM-lbDg61YIFpQ24rg&_hsmi=446375587&utm_content=446375587&utm_source=hs_email While it is illegal to import most FDA-approved prescription drugs, the U.S. has allowed Americans to import legal medications in small quantities for personal use since 2003. The FDA rarely inspects the parcels. https://www.theregreview.org/2026/09/07/levitt-using-enforcement-discretion-to-permit-personal-drug-importation/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Colorado&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9GMWoCwzgKFFukzrWlfmsDA0JSrrO6hv9M-O81Ij3hhcdElvog3SafXeKb4vl3Jx5lM_FCESgsZq4Z2MnvqdfJpBLC3A&_hsmi=446375587&utm_content=446375587&utm_source=hs_email As Donald Trump campaigned in 2016, allowing people to import drugs was part of his platform. In his first term, President Trump let states buy cheaper drugs from Canada. He told Floridians at 2020 rallies that their state could “go to Canada” to obtain drugs for them. But while Florida and Colorado joined the importation program, neither state has brought in any drugs yet. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/importation-program-under-section-804-fdc-act/section-804-importation-program-policies-and-authorizations?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Colorado&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8M3ZYOAJg-akjIE0trH_oPSdHPIdkyavjKkJLypXo6-tnaiGp-JgdgdD19Kr108x34sdUPmlrm0AjjSEF_jzP6ViF0GQ&_hsmi=446375587&utm_content=446375587&utm_source=hs_email

Happier Providers Have Better Patient Outcomes Cheryl Alkon

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/happier-providers-have-better-patient-outcomes-2026a10014rq?ecd=WNL_trdalrt_pos1_ous_261029_etid8844953&uac=148436CN&impID=8844953 What does physician happiness have to do with patient outcomes? More than most think. For years, burnout has dominated the conversation — studied, measured, dissected from every angle. Physician happiness, by comparison, and whether that happiness influences patient outcomes very rarely registers as a subject worthy of research. That’s starting to change.

National Academy of Medicine’s 2026 Annual Meeting (Scientific Symposium on Chronic Disease) 2026 Victor J. Dzau Keynote Address by Drew Altman, PhD: The Big Challenges Ahead in Health Policy, and Where Chronic Illness Fits Author: Drew Altman Published: Oct 28, 2026

https://www.kff.org/health-costs/national-academy-of-medicines-2026-annual-meeting-scientific-symposium-on-chronic-disease/

Explaining Health Care Reform: Questions About Health Insurance Subsidies Published: Oct 28, 2026

https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/explaining-health-care-reform-questions-about-health-insurance-subsidies/

Tracking Insurer Participation Changes in the ACA Marketplaces in 2027 Authors: Jared Ortaliza, Justin Lo, Lynne Cotter, Matt McGough, and Cynthia Cox Published: Oct 28, 2026

https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/tracking-insurer-participation-changes-in-the-aca-marketplaces-in-2027/

National Academy of Medicine’s 2026 Annual Meeting (Scientific Symposium on Chronic Disease) 2026 Victor J. Dzau Keynote Address by Drew Altman, PhD: The Big Challenges Ahead in Health Policy, and Where Chronic Illness Fits Author: Drew Altman Published: Oct 28, 2026

https://www.kff.org/health-costs/national-academy-of-medicines-2026-annual-meeting-scientific-symposium-on-chronic-disease/?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-95Kzy5Vp48hg7z-CXcJ5rOLV_9gCox5jkV1LLt-QSr2__z3aLRFA4xyeweOq1V4aaZbnwNEkRR3dHvtKOKHwJ_2AmDSA&_hsmi=446348638&utm_content=446348638&utm_source=hs_email National Academy of Medicine’s 2026 Annual Meeting (Scientific Symposium on Chronic Disease) 2026 Victor J. Dzau Keynote Address by Drew Altman, PhD: The Big Challenges Ahead in Health Policy, and Where Chronic Illness Fits Note from Drew Altman: On October 10, 2026, I had the honor of delivering the keynote address at the annual meeting of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), where I am a member and former member of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Governing Council. As the event drew closer, I asked to convert the formal remarks to a fireside chat, feeling that format is more accessible to audiences. The discussion was moderated by the program head for the day, Brendan Lee, MD, PhD, the distinguished – in title and in fact - professor and chairman of the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor. Subsequently, many requested that I write down what I had said that day, which I have done with as much fidelity to what I actually said as possible. The program focused on chronic disease, and I had been asked to paint the policy and political environment and discuss how chronic illness fits. ---------------------------------- The Health Policy Agenda and Where Chronic Illness Fits A long time ago in government, I was described in a major newspaper as “a nice guy trapped in a deadly serious face.” So, I hope it shines through the mask what a special privilege it is to be the first Victor Zau Keynote speaker this year. Victor has always led with science, values, transparency and tremendous honor. He led through a transition from IOM to NAM that I was on the other side of, feeling it was a mistake for IOM to lose control of so many of its substantive programs, even co-authoring a dissenting report when I was on the Governing Council, but I have nothing but admiration for how Victor has guided us through the changes, and now we have superb new leadership at the Academy, which we just witnessed in action. I have transitions on my mind, making my own after 37 years since founding KFF. A million years ago, when I received a PhD in political science at MIT, I received a note from my 96-year-old grandmother which simply said: “Congratulations, so what are you going to do, open a political science store?” Those of you who know KFF know I sort of did. I started what is now KFF back in the early 1990s based on a simple idea: Health was becoming a bigger issue and the country would need a trusted independent source for health policy information. We do that by doing lots of policy analysis, polling and survey research, and through our newsroom, now the largest health newsroom in the country, with bureaus across the U.S. We are not a policy research shop, although we do tons of policy research. We are not a polling organization, although we are well known for that. Nor are we a news organization. We are a “unicornish” combination of all three, and it’s the combination of all three, coordinated and focused on the same issues, that gives us the power and presence to play our national role and reach the different audiences we want to reach. For those of you who may remain confused about this: We do not have and never have had any connection to Kaiser Permanente, and we are not a foundation. We are a public charity – or endowed nonprofit – based in San Francisco. One important thing about us is that we never take positions or make recommendations, but I certainly understand that data and analysis are not neutral in national health policy. In fact, we are built to annoy all sides at one time or another, and we do. Big health policy debates come in cycles and health policy is heating up again, driven by voter concern about cost of living and health care costs, the midterms, wins by progressive Democrats pushing more expansive reform ideas again (whether they go anywhere or not), controversial administration policies, and much more. They will continue to grow through 2028 and a potentially big legislative agenda beyond. Today, I want to talk about a few of the biggest challenges we face in health policy, and how your topic today – chronic illness – is central to them, obviously viewed through the lens of a hard-core health policy organization. I recognize that there are lots of different folks here with different perspectives and NAM has its own priorities, and I have no quarrel with that. There will be overlap, but we are a different animal in health policy. There are three problems I want to talk about: Rebuilding Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage after almost a trillion dollars in cuts in federal spending in the two programs over the next 10 years, the largest cuts in coverage and federal health spending in our history. Reconstructing federal agencies – a task which is receiving inadequate attention and will mean daunting decisions about funding, staffing, and most challenging of all – redesigning what agency missions should be. Lest we forget, nobody was happy with the primary Health and Human Services (HHS) agencies before, but we are so unhappy with the state of affairs now we forget that. And third, there is a new zeal to take on health care costs. But what do we even mean by that? Have we discovered the courage we never had before to do it, and, in particular, to take on underlying costs driven mostly by hospital spending and high prices? Finally, a bonus theme: we can’t deal effectively with any of this unless we make some progress restoring trust in evidence and facts, and the people and institutions that convey them, especially government scientific agencies. I am more optimistic than many people about this big challenge based on our survey data, and I will touch on that. Two points weave in and out: 1) these challenges will compete for space on the agenda and funding. No president, secretary, or new Congress will take them all on simultaneously in a meaningful way and 2) I have written often, there is an invisible crisis of costs and affordability affecting the chronically ill and people with major diseases. And I don’t use the over-used word “crisis” lightly. It’s why I am so pleased with your focus today. To start… The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) included almost a trillion dollars in cuts in federal health spending over ten years. Then, following on the heels of that, was the failure to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, which our widely cited analysis showed, on average, doubled premiums for almost 24 million enrollees, leading millions to drop coverage and driving many more into plans with big deductibles averaging 7k a year. Effectively that’s not insurance if you drive an Uber or work in hair salon or work on a farm and make, say, 35k a year. (Fun KFF fact: 1/3 of farmers and ranchers get their coverage through the Marketplaces.) All told, estimates are that these cuts will result in about 14 million more uninsured people over the decade, reversing progress made in recent years and bringing the number of uninsured back up to close to 40 million. But that’s not the only effect. As a former state Human Services Secretary, I can tell you that states will try to replace some but far from all of these cuts, especially blue states. When they do, something else in the state budget will have to give. It may be education or higher education or environmental protection or corrections. Few to none will raise taxes. The single biggest cut—330 billion over 10 years—comes from the Medicaid work requirements, a popular but highly questionable policy. It’s popular because Americans love the idea of work and personal responsibility. Medicaid work also draws on a conservative view of Medicaid dominating current policy as a “welfare program,” a dividing line between Rs and Ds. Seventy-four percent of Democrats see Medicaid as a “government insurance program for low-income people.” By contrast, more than half or Republicans see it as “a welfare program.” If you view it as welfare, like cash assistance, you are likely to want to impose requirements to get it and cut it if you can. If you view it as “insurance,” you want to protect it and expand it if you can. The difference in underlying views is fundamental. I was a leader in the welfare reform movement many years ago as state human services secretary, actually for a Republican governor. I can’t stress enough how different this is from what I thought I was doing then. Welfare reform then was built on what Bill Clinton called a “reciprocal obligation.” Beneficiaries were asked to take steps towards self-sufficiency and government committed new resources to help them do that, for job training and childcare, job search and more. In my state, that meant historic new commitments to childcare and other employment-related supports. In “Medicaid work,” only the beneficiary has an obligation. That’s one reason why CBO says it produces no new work. Let me repeat that, NO new employment gains - only red tape that forces people off the rolls (5 million more uninsured says CBO). It’s a popular policy that’s a huge administrative lift for any governor, which doesn’t produce work but is popular because it sounds like it promotes work and personal responsibility. A Second Big Challenge Is Rebuilding the Federal Agencies I was a young academic at MIT when I got a job working for the head of what is now CMS, an agency I was later asked to run. It changed my career and my life, which became all about public service, whether in the public or nonprofit sectors. Can that happen anymore? How do we revitalize rather than demonize public service? What does it mean that 60% of the graduates of the Kennedy School go to big consulting firms (the last time I looked)? I don’t need to tell this audience about the staffing cuts in the federal agencies, the dismantling of agencies of special relevance to this audience such as AHRQ, the warping of missions and science, including jarring recent reports from research arms of HHS asserting that enrollees dropping coverage all did so because they were there fraudulently. I have had hundreds of calls from expats from HHS looking for help and so have many of you. Interestingly, by far the largest of the agencies in terms of budget, CMS, protected by Dr. Oz, has been largely immune from the storms that have swept through other agencies caught up in the science and culture wars. I don’t want to present a lot of data about staffing cuts, and a lot of it is fluid and unreliable or from advocacy groups. To me, these are the critical points: It will take a Marshall Project to rebuild the HHS agencies No secretary will be able to do it and do everything else he or she needs to do. (I know how daunting it will be. I have been offered that job too and looked it in the eye.) If plans are not made ahead of time, it will be two years into an administration before much is done, and that could be too late; likewise if it is done agency head and agency by agency over time For those reasons, it would be timely for some distinguished nonpartisan group (KFF, NAM, a new commission funded by foundations) to take this on now. If I were a Secretary, I would appoint, in effect, a reconstruction czar, who would focus solely on plans and proposals for the reconstruction of CDC, FDA, the PHS agencies and NIH, including mission, staffing and funding. How to formulate an updated commitment to equity across HHS will by itself be a daunting challenge, but it must be done. This is a tough one because no candidate will run on restoring federal agencies, but this audience understands how essential it is. Third, there is a new zeal to take on health care costs. But what do we even mean by that? At all the conferences I speak at, I find that we are often talking past each other as if we operate in a Venn Diagram with sets that only somewhat overlap and often conflict. Often in my world, we are talking about federal health spending. Cutting that often puts pressure on a different problem we sometimes talk about, state health spending. Employers are entirely concerned about their annual premium increases, and they should be. Our annual survey shows the average cost of a family policy is now almost $28,000 a year, the equivalent of buying a Toyota Corolla each year. Then there is “value” – a concept which encompasses at one and the same time the most forward-looking reforms in payment and delivery and the most backward rear-guard actions to forestall either real market competition or government regulation that might address underlying costs. In general, beware of any idea that is popular with everyone. Then there are the two really big cost problems. There is the one experts have always cared about most, national health care spending, measured as the share of GDP we spend on health care or per capita health spending. For reasons we debate endlessly in my world, health care as a share of GDP, long predicted to blow through 20% of GDP, has been pretty stable for a long time at about 18%. That’s much higher than other wealthy nations but reasonably stable. It’s predicted to rise more sharply again, and the main culprit as always is our high prices, which we don’t deal with much, focusing more on volume and utilization in bits and pieces. And then there is the cost problem, which is driving the rising concern about health care nationally and has made health care a political issue. It’s none of the above; its “affordability” – the cost of health care to people. That—and only that—is what has made health care a voting issue. If you look at the polls, the economy always emerges as the voters’ top concern. So, in our monthly tracking poll, we asked voters and I paraphrase: You said the economy was your top worry, what about the economy worries you the most? Health care costs were at the top of the list, ahead of the cost of food, housing, and even gas prices. Assuming gas prices would eventually eclipse health care, we continue to ask every month and health care costs have remained number one, just ahead of gas prices, until tying with them recently. But they are all closely clumped together, and it makes sense that health care costs are a top “worry” since they are less predictable than some other costs. The uncertainty makes people worry about it more. The best way to understand this: voters see health care costs as one dimension of a set of inter-related cost-of-living concerns they are concerned about. It’s not number one, two or three…it’s all one concern. While I am talking about the midterms, it’s also useful to always remember that issues are only one factor that drive votes. Think about your own vote. Partisan affiliation matters. The candidates and voters’ feeling about them matter a lot. Their feelings about the mood and direction of the nation and about President Trump matter (especially for turnout). All these things matter more than issues and a lot more than candidates’ policy plans to address issues. Polling assesses these factors as well, but issue rankings tend to get featured the most. So, there are six different cost problems – national spending, people’s health costs, federal spending, state spending, employer premiums and value – and often we talk past each other as if they are the same. Often, they conflict: cut federal spending, for example, and you drive up state spending. The real challenge is to take on underlying costs but there is little evidence that the country has the stomach for that, nor do Democrats and Republicans have anything resembling agreement on how to do it except for some incremental measures that will have impact only at the margin. It means aggressively taking on hospital spending either through market forces (tough in a very consolidated industry) or government regulation, which is off the table with Republicans in charge and industry strongly opposed. For at least the next two years we are destined for “small ball” on costs, typically dressed up to sound more impactful than it is. A bright spot now is the action in several states to take on hospital costs. It Turns Out that Chronic Illness Is at the Heart of the Affordability and the Complexity Problems When we do surveys, we generally find that about 25% of the American people have trouble paying their health care bills and skipped or delayed care as a result. Partly for this talk, we did a survey of 20,000 people looking at people with chronic conditions and serious illnesses such as asthma, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and mental health conditions. I am not going to give you a lot of numbers without slides, but for people with those conditions, the shares having problems paying their medical bills approach 40%; as many as 59% say they skipped or delayed needed care in the past year; around a quarter said their health got worse as a result; and, around a quarter said they had to cut back on other basic household needs as a result. They also get caught in the health care maze more often: between 40 and 50% say their insurance company denied or delayed their care. You could simply say, sure, of course they have the most problems; they use the most care. You could also say that the most basic obligation of any health system is to take care of people who are sick and we are not doing that. If I leave you with any big message today it is this: the chronically ill are the heart of the health care affordability crisis in the country. But wait there’s more…. Again, not surprisingly, but tellingly, the worst thing you can be in our health system is chronically ill AND UNINSURED. Among uninsured adults with multiple chronic conditions, 72% had problems paying or were unable to pay their medical bills. Seventy-one percent skipped or delayed needed care. Forty-three percent said they got sicker as a result, and half said they had to cut back on other household needs. To use a technical term, the chronically ill and uninsured are probably the most screwed group of all in our health system, and now with all the cuts, their ranks will grow. Finally, I don’t believe we can make real progress without dealing with declining trust; in government agencies, the news media, medicine and science. We have to have shared trust in information and science. A shared belief that government can make a difference, even if we disagree over how. And a shared understanding that access to affordable health care, and health coverage, make a difference in people’s lives. We have polled extensively on this and it has made me somewhat more optimistic. The polling doesn’t show a country drowning in health misinformation and mistrust on social media. It shows a small group of hard-core disbelievers, but smallish; just 1% believe all of the vaccine myths, for example. It shows another group who trust the science. Let’s call them the NAM Americans. But most Americans are stuck in the middle, uncertain about what is true and who to believe on almost every key question. They have heard the lies, but they don’t necessarily believe them. They say they don’t believe what they see on social media. They are “up for grabs.” The situation is far from hopeless. A few hundred thousand or even a million posts on social media are NOT the whole country. Usually, its folks reinforcing views they already hold. And the most trusted messengers are still physicians and nurses and pharmacists–MANY OF YOU. It’s up to us to reach the vast majority in the middle and turn this around. Many of us seek discovery or to fill knowledge gaps in our work. We also need to keep people and relevance centered in everything we do. Thank you very much for having me and for honoring Victor.

Study suggests gut microbiome determines vaccine reaction News brief October 27, 2026 Stephanie Soucheray, MA

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/misc-emerging-topics/study-suggests-gut-microbiome-determines-vaccine-reaction?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--oTnw8I48d_b9SmMPFryn3H8iPHGrdxdWmyd7KtZr1bnXdGW_E23Dzidmia0Dx6YGu7MCqtfOO8pw3NEs3AZlGyaaJrA&_hsmi=446332176&utm_content=446332176&utm_source=hs_email CIDRAP: Study Suggests Gut Microbiome Determines Vaccine Reaction A new study shows a person’s gut microbiome, specifically levels of inflammation in the intestine, may be behind post-vaccination fevers. The study was published earlier this month in Science. Fever is a common reaction to a number of vaccines but can be a factor in vaccine hesitancy, the authors wrote, especially for vaccines against seasonal influenza and COVID-19. The study was based on 171 healthy adults whose fecal microbiomes, body temperature, and blood-based immune markers were measured before and after receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. (Soucheray, 10/27)

Trump says he’s ending restrictions on climate-warming methane from oil drilling

https://apnews.com/article/trump-methane-oil-climate-change-257f28c07cda5146a40dbf7a2c8ba790?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_vfRKhV6xQtp9uKsKUv9SLui3Q-3fzTRNfCtN72KltwzZZ7pF0QnfHMgCzs7nFjVAY2irQAYooqPiOo40gawrjRNVpWg&_hsmi=446332176&utm_content=446332176&utm_source=hs_email AP: Trump Says He's Ending Restrictions On Methane Emissions From Oil Drilling President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his administration is “terminating” a Biden-era rule that aimed to cut planet-warming emissions of methane from oil and gas drilling. Trump said during a campaign rally in Texas that the change would save companies and consumers billions of dollars and unlock 210 million barrels of oil. That’s equivalent to about 10 days of U.S. petroleum consumption. ... Methane is responsible for about a third of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, scientists estimate. (Brown and Gruver, 10/28)

Viewpoints: How Worried Should Parents Be About Measles?; Failed Execution Calls For Review Of Death Penalty Constitutionality

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-how-worried-should-parents-be-about-measles-failed-execution-calls-for-review-of-death-penalty-constitutionality/

FDA Details Plans For Quicker Approvals Of Some Individualized Gene Therapies

FDA Details Plans For Quicker Approvals Of Some Individualized Gene Therapies Rare-disease advocates applauded the draft guidance, which the FDA published Tuesday, Stat reported. Also in the news: 340B data demands, a Lyme disease vaccine candidate, and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/pharmaceuticals-102826/

NC's Atrium Health, State Health Plan Reach Deal To Keep Atrium Providers In Network

NC's Atrium Health, State Health Plan Reach Deal To Keep Atrium Providers In Network The agreement comes after months of public sparring over whether state employees could continue to see their Atrium doctors, North Carolina Health News and Charlotte Ledger reported. Other health industry news is on a new accessible community clinic, Northwestern Medicine's new Transplant Institute, and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/health-industry-102826/

Senators Begin Inquiry Into Insurers Over ACA Coverage Termination For 760,000

Senators Begin Inquiry Into Insurers Over ACA Coverage Termination For 760,000 Thirteen Senate Democrats allege 10 top insurers used an improper process in terminating qualified enrollees, insufficient notice, and a lack of compliance with consumer protections. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said the 760,000 enrollments were unauthorized, enrolled through brokers without verified documentation, and that insurers could not identify claims or reach the enrollees, Becker's Hospital Review reported. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/coverage-and-costs-102826/

Post-Dobbs, Over 900 Women Have Been Criminally Charged With Pregnancy-Related Conduct

Post-Dobbs, Over 900 Women Have Been Criminally Charged With Pregnancy-Related Conduct Stateline reported that from June 2022 to June 2025, the vast majority of the charges occurred in three states with near-total abortion bans: Oklahoma, Alabama, and South Carolina. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/state-watch-102826/

Faster Universal Covid Vaccine Rollout Could Have Saved Millions Of Lives, Researchers Say

Faster Universal Covid Vaccine Rollout Could Have Saved Millions Of Lives, Researchers Say CIDRAP reported on the disparities between wealthy countries and those not so well off in "their ability to finance, procure, distribute, and administer" vaccines. More than 8 million lives around the world, many in poorer countries, could have been prevented by 2022 if the covid vaccine had been rolled out 100 days after the virus was sequenced, the policy brief noted. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/public-health-102826/

Trump To Roll Back Rules On Methane Emissions, A Blow For Public Health

Trump To Roll Back Rules On Methane Emissions, A Blow For Public Health President Donald Trump estimates his move to relax regulations on oil and gas company leaks would "save consumers and energy producers $45 billion." Environmental groups point out that companies could harness pollution from leaks and put that energy toward home use. The Biden-era rule had aimed to reduce pollutants that cause health problems. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/administration-news-102826/

Hospital Beds for the Nation’s Sickest Kids Are Disappearing By Katheryn Houghton Oct. 28, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/health-industry/picu-hospital-beds-disappearing-sick-children-intensive-care-montana/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_nI5rFI3GaufVwkuoM5v-k52X4aFgV8WZWRRBi8kGDWdljVpp8S7pwooktaZnv-X2ing3rNsMAH0Jv384-F_dtvR6RKQ&_hsmi=446332176&utm_content=446332176&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: Hospital Beds For The Nation’s Sickest Kids Are Disappearing Hospital units dedicated to treating the nation’s sickest kids are disappearing nationwide. In the past year alone, hospitals have closed pediatric intensive care units for critically ill kids in Montana, Oregon, and Missouri. Overnight hospital wings for kids have also shuttered in Illinois and California. Depending on the hospital, pediatric units — which are separate from neonatal intensive care units — can serve patients ranging from a few weeks old to well into their teens or early adulthood. As hospitals look to cut costs, many are converting those beds into more services for newborns or adults. As a result, pediatric intensive care has become centralized in medical hubs, requiring critically ill children to travel farther for lifesaving care. (Houghton, 10/28)

In California and Other States, Dads Are Now Even With Moms in Paid Leave Claims By Elly Yu, LAist Oct. 28, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/health-care-costs/paid-parental-leave-dads-popularity-california/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8wpYyHT8hL0XcTn1Q4olyHAji_DsMgd_0B8rHQNZFa1O2QPA5j27AgtBxnjxCYA3VKD4vVo0BozHICXudw8dFzlqipaw&_hsmi=446332176&utm_content=446332176&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: In California And Other States, Dads Are Now Even With Moms In Paid Leave Claims Karlo Campana is usually outnumbered these days. He has three young kids under age 4. On a recent Saturday, he played a mini game of basketball with his two older kids in their Southern California home, shooting a ball into a hoop on the door, while his baby boy watched from his bouncy chair. Campana took paid time off in May after the birth of his son — just as he did for his daughters. (Yu, 10/28)

Med School Admissions: How One Student Reviewer Rates Applicants Brianna Abbott

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/med-school-admissions-how-one-student-reviewer-rates-2026a10014s7 For the next few months, Michelle A. Narváez Ramos plans to spend Sunday afternoons curled up on her couch, her laptop open, reviewing packet after packet of medical school applications. A sixth-year student in the MD-PhD program at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, Massachusetts, Narváez Ramos will help determine who will get one of the coveted spots in next year’s class. Last year, there were more than 8000 applications for some 225 slots in the MD-PhD and MD programs.

Concierge Medicine or Direct Primary Care? Rajdeep Dhami, MD

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/concierge-medicine-or-direct-primary-care-2026a100132y Concierge or direct primary care? The decision comes down to one question. Hi. I’m Dr Rajdeep Dhami. I’m a board-certified family physician, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and direct primary care physician. Do you want to keep billing insurance? That’s the fork. Everything else follows.

From Evidence to Impact: Winning Case Studies from The Lancet–Elsevier Foundation Awards Wednesday, 18/11/2026 · 05:00 Atlantic Time (Canada) (GMT -4:00) Cost: Free

https://www.bigmarker.com/lancet-webinars/from-evidence-to-impact-winning-case-studies-from-the-lancet-elsevier-foundation-awards?utm_bmcr_source=hubspot_email_reg1_lancetelsevierfoundationawards26&_hsmi=446218158&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_96WygM0EjD8Ov_35nL97V2Z8dan221ZFKebJveTSXmHSi56waQzyfn4wtWBqtis78TMMXZCq6ibXN3_Y1VA7kiDcCBQ&hsCtaAttrib=222131459929 We invite you to our Lancet Webinar, From Evidence to Impact: Winning Case Studies from The Lancet-Elsevier Foundation Awards, on November 18, 2026, at 09:00 GMT/10:00 CET, presented in partnership with The Elsevier Foundation. Attendance is free with registration. Register now Chaired by Zoë Mullan, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet Global Health, and Maha Rhannam, Elsevier Foundation Partnerships Manager, hear from the three winning teams of the inaugural The Lancet-Elsevier Foundation Evidence to Impact Awards as they share learnings from their award-winning projects, showcasing implementation science in practice from around the world. Although the subject matter and settings are very different, all three demonstrate a deep commitment to community engagement, co-design, evidence-based implementation strategies, and sustainability via long-term partnerships. Hear from the winners: Implementing Essential Emergency and Critical Care in Tanzania Tim Baker, Associate Professor and Critical Care Physician, and Anesthesiologist, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, and Karolinska Institutet, Tanzania Karima Khalid, Lecturer and Senior Consultant in Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences and Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute, Tanzania 2YoungLives: Reducing Adolescent Maternal and Perinatal Mortality in Sierra Leone Cristina Fernandez Turienzo, Senior Research Fellow in Maternal, Child and Adolescent health, PI, King’s College London, UK Mangenda Kamara, 2YoungLives Co-Founder and gender expert, University of Sierra Leone & Lifeline Nehemiah Projects, Sierra Leone The ECORRA Trial: Equitable Cancer Outcomes across Rural and Remote Australia Serene Yoong, Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Deakin Centre for Global Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Deakin University, Australia Anna Chapman, Senior Research Fellow, Deakin University, Australia You will also have the opportunity to ask your questions during a live Q&A with each of the winning teams. Can't attend the live webinar? By registering you will receive an email with a link to the on-demand version so that you can watch it at your convenience. We hope you can join us for this Lancet Webinar! Yours sincerely, The Lancet Group

Botanical Drug Development: Guidance for Industry

https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/botanical-drug-development-guidance-industry?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery OTC Drug Review Process | OTC Drug Monographs https://www.fda.gov/drugs/otc-drug-review-process-otc-drug-monographs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Regulatory perspectives on herbal medicinal / botanical drug product development: Joint FDA / EMA workshop

https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/events/regulatory-perspectives-herbal-medicinal-botanical-drug-product-development-joint-fda-ema-workshop?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery Thank you, Dr. Sokolowska and Dr. Thirstrup for speaking today on the joint FDA and EMA workshop “Regulatory Perspectives on Herbal Medicinal / Botanical Drug DevelopmentExternal Link Disclaimer.” Let’s get started by sharing your roles in the FDA and EMA respectively, and what interested you about the workshop. Thirstrup: I'm the Chief Medical Officer at the EMA. I'm a medical doctor by background and spent the first 10 years of my career in different hospital positions. I'm also a clinical pharmacologist, so I have a lot of interest in pharmacology and how some drugs used today, at least some of the old ones, they come from herbal products. We know on both sides of the Atlantic there is a huge amount of out-of-pocket money being spent on food supplements or unregulated products, some products with very questionable health claims. I was glad to participate in the FDA & EMA joint workshop so I could put on my public health hat and speak about what the EMA does and does not do for these products. Sokolowska: I am currently serving as a Senior Policy Advisor to the FDA’s Office of Policy, Legislation, and International Affairs. My permanent role is the Deputy Center Director for Substance Use and Behavioral Health in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Many people around the world use botanical products to self-treat different conditions, and they want to use these products safely. There is a great need to provide information to these individuals, but sometimes information on the potential benefits and harms of these products isn’t available. Just because it's natural doesn't always mean that it's safe. That's why I think this workshop with the EMA was so important. It's clear that across the jurisdictions, we all need to do more to address the public's needs, and it’s important to note how our systems are similar and how they are different. This workshop was one way to address that need for information, and I hope anyone interested watches the workshop recordingExternal Link Disclaimer. Let’s discuss the current regulatory frameworks for herbal and botanicals in the United States and European Union. Dr. Sokolowska, can you start with the FDA’s regulatory approach? Marta Sokolowska Sokolowska: Absolutely. When you look at the regulatory framework for botanical products within the FDA, you have multiple pathways through which a botanical product can be marketed, depending, among other things, on the product’s intended use. If you are focusing on regulating botanical products as medicines, these products can become an over-the-counter monograph product or go through the application or licensure process. In addition, botanicals can be regulated as foods or dietary supplements, though we specifically did not discuss them during this workshop. Steffen Thirstrup Thirstrup: Europe is a little bit more complicated because you can bring an herbal product, as we call them here, to the EMA or one of the national competent authorities in Europe, under the same framework as prescription medicine. We have a framework equivalent to the new drug application (NDA) or biologics license application (BLA) in the U.S. where you submit a full application or a mixed application with documented quality and safety with a product being approved as a medicinal product. But what is different from the U.S. is that we also have two additional pathways. One is for well-established use, where it’s up to the applicant to document that substance has been used in a medicinal use for at least 10 years in the European Union. The other is traditional use where the requirement is even greater because you must document 30 years of medicinal use, of which at least 15 years must be within the EU. We have been developing monographs through both the traditional use and well-established use pathways for many years. You can find those monographs on our websiteExternal Link Disclaimer, and there are currently more than 170. The EU monographs describe the product similarly to the label in U.S. and the prescriber information or the summary of products that we have in Europe. The monographs are not for a specific product, but for a product that complies with the monograph, as the monograph also describes manufacturing. This means national authorities can then license products if they refer to the monograph. What was the workshop’s value to public stakeholders and what did you consider the main takeaways to be? Thirstrup: The workshop was the first time the EMA and FDA had this kind of interaction specifically on herbal medicinals / botanical drugs. As I said at the workshop, we decided to be very courageous and jump out into the deep end of the swimming pool together without knowing whether we could swim together. I think we figured out we could swim, or at least float, together, but we couldn't do synchronized swimming yet. Put in other words, we know we have different legal frameworks. We have a lot of the same challenges independent of these different frameworks. So, this workshop was an opportunity for us to exchange our challenges and focus on how we potentially could work on moving forward. We also wanted to inform the public that there are currently frameworks in place to reassure that some products you buy in European pharmacies, would have well-established efficacy and safety and there will be some quality control. The risk of adulterated products under these frameworks is lower compared to other products that are non-controlled as food supplements. As Dr. Sokolowska mentioned, it was about conveying a common message: just because a product is natural does not necessarily mean it is safe. What I also found valuable was hearing directly from pharmacists, patients, and developers about the role these products can play in our health systems. Pharmacists see properly regulated herbal medicines as useful options for helping people manage some mild conditions, but they also reminded us how important professional advice is, particularly when patients are taking other medicines. Patients told us that reliable information is not always easy to find or understand, especially information about possible drug-drug interactions. And from developers, we heard that a clear and predictable regulatory framework can support the development and availability of quality-assured products. We heard that the use and sales of natural products are increasing, reflecting a growing interest from citizens in natural health and self-care; therefore, the value of herbal/botanical products depends on patients knowing what they are taking, having access to quality products, trustworthy information, and being able to make an informed choice. Dr. Sokolowska, can you provide an overview of the scope of products discussed at the workshop? Sokolowska: This workshop focused on development of herbal medicinal and botanical drugs. From a regulatory framework perspective, we wanted to emphasize that we were not covering food or dietary supplement frameworks. The second aspect we wanted to make clear is we were not discussing herbals or botanicals that have or could have abuse potential, such as cannabis or kratom. Dr. Thirstrup, anything I missed? Thirstrup: The reason we decided not to talk about herbals with abuse potential was simply to avoid getting sidetracked. You could easily end up discussing cannabis and psychedelic mushrooms for years. We agree they are all interesting, but if you look at the broader perspective about botanical and herbals that have a health claim and therefore regulated as a medicinal product, it goes way, way beyond herbals with abuse potential. Sokolowska: Yes, herbals or botanicals with abuse potential are a small subset of botanicals, and we recognize that the world of botanicals that people are using is so much broader. Thirstrup: We also didn’t include food supplements, as, while they are regulated by the FDA, the EMA doesn’t have any role to play in food, which is regulated in the EU by the European Food Safety Agency. From a broad perspective of herbal and botanical drug products, what makes developing and regulating these products challenging? Sokolowska: Botanical drugs are complex mixtures and are different than single molecule drugs. You have a whole range of molecules as part of an herbal product. The growing conditions of raw materials, complex structures of the different constituents, or manufacturing of multi-herb products can contribute to batch-to-batch variabilities. It is important that there is comprehensive characterization and proper manufacturing of these products under controlled circumstances to ensure consistency of these products. At the end of the day, we want to know exactly what patients and consumers are getting. In addition to product characterization, sponsors of NDAs or 351(a) applications generally need to evaluate the safety and efficacy of their product. Finally, we heard that the incentive for drug development might not be adequate to offset the unique challenges of botanical development programs. Thirstrup: To Dr. Sokolowska’s point, prescription medicines are typically one, maybe two active ingredients. They're well controlled, we know how they are synthesized and manufactured, and then there are some excipients and other ingredients that we know and are very well controlled. Botanical products are actually harvested. You may be able to grow them under controlled circumstances, but many of those “controlled circumstances” will be very much dependent on the soil, the watering, the sun, and other factors. It is a big challenge for the producers of these molecules to meet regulatory standards in terms of characterizing these molecules. We want to make sure that the product that patients and the public buy today is the same as the one tomorrow and next year. We also want the product they buy to be equivalent to a product where clinical efficacy and safety have been established, similar to any other medicine, and that gives an extra challenge to these products that are naturally derived. Are there specific programs, or resources, herbal and botanical drug developers should utilize at the FDA or EMA? Thirstrup: In Europe, developers of herbal products use the same entry as any other developers, so they can come for scientific advice or approach our innovation task force. Typically, they will be assisted by our Herbal Committee. Many developers may seek out national competent authorities across Europe to gauge their interest in particular products because there are a limited number of experts in phytopharmacology across Europe, and they are in a few countries. Sokolowska: In the U.S., drug sponsors developing a botanical product for prescription use would apply through the NDA, BLA, or abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) pathways, as appropriate, in the same way they would for a non-botanical product. The FDA would then connect the sponsors with a specific review division within the FDA. We do have botanical experts who are available to the review divisions for consultation, but there's no specific pathway or program. More information on marketing of botanical drugs under an application or license (e.g., NDAs or BLAs) is available in our “Botanical Drug Development: Guidance for Industry.” The most up-to-date information on the OTC monograph process is available on our Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drug Review webpage. The patient voice and experience have been mentioned as an essential component for both the FDA and EMA. Is there anything patients, or other stakeholders, should know about herbal and botanical products and the respective regulatory frameworks? Thirstrup: I think the message for patients and the community pharmacies is, again, that just because things are natural, they are not necessarily safe. I could twist it around as a pharmacologist and say if something has a pharmacological action and can do something with your body, it will most likely also have some safety concerns. Conveying that message is important not only for herbal and botanical products but for all the unregulated food supplements and so forth. People spend millions of dollars buying those products, hoping they will live longer and don't get different diseases. At best, certain products may be a waste of money and worse, it may be a health risk. So, it’s important to let the public know that some of these natural substances have been scrutinized by regulatory authorities. Having a better knowledge of efficacy, safety, and control of the product that you end up buying is essential. Sokolowska: I agree and want to highlight that people are starving for information. We want to convey both the information we know and the many knowledge gaps that exist in the botanical drug development space. To address those gaps, we have started engagement with the botanical community by holding a roundtableExternal Link Disclaimer with the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA to start the dialogue with key stakeholders to better understand the barriers they see. We are trying to accelerate progress in bringing more FDA-approved botanical products to the market, while maintaining our high standards for safety, efficacy, and quality. The second critical piece for the public is to know we have opened a request for information regarding the challenges of developing botanical products. We recognize the value of feedback from patients, developers, and researchers and greatly appreciate interested individuals submitting comments to the docket. Our findings will also be shared with our regulatory colleagues to identify any similar themes they encounter and further our efforts to be consistent as regulators. Thirstrup: You're perfectly right. Another important message is that we want access to reliable, trustworthy information. I think sometimes we regulators believe we have them but they are difficult for patients and citizens to find, and being even more transparent is always something we can strive for when it comes to herbals and botanicals. What is next for the EMA and FDA collaboration on herbal and botanical products? Thirstrup: As I said earlier, we jumped out in the deep end of the swimming pool and realized we could swim together. But we can do more to do synchronize our work together. We had a very long list of potential topics to collaborate on, and we spent some time after the public part of the workshop to discuss what could be potential topics for further collaboration. We identified two topics, one being batch-to-batch quality variation and how to set the right standards. The other topic is related to drug and herbal interactions, knowing that many patients may be taking medications and supplementing with herbal or botanical products. There is the potential for these to create interactions with prescription medicines, and sometimes life-threatening ones. Sokolowska: To close our conversation, I want to recognize that despite our different regulatory frameworks, we share the same goal: supporting botanical drug development while acknowledging existing data gaps. Harmonized research efforts can help close these gaps. Ultimately, we rely on similar data, so when data are lacking, neither of us can adequately address patients' and clinicians' questions about the safe use of these products. Coordinating our expectations around the type of research that would advance both regulatory frameworks is, therefore, a shared priority.