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ACA, Medicaid, and Healthcare Coverage Crisis

Expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies, Republican Medicaid work mandates, and millions at risk of losing health coverage

Social Security trust fund depletion looms as payroll taxes fall short

Dow Jones Industrial Average: rising from 17140.24 to 51876.11 (2016-06-27 to 2026-06-26).
  • The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund is projected to be depleted by the fourth quarter of 2032, which would trigger automatic benefit cuts of more than one-fifth, according to Social Security actuaries.
  • Payroll taxes have been insufficient to cover the combined retiree and disability programs’ expenses for 16 years, and the retiree-and-survivor fund’s reserves shrank by $200 billion last year to $2.34 trillion.
  • The funding gap could affect taxes, mortgage rates, and stock and bond portfolios for all Americans, including those with enough personal savings to treat Social Security as a supplement.
  • Congress has options to address the shortfall, including raising payroll taxes, extending the levy to investment income, directing general federal revenue to the program, or cutting benefits through slower cost-of-living adjustments or reduced payments to wealthy retirees.
 2026-06-17 · 4 MIN READ

Dutch 'no dead ends' education model yields lowest youth Neet rates in Europe

Illustration accompanying article: Dutch 'no dead ends' education model yields lowest youth Neet rates in Europe
  • The Netherlands has one of the world's lowest Neet rates for 18- to 24-year-olds at 4.9%, compared with 15.1% in the UK, according to a report by former UK Health Secretary Alan Milburn published last month.
  • Dutch law requires young people to stay in education or training until they either obtain a qualification or turn 18 — a policy known as the kwalificatieplicht (qualification requirement).
  • At around age 12, Dutch pupils are streamed into one of three secondary tracks based on teacher recommendations and test results — a system some critics say can harm self-esteem and disadvantage certain children.
  • The Dutch education system funds a layered safety net: schools receive budgets for health and wellbeing, which they use to contract specialist organisations such as the Mooi Jong Academy to intervene before students disengage.
  • Students aged 16 and older can enter the beroepsbegeleidende leerweg (vocational training pathway), combining part-time employment with classroom study, and businesses can request customised college programmes.
  • Despite the system's success, youth unemployment is rising in the Netherlands, and the government is responding by easing access to benefits through the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV).
 2026-06-07 · 5 MIN READ
Illustration accompanying article: DOJ secures 6 healthcare fraud convictions in 3 weeks

Trump administration admits error in New York Medicaid fraud probe

2026-04-09

President Donald Trump’s administration acknowledged this week that it used incorrect figures in support of a fraud probe into New York’s Medicaid program. The error centered on how many Medicaid enrollees received personal care services, a figure that had been cited by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz in a social media video and in a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul.

California election watchdog to investigate Santa Clara County Measure A mailers

2026-04-08

Santa Clara County is facing an investigation by California’s election watchdog after complaints alleging the county spent public money on Measure A campaign mailers. The Fair Political Practices Commission said in a Tuesday letter that it will probe the county over allegations connected to the voter-approved sales tax increase aimed at protecting hospitals. County officials deny wrongdoing and say the mailers were informational about budget impacts from federal spending cuts.

Minneapolis’ Hennepin County Medical Center survival threatened by finances

2026-04-08

Hennepin County Medical Center, Minnesota’s busiest Level 1 trauma hospital and safety-net provider, is facing the prospect of closure without state action, according to health care workers and county officials. Hospital leaders and union representatives said they expect a bill to be introduced at the Minnesota Legislature’s Capitol as soon as Tuesday.

Trump’s $50B rural health fund offers ailing hospitals few solutions

2026-04-04

Rural hospitals across the U.S. are warning that a new $50 billion federal program meant to transform rural health care will not prevent closures as Medicaid cuts squeeze their budgets, the Associated Press reported. In Nebraska, patients and state officials say the program’s innovation focus may not address immediate operating shortfalls tied to Medicaid funding reductions.

Federal officials arrest 8 in Los Angeles-area Medicare health care fraud

2026-04-03

Federal officials arrested eight people they said were involved in health care fraud schemes totaling $50 million in and around Los Angeles, including alleged hospice-center billings to Medicare for patients who were not terminally ill. Prosecutors said some cases involved alleged referrals and payment arrangements tied to hospice enrollment, as well as at least one case involving forged immigration medical documents.

Bipartisan INSULIN Act would cap insulin at $35 a month for private plans

2026-04-01

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced the INSULIN Act, aiming to cap monthly insulin costs at $35 for Americans with private insurance and to expand more affordable insulin access for uninsured people in 10 states. Advocates and people living with diabetes say out-of-pocket costs can still be hundreds of dollars a month despite insurance. The bill faces congressional hurdles, but its prospects are drawing attention as lawmakers look for health-affordability wins.

Arkansas psychiatrist indicted over alleged drugging and abduction of patients

2026-04-01

The former chairman of the Arkansas State Medical Board, Dr. Brian Hyatt, was indicted on federal charges alleging he drugged and abducted patients at a psychiatric facility to increase health care reimbursements, an indictment released Monday said. Federal prosecutors said Hyatt gave patients strong sedatives to keep them at the facility without medical justification.

“Extreme shortage” of paramedics, EMTs in rural Michigan

2026-03-31

Rural communities in Michigan are facing an “extreme shortage” of paramedics and emergency medical technicians as emergency medical services agencies deal with shrinking revenue and staffing costs, according to the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services and other officials. The shortage has persisted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, even as the state has invested millions of dollars in grant programs aimed at training new workers.

Texas reviewed child-care scholarship spending after Minnesota fraud claims

2026-03-27

Texas reviewed its child-care scholarship spending after allegations of a $110 million fraud scheme in Minnesota, and state agencies found little fraud in Texas, according to a report released in February. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the review after the Minnesota allegations prompted a broader federal funding freeze in five states. Advocates said they fear tighter oversight could add burdens and squeeze underfunded child-care providers already struggling to serve families.

Forced to sell at a loss, rural Texas pharmacies seek new survival tactics

2026-03-27

Rural independent pharmacies in Texas say they are increasingly forced to sell prescription drugs at a loss as pharmacy benefit managers set reimbursement rates that often leave them unable to cover costs. The pharmacies and state advocates are now looking to new revenue streams, such as retail goods and cattle businesses, to stay open as closures spread in remote communities.

Why some families deliberately spend down income for Medicaid nursing care

2026-03-27

Some U.S. families facing high nursing home and assisted living costs try to qualify a loved one for Medicaid by using a “spend down” approach, eldercare advocates say. The method involves using assets for eligible medical and related expenses so the person meets income and asset limits, though the rules vary by state. Advocates warn that “do it yourself” planning can create estate problems and can also jeopardize Medicaid eligibility if assets are transferred improperly.

Indian Health Service chips away at construction backlog for aging clinics

2026-03-26

The U.S. Indian Health Service is set to break ground in 2027 on a new $22 million federal medical center promised to Native American patients more than 30 years ago. Officials toured the planned site on the Santa Ana Pueblo near Albuquerque, as advocates said federal funding still lags behind the needs tied to a 1993 construction list.

Nebraska seeks to end retroactive Medicaid coverage

2026-03-24

Nebraska officials are seeking to eliminate retroactive Medicaid coverage statewide, a proposal that opponents say would leave Medicaid patients paying out of pocket for early or emergency care while paperwork is processed. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is accepting public comment on the plan, which would make Nebraska the only state to end retroactive coverage entirely if implemented.

Trump administration expands Medicaid fraud scrutiny in Florida

2026-03-19

The Trump administration widened its Medicaid fraud crackdown to Florida, urging state officials to share information on how they identify, prevent and address bad actors in the state’s program. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said Florida has been a “hotspot” for health care fraud and gave officials 30 days to answer detailed questions. The move follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump creating an anti-fraud task force across federal benefit programs led by Vice President JD Vance.

Michigan group urges higher primary-care pay to shrink physician shortage

2026-03-19

Michigan State Medical Society leaders say the state can ease a severe shortage of primary-care doctors by expanding pay and reimbursements, which they say has contributed to long wait times, higher costs and missed care. In a 14-point plan released Tuesday, the group argues primary care takes too small a share of total medical spending and says Michigan is short at least 464 primary-care providers.

Study estimates more than 150,000 uncounted COVID-19 deaths early on

2026-03-19

A new study published in Science Advances estimates that as many as 155,000 unrecognized additional COVID-19 deaths occurred in the United States outside hospitals during 2020 and 2021. The research also finds that undiagnosed deaths were more likely to involve Hispanic people and other people of color in certain Southern and Southwestern states.

4 strategies for an organized U.S. tax season, from Morningstar

2026-03-16

Tax season is approaching, and Morningstar’s Christine Benz recommends planning early with a checklist, deciding whether to itemize or take the standard deduction, organizing investment paperwork, and making retirement and health savings contributions before filing. Benz also highlights specific 2025 deduction thresholds and IRA contribution limits, including monthly schedules to reach the maximum.

‘Unbelievably cruel’: Advocates decry Lamont bid to end Connecticut home care

2026-03-15

Connecticuts Gov. Ned Lamont has proposed ending the Community First Choice home care program, which allows eligible Medicaid recipients to choose and manage their in-home attendants. Advocates and families argued Monday that the plan would increase wait times for waiver services and force some people into institutional care. The proposal, they said, threatens autonomy gained through a program they described as working and saving money.

13 attorneys general sue OneMain over hidden loan add-on products

2026-03-15

A bipartisan group of 13 U.S. attorneys general sued OneMain Financial on Monday, alleging the company added unwanted products and hidden costs to loans, raising borrowers’ costs. The complaint, filed in New York, also accuses the company of steering borrowers into credit insurance and similar memberships while allegedly misrepresenting whether they were required and how they could be canceled. OneMain said the practices were reviewed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in 2023 and disputes the states’ claims.

Brain exercises may help lower dementia risk, experts say

2026-03-15

Experts say people looking to protect their brain health should think beyond “brain training” and focus on cognitively enriching activities that engage multiple skills over time. A study described by neuropsychologist Andrea Zammit, of Rush University Medical Center, linked lifelong learning and later-life mental activity with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and slower cognitive decline.

State Department cuts fee for renouncing U.S. citizenship by 80% to $450

2026-03-15

The U.S. State Department has reduced by about 80% the fee Americans pay to formally renounce their U.S. citizenship, cutting it from $2,350 to $450. The change, set by a final rule published in the Federal Register, takes effect April 13, after a period when the lower fee was previously promised in 2023 but not implemented.

UMaine faculty senate votes to end Spanish master’s, suspend lab degree

2026-03-14

The University of Maine at Orono’s faculty senate voted to eliminate a master’s degree in teaching Spanish and to suspend for three years a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory sciences, according to faculty senate members. The changes would still require further review and final approval by the University of Maine System Board of Trustees. Officials said the Spanish program has had very low enrollment in recent years and that the medical laboratory sciences program has not been enrolling students for a number of years.

Newsom mental health bond projects delayed from planned 2025 openings

2026-03-14

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mental health bond promised that 10 early projects would open by the end of 2025. A CalMatters investigation found none met that goal, with nine delayed and one cancelled, underscoring hurdles in building new treatment capacity in California. Newsom said the bond is exceeding its goals as the state awarded additional funding this week.

California foster care system faces insurance crisis as agencies shut down

2026-03-12

California’s foster care system is facing an insurance-driven crisis that is forcing foster family agencies to close in multiple counties, potentially disrupting placements for thousands of vulnerable children, according to the California Department of Social Services. Lawmakers are seeking additional relief funding after a one-time allocation ran out, but advocates warn the problem could spread without longer-term policy changes.

Vermont board presses Medicare fix after rural patients face higher bills

2026-03-12

Vermont’s Green Mountain Care Board is pushing for changes to Medicare payment rules after a “bizarre” disparity left some rural “critical access hospitals” charging Medicare patients more for outpatient services than they would pay at larger hospitals, even for the same procedures. The board discussed the issue at a Feb. 11 hearing and is asking for additional information by March 16 as budgets for next fiscal year are set.

Vermont audit says child care oversight gaps could cost federal funds

2026-03-09

Vermont State Auditor Doug Hoffer said a 39-page report found gaps in the state’s child care oversight that could pose safety risks and jeopardize federal funding. The audit pointed to inconsistent handling of providers’ violations, incomplete and lengthy background checks, and outdated technology used to track violations.

Minnesota's lead-pipe program faces 2027 funding cliff without new state investment

2026-03-06

Minnesota cities and advocacy groups are pressing the state Legislature for $250 million to keep the state's lead service line replacement program running beyond 2027, when both state and federal dollars supporting the effort are projected to run out. The state has allocated $243 million for lead pipe removal since 2023 and drawn roughly $350 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, but neither funding stream extends past 2027 without fresh appropriations.

Trump Medicaid work mandate could disrupt care for homeless Californians

2026-03-05

A Medicaid law tied to President Donald Trump’s proposal would require California to verify more eligibility details more often and require many able-bodied adults to meet work requirements, potentially pushing some homeless people off Medi-Cal. Health workers in Los Angeles say the changes could make it harder for unhoused patients to maintain coverage and access primary care and medications.

California bill would add lump-sum savings plan for cops, firefighters on top of pensions

2026-03-05

Unions representing California Highway Patrol officers and Cal Fire firefighters are backing legislation that would allow late-career public safety workers to accumulate a lump-sum payout on top of their existing pensions — a benefit proponents call a retention tool but critics warn could compound the costs of pension systems that already consume a substantial share of state payroll spending. The bill, carried by Assemblymember Mike Gipson, a Democrat from Gardena, would create a deferred retirement option plan, known as a DROP, administered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System. As of early March 2026, the measure was advancing through the California Assembly with bipartisan support; Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, a San Diego Republican, was the only lawmaker to vote against it.

Paul Simon and Mary J. Blige headline Love Rocks NYC for God’s Love We Deliver

2026-03-04

New York’s Love Rocks NYC benefit at the Beacon Theatre on Thursday will feature headliners Paul Simon, Mary J. Blige and Elvis Costello, organizers said. The sold-out concert marks the 10th Love Rocks show and the 40th anniversary of God’s Love We Deliver, as federal cuts have increased demand for the nonprofit’s medically tailored meals.

Newsom threatens California counties over CARE Court rollout gaps

2026-03-04

Gov. Gavin Newsom on March 2 threatened to redirect state funding from California counties he said are not doing enough to implement CARE Court, a court-based program intended to connect people with severe mental illness to treatment. Speaking at a mental health campus in Alameda County, Newsom named 10 counties he said are underperforming, while highlighting 10 others he said are meeting targets.

Trump administration launches Medicaid fraud probe in New York

2026-03-04

The Trump administration launched a Medicaid fraud investigation in New York on Tuesday, directing state officials to provide details on fraud, waste and abuse within 30 days or face deferred payments — the latest in a series of actions targeting health programs in Democratic-led states.

Minnesota sues Trump administration over $243M Medicaid spending hold

2026-03-02

Minnesota sued the Trump administration to block federal officials from “immediately withholding” $243 million in Medicaid spending, a move the state said could force cuts to health care for low-income families. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis names the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and also names CMS administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in their official capacities.

Medicaid work mandates force states to spend millions on new technology

2026-03-02

Some states preparing to start Medicaid work requirements will have to spend millions of dollars upgrading eligibility computer systems and hiring staff before the Jan. 1 start date, an Associated Press analysis found. Federal funding will help cover some costs, but the technology tab and added administration are projected to exceed $1 billion across more than 25 states, according to the analysis.

Connecticut passes emergency bill to curb bottle redemption fraud

2026-02-28

Connecticut lawmakers on Thursday passed an emergency bill aimed at curbing fraudulent bottle and can redemptions from out of state, escalating fines and tightening oversight of redemption centers. The measure, Senate Bill 299, increases the deposit value to 10 cents and is set to go to Gov. Ned Lamont after winning passage in both chambers.

Vermont school budgets face pressure as health costs rise

2026-02-28

Vermonters voting on Town Meeting Day will decide school district budgets and whether small elementary schools stay open, as property tax burdens, inflation, and federal funding uncertainties collide. The Associated Press reports that health care costs are rising sharply for districts, forcing budget increases and staff and program cuts in recent years.

Walz unveils anti-fraud plan after Medicaid funds freeze in dispute

2026-02-27

Gov. Tim Walz denounced the Trump administration’s threat to withhold Minnesota Medicaid funds as part of a “retribution” campaign and unveiled new legislation aimed at fighting fraud in public programs. Walz spoke a day after Vice President JD Vance said the administration would “temporarily halt” some Medicaid funding over fraud concerns.

Massive budget shortfall shakes Georgia child welfare system

2026-02-26

Georgia’s child welfare agency is facing a projected $85.7 million budget shortfall, threatening services that help children reunify with families, supporters and providers said. The state’s Department of Human Services director Candice Broce cited steps taken in November to curb spending after “magnitude” needs outpaced resources.

Trump administration pauses some Medicaid funding to Minnesota over fraud concerns

2026-02-26

Vice President JD Vance announced the Trump administration will “temporarily halt” some Medicaid funding to Minnesota over fraud concerns, and said the federal government will hold payment of $259.5 million. Vance said the action is intended to ensure Minnesota “takes its obligations seriously to be good stewards of the American people’s tax money,” and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will review potential fraud in Medicaid and also take steps to target Medicare fraud.

HMSA deal in Hawaii would shift insurers’ risk-sharing with hospitals

2026-02-25

Lawmakers in Hawaii have questioned a proposal by the state’s largest insurer, HMSA, and Hawaii Pacific Health to create a new umbrella organization for “risk-sharing” and “value-based care” that backers say could reduce health costs and premiums. HMSA executives and Hawaii Pacific Health CEO Ray Vara told lawmakers in mid-January that the plan would still let patients choose doctors, while skeptics including doctors and The Queen’s Health Systems said the proposal could worsen access and expand burdens. The proposal, which would combine the insurer and a major hospital company under One Health, also faces federal antitrust review.

Uber ballot initiative threatens to reshape California crash payouts

2026-02-25

California voters in November could weigh a Uber-backed ballot measure that would cap personal injury lawyers’ contingency fees and limit medical damages for many vehicle crashes, not just Uber rides. The proposal has triggered a multimillion-dollar showdown among Uber, lawyers, and doctors, each pursuing competing initiatives to alter the measure or broaden liability.

31,000 Kaiser Permanente health workers end 4-week strike in California, Hawaii

2026-02-23

An estimated 31,000 registered nurses and other front-line Kaiser Permanente health care workers will return to work after a four-week strike in California and Hawaii, the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals announced Monday. The union attributed the strike's end to "significant movement at the bargaining table," though specific details were not disclosed at that time.

NYC nurses at major hospital system ratify strike-ending contract

2026-02-22

More than 4,000 nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian voted Saturday to approve a new contract, ending a strike that lasted more than a month. The New York State Nurses Association said 93 percent of its members voted to ratify the three-year deal, which includes raises topping 12 percent over the contract period, staffing improvements, and safeguards on the use of artificial intelligence.

Wisconsin expands postpartum Medicaid for up to a year, blocks Arkansas

2026-02-20

Madison, Wisconsin lawmakers on Thursday passed a bill expanding Medicaid coverage for new mothers for up to a year after giving birth, setting up Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to sign it next week. The bill would leave Arkansas as the only state not to offer expanded postpartum Medicaid benefits.

New Mexico enshrines universal child care program into law

2026-02-20

New Mexico lawmakers have approved a universal child care program that aims to fully cover the cost of child care for working families across income levels, Republican opponents and budget concerns notwithstanding. The plan, announced under Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, leaves lawmakers room to use copayments if finances deteriorate.

Nevada prison overtime costs hit $18M in quarter as staffing crisis deepens

2026-02-20

Nevada's prison system paid more than $18 million in overtime from July through September 2025, the highest quarterly amount in at least two years, according to data presented to state lawmakers Thursday. The payout represented a $7 million increase from the prior three months and continued a spending pattern that created a $53 million agency deficit the previous year. Correctional officers union leaders attributed the surge to severe understaffing across state facilities.

Wisconsin expands postpartum Medicaid for up to a year, after near-unanimous vote

2026-02-19

Women in Wisconsin will soon be eligible for expanded Medicaid coverage for up to a year after giving birth after near-unanimous passage of a measure by the Wisconsin Assembly on Thursday, according to the Associated Press. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is expected to sign the bill next week, which would leave Arkansas as the only state without expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage for new mothers.

New Mexico enshrines universal child care program into law

2026-02-19

New Mexico lawmakers have enshrined a universal child care program into law, following through on promises by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to offer free child care to families of all income levels. State officials said the program includes guardrails meant to protect public finances as legislators expand eligibility to thousands more children.

New Mexico Senate backs pay for legislature that currently relies on volunteers

2026-02-19

Members of New Mexico’s Senate voted Tuesday to endorse a constitutional amendment that would let the state reconsider its ban on direct legislative compensation, a rule that has kept the legislature unsalaried since statehood. If voters approve the change in November, legislative salaries would be tied to a statewide benchmark based on median income.

Report finds 16 Nevada insurers shortchange mental health care coverage

2026-02-19

Nevada’s Division of Insurance report says at least 16 insurers operating in the state likely violated the federal mental health and addiction parity law in 2024 by treating mental health and substance-use coverage differently from medical care. The report flags practices including higher claim denials for mental health, requiring prior approval for benefits not listed that way publicly, and offering less robust mental-health provider networks.

Senior centers in Los Angeles show varied programs but shared community pull

2026-02-19

Los Angeles-area senior centers are adapting to grow-demand as more Californians live longer, healthier lives, a tour of several centers found. Programs ranged from small, neighborhood-focused spaces in parts of the city to larger, well-resourced hubs, but organizers said the centers consistently offer older adults a place to socialize and find support.

Paid leave for caregivers gains momentum as US population ages

2026-02-19

More than 63 million Americans provide care for an adult family member while holding paid jobs, and employers are increasingly responding with paid time off to help workers balance both responsibilities. As the U.S. population ages, companies and organizations are expanding benefits that once were rare, offering workers paid leave for caregiving alongside options like flexible scheduling and care-concierge services.

Michigan schools face cardiac emergency plan gap as state budget leaves funds out

2026-02-18

Michigan’s 2024 law requires schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans, but the current state education budget’s school safety fund includes no dedicated money for implementation. Officials and advocates say that leaves districts to rely on local capacity to train staff, buy equipment such as automated external defibrillators, and run drills—leaving uneven preparedness across the state.

Newsom’s expanded transitional kindergarten leaves some private preschools struggling

2026-02-18

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s expansion of California’s free transitional kindergarten grade has helped some families cut child care costs, supporters and parents say. But private preschool operators interviewed by CalMatters, distributed by The Associated Press, say the shift has strained thin margins and contributed to closures in some counties.

West Virginia bill would speed foster care subsidies for kin

2026-02-14

West Virginia lawmakers are considering a bill that would let kinship caregivers receive full foster care subsidies within 30 days after children are placed with them, rather than waiting months to become certified. The measure, proposed by Del. Adam Burkhammer, would require background and safety checks but would aim to match the monthly payment certified foster families receive.

CBO projects higher deficits and debt over next decade

2026-02-12

The Congressional Budget Office on Wednesday projected that federal deficits and debt will worsen over the next decade, driven largely by increased spending on Social Security, Medicare and debt service. The CBO also said higher tariffs would partially offset some deficit growth, while contributing to higher inflation from 2026 to 2029.

Hawaii doctor shortage pushes patients toward direct primary care fees

2026-02-12

Hawaii’s primary care doctor shortage is leaving some residents struggling to find physicians who accept new patients, leading a growing number to join direct primary care practices that charge flat monthly membership fees instead of billing insurance. Patients say the model can mean faster access, while doctors and researchers warn it may also complicate efforts to expand the workforce. In Honolulu and other islands, physicians who converted to direct primary care describe trading insurance paperwork for smaller patient panels and more time per visit.

Nevada ordered to pay $447,000 in fines over mental health care delays

2026-02-11

Nevada will pay $447,000 in court-ordered fines for continued delays in transferring criminal defendants deemed unfit for trial to mental health treatment in Clark County, according to court and state actions described by the Associated Press. The fines stem from sanctions imposed after a Clark County judge found the state failed to meet a seven-day transfer deadline.

What to look for when choosing nursing home or assisted living care

2026-02-11

Searching for nursing home or assisted living care often starts suddenly after a health setback, but families can narrow options by using federal nursing home data, by observing daily operations during tours, and by asking detailed questions about staffing, billing and transfers. Associated Press spoke with consumer advocates, facility leaders and elder-law attorneys about how to evaluate long-term care settings. The reporting emphasizes that beyond ratings, staffing levels and how care is delivered in real time can determine whether residents get timely help.

Working Well: Finding flexibility and exploring options when a return-to-office mandate hits

2026-02-10

Employers are increasingly requiring employees to return to in-person work schedules after years of widespread remote work, leaving some workers searching for flexibility or considering new roles. An Associated Press report highlights workers’ and experts’ advice—from negotiating hours to seeking accommodations—when return-to-office mandates disrupt caregiving and health needs.

Hawaii DOE trip spending lacks details lawmakers said they need

2026-02-10

Hawaii lawmakers criticized the state Department of Education for providing incomplete records on nearly $4 million in employee travel during 2025, saying the reports omit required information about attendees, trip purposes, and funding sources. The department later submitted more than 200 pages of travel documents dated from January through November 2025, but lawmakers said the submission filled out only part of the categories they requested.

California union seeks to make remote work permanent for state workers

2026-02-10

California’s Professional Engineers in California Government union is pushing legislation that would require state agencies to offer work-from-home options “to the fullest extent possible” for eligible employees as Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mandate requires most workers to be in the office four days a week starting July 1. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee, would also require a dashboard tracking annual savings from remote work, the union said.

California pushes colleges to give credit for prior work and training

2026-02-06

California has been expanding a policy that lets community college students earn academic credit for prior work experience, including military training and job-based learning. Gov. Gavin Newsom has backed the effort with millions in state funding, and the state aims to reach 250,000 students by 2030. But a statewide system that would show how many students have benefited is still incomplete, according to a senior adviser who oversees the public dashboard.

Connecticut Gov. Lamont proposes $200 rebate, trims hospital tax hike

2026-02-06

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont on Wednesday released a $28.7 billion budget plan that would use a fiscal-guardrails maneuver to send a $200 rebate to eligible individuals and $400 to eligible couples in an election-year bid to lower costs for working families. The proposal also expands some benefits, including universal free school breakfast, while asking lawmakers to roll back a previously ordered hospital tax hike.

Anchorage School District proposes budget with 500 staff cuts, larger class sizes

2026-02-04

The Anchorage School District has proposed a budget for the 2026-27 school year that would eliminate more than 500 staff positions, raise class sizes, and cut many sports programs to address a projected $90 million budget deficit. Superintendent Jharrett Bryant said the district is “laying off dozens of employees” and that the plan includes eliminating positions across teaching and student support, along with ending the IGNITE gifted program for elementary students.

Nevada districts face school budget shortfalls after funding surge

2026-02-03

Nevada school leaders say flat K-12 funding, higher costs and enrollment declines are straining district budgets, after a 26% funding increase three years ago. Several districts are projecting deficits that could force program cuts, school consolidations and personnel reductions, and at least one district is eligible for a state takeover.

Desperate for doctors, Michigan weighs expanding nurse practitioner roles

2026-02-02

Michigan lawmakers are considering changes to help address severe shortages of doctors, dentists and other health care workers as the state’s population ages. Proposed steps include letting nurse practitioners prescribe and dispense controlled substances, creating temporary licenses for some internationally trained physicians, and joining interstate licensing compacts.

Tax season is underway: when you’ll get your IRS refund in 2026

2026-01-30

Tax filing season has started, with the IRS expecting 164 million people to file returns by April 15. The agency says refunds for electronic filers generally arrive in 21 days or less, while paper returns can take four weeks or more, especially if amendments or corrections are needed.

Medicare proposes new rules to expand deceased organ use and oversight

2026-01-30

The U.S. government on Wednesday proposed new rules for the nation’s transplant system that aim to increase the use of “less-than-perfect” organs while tightening safety oversight of organ procurement organizations. The proposal from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would strengthen oversight, add requirements for how organs are tracked and assigned, and set additional safety standards for donor groups.

Maine indigenous group trains 30 doulas as birthing centers close

2026-01-30

Maine’s Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness has trained about 30 doulas, including during a late-September program, to help families in the state as birthing centers and delivery services have closed. Lisa Sockabasin, the group’s co-CEO, said the organization moved to fill gaps after hearing concerns from community members about the impact of those closures.

Trump administration announces 15 new drugs for Medicare price talks

2026-01-30

The Trump administration announced 15 new prescription drugs for Medicare price negotiation, expanding the federal government’s ability to bargain directly with drug makers under a 2022 law. Drugs selected to be negotiated include treatments for type 2 diabetes, HIV and arthritis, and officials said deals could take effect in 2028 for Medicare enrollees.

Michigan cuts $19.4 million from early childhood programs

2026-01-27

Michigan's state budget eliminated $19.4 million in annual funding for Great Start Collaboratives, regional programs that connect families with child development resources and child-care information. The cut also removed $4 million for book distribution efforts, forcing some communities to close their programs entirely and others to reduce services sharply.

31,000 Kaiser Permanente workers strike for better wages and staffing

2026-01-27

An estimated 31,000 registered nurses and other front-line Kaiser Permanente health care workers launched an open-ended strike on Monday in California and Hawaii, demanding higher wages and better staffing from the health care giant. Workers are seeking a 25% wage increase over four years, saying their compensation has not kept pace with inflation and staffing levels are inadequate to meet patient demand. The walkout marked the second major strike in recent months by employees represented by the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals.

Inconsistent policies stymie Nevada's attendance push

2026-01-26

Inconsistent school attendance policies across Nevada are hampering districts' efforts to combat chronic absenteeism, which still affects more than a quarter of students statewide. Even parents who have raised children in the Clark County school system for years struggle to navigate the rules. "I still don't understand the attendance policies," Jenna Robertson told The Nevada Independent. "Except that they're inconsistent from school to school, and people have complained about it for years."

Auditor identifies Montana health care fraud scheme targeting Native Americans

2026-01-23

Montana State Auditor James Brown announced Tuesday that his office identified a health care fraud scheme targeting Native Americans on state reservations. At least 80 Native Americans were victimized in the scam, which exploited systemic gaps in federal health insurance enrollment and billing procedures. Brown's office said it clawed back more than $23.3 million from fraudulent insurance claims and identified 207 potentially fraudulent enrollments representing an estimated $54.7 million in unjustified billing.

NYC nurses resume contract talks on day 11 of strike

2026-01-22

Roughly 15,000 nurses negotiating contracts for three major New York City hospital systems returned to the bargaining table Thursday, marking the 11th day of a strike that has tested the nation's largest urban healthcare providers. The New York State Nurses Association said the union and hospital administrators for Montefiore, Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian resumed talks aimed at ending what is already the city's largest nursing walkout in decades.

Mississippi participates in federal school-choice tax-credit program

2026-01-21

Gov. Tate Reeves announced Monday that Mississippi will participate in a federal school-choice tax-credit program, permitting residents to contribute up to $1,700 annually to organizations that award scholarships to private-school students. The program, created by federal legislation passed during the Trump administration, provides dollar-for-dollar tax credits beginning in the 2027 tax year. The move creates a new mechanism for school-choice expansion as Mississippi lawmakers debate the issue.

Sanders, Mamdani rally striking NYC nurses on day 9

2026-01-20

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders rallied with striking nurses Tuesday at Mount Sinai West on the Upper West Side, calling on hospital executives to return to the negotiating table. The rally came during the ninth day of the largest nursing strike the city has seen in decades, involving approximately 15,000 nurses across three hospital systems.

Hawaii launches $2 million charter-flight program for isolated island patients

2026-01-20

Hawaii launched a $2 million charter-flight pilot program for Moloka'i and Lana'i patients who face barriers reaching off-island medical specialists amid commercial airline disruptions. The program will provide free chartered flights for patients with physician referrals, with service beginning this month.

Abortion dispute threatens deal to revive ACA health care subsidies

2026-01-18

A bipartisan group in the Senate and House is working to revive federal health care subsidies that expired at the start of the year, but disagreements over abortion coverage are making compromise difficult. The effort has faced a renewed risk of stalling as negotiations centered on abortion rules—particularly for people buying plans through Affordable Care Act options—have proved hard to resolve.

Abortion dispute stalls Senate negotiations on ACA subsidy revival

2026-01-17

Bipartisan Senate negotiations over reviving federal health care subsidies that expired Jan. 1 appeared near collapse as of Jan. 17 as a dispute over abortion coverage proved intractable, according to senators involved in the talks. Republicans are seeking stronger limits on abortion coverage in Affordable Care Act marketplace plans; Democrats are firmly opposed to any changes. The impasse threatens to leave millions of Americans paying sharply higher premiums — the average subsidized enrollee faces more than double the monthly premium costs for 2026, according to KFF, the health care research nonprofit.

WV foster care bills fall short on root causes, child welfare researchers say

2026-01-16

West Virginia Republican lawmakers opened the legislative session in Charleston this week with 16 bills aimed at fixing the state's troubled foster care system. Five child welfare researchers who reviewed the proposals said the package fails to address the roots of the crisis, will not prevent children from being removed from their families, and is unlikely to produce meaningful staffing improvements. "I think these are somewhat incremental," said Bethany R. Lee, professor of children's services at the University of Maryland's School of Social Work and one of the researchers consulted.

Fight over Medi-Cal funding puts pressure on Newsom to raise taxes

2026-01-16

California health care advocates, labor unions and progressive lawmakers urged Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature on Wednesday to find new money to backfill cuts to Medi-Cal, the state’s nearly $200 billion Medicaid program. Their coalition, “Fight for Our Health,” demanded action to replace billions in federal funding reductions President Donald Trump and Republicans approved last year.

Health care debate returns as ACA subsidies expire and lawmakers weigh options

2026-01-15

Millions of Americans face higher health care costs after Republican-controlled Congress let Affordable Care Act subsidies expire, reopening a long-running fight over the government’s role in health coverage. The battle plays out again in Washington as senators and House members consider whether to extend some subsidies, while Trump’s team promotes proposals built around lowering drug prices and letting people use health savings accounts.

Final day to pick ACA plans in most states as subsidies lapse

2026-01-15

Open enrollment ends Thursday in most states for Affordable Care Act coverage starting in February, as the expiration of federal subsidies raises costs and lawmakers remain in talks over a possible extension. About 10 states with their own marketplaces have later or extended deadlines. Enrollment is lagging behind last year, with about 22.8 million people signed up so far, federal data show.

Kaiser affiliates to pay $556M to settle Medicare fraud lawsuit

2026-01-15

Kaiser Permanente affiliates will pay $556 million to settle a federal lawsuit alleging the Oakland-based health care giant committed Medicare fraud by pressuring physicians to record more severe patient diagnoses than warranted in order to receive higher government reimbursements, federal prosecutors said Wednesday. The settlement resolves a U.S. Department of Justice case filed in San Francisco more than four years ago that consolidated allegations from six whistleblower complaints. Kaiser said the deal includes no admission of wrongdoing or liability.

Trump outlines health care plan built on savings accounts and drug price cuts

2026-01-15

President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the outlines of a health care plan he wants Congress to take up, centering on direct government payments to Americans for health savings accounts and steps to lower prescription drug prices, as Republicans face pressure after enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expired at the end of 2025. The White House released a taped video in which Trump described the plan's core mechanism. "The government is going to pay the money directly to you," Trump said. "It goes to you and then you take the money and buy your own health care."

NYC nurses resume contract talks on fourth day of strike

2026-01-15

Striking New York City nurses resumed contract negotiations with hospital administrators Thursday, returning to the bargaining table for the first time since Sunday on the fourth day of what union officials described as the city's largest nursing walkout in decades. The New York State Nurses Association said its bargaining members met with officials at NewYork-Presbyterian late Thursday, with additional talks planned Friday at hospitals operated by Mount Sinai and Montefiore — though the union said some facilities had not yet agreed to resume discussions.

Indianapolis nonprofit uses anonymous texts to warn drug users of supply disruptions

2026-01-09

An Indianapolis nonprofit sends anonymous text alerts to drug users when the local supply is disrupted — warning of bad batches, law enforcement seizures, and newly detected contaminants — in a real-time effort to prevent fatal overdoses. The CHARIOT program, run by Overdose Lifeline, had nearly 500 subscribers in Indianapolis as of early January 2026, the organization said. Marion County recorded 562 drug overdose deaths in 2025 and about 1,300 emergency room visits for overdose, according to the Indiana Department of Health.

California projects $2.9 billion deficit in Newsom's final year as governor

2026-01-09

Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration projected a $2.9 billion budget deficit for California in the current fiscal year, the governor's office said Friday, extending the state's streak of multibillion-dollar shortfalls to four consecutive years. The $2.9 billion projection is lower than the $18 billion shortfall the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office forecast in November. Newsom's administration said revenues came in higher than expected, driven by stock market gains and investment in artificial intelligence, helping narrow the gap. The shortfall nonetheless leaves the Democratic governor with limited room to advance new programs in his final year in office. Newsom cannot seek a third term and leaves office in January.

Hawaii's physician shortage deepens, leaving state 644 doctors short of need

2026-01-09

Hawaii ended 2025 with fewer working physicians than it started the year with, and a widening gap between the doctors available and the doctors needed, according to a new report to the state Legislature. Of 12,688 licensed physicians in Hawaiʻi, fewer than a third — 3,647 — provided patient care, and when part-time practice is accounted for, the full-time equivalent count fell to just over 3,000, leaving the state 644 doctors short of demand. The gap widens to 833 when the state's island geography is factored in, because emergency, intensive care, and psychiatric physicians on Oʻahu cannot fill needs on the neighbor islands. The findings come from the Hawaiʻi Physician Workforce Assessment Project at the University of Hawaiʻi's John A. Burns School of Medicine, which has tracked the state's physician supply and demand since 2010.

Michigan EV registration fees jump to nation's highest under road funding deal

2026-01-08

Michigan's roughly 122,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle owners face the nation's highest special registration surcharges in 2026, after a road funding package signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer triggered an automatic fee increase tied to the state's gas tax rate. Annual fees for light-duty EVs climbed from $160 to $267, while plug-in hybrid fees rose from $60 to $113, surpassing all 40 states that levy a similar charge, according to Bridge Michigan and the Associated Press.

Georgia foster care agency faces $85M deficit while state holds $14B surplus

2026-01-08

Georgia's Division of Family and Children Services faces a projected budget shortfall of between $85 million and $87.5 million for the current fiscal year, forcing an immediate near-halt on new foster care placements and the elimination of supplemental support for children with complex medical and developmental needs — even as the state reports a $14 billion budget surplus. The deficit was disclosed at a Joint Judiciary Juvenile and Appropriations Human Resources Subcommittee meeting on December 18, 2025, drawing sharp criticism from state legislators over the gap between the agency's austerity measures and the state's overall fiscal health.

Medical bills top crowdfunding causes as poll finds Americans skeptical of fees, need

2026-01-08

About 1 in 5 U.S. adults donated to an online crowdfunding campaign in 2025, with medical expenses ranking as the most commonly supported cause, according to an AP-NORC poll released Thursday. The survey of 1,146 adults also found that most donors gave $50 or less, and that Americans harbor broad doubts about whether crowdfunding platforms charge reasonable fees and whether campaign beneficiaries truly need the money.

Connecticut weighs enrollment extension as ACA subsidy lapse spikes premiums

2026-01-08

Connecticut officials said Thursday they are considering extending the state's 2026 Affordable Care Act open enrollment deadline by one to two months, citing ongoing uncertainty over whether Congress will revive enhanced premium subsidies that lapsed Dec. 31. Access Health CT CEO James Michel said the marketplace is in discussions with carriers about pushing the final deadline — currently Jan. 31 — into February or March if federal action comes within the next few weeks. The pandemic-era enhanced subsidies had been in place since 2021. Their lapse has pushed premiums sharply higher for many Connecticut residents and millions of Americans nationwide. As of Jan. 2, roughly 150,000 Connecticut residents had enrolled in 2026 ACA plans — about 3 to 5 percent above the same point last year — even without the enhanced subsidies, Michel said.

House passes ACA subsidy extension 230-196 as 17 Republicans defy GOP leadership

2026-01-08

The House passed legislation Thursday to extend expired Affordable Care Act health insurance subsidies by a 230-196 vote, with 17 Republican lawmakers joining every Democrat in a cross-party coalition that defied Speaker Mike Johnson and bypassed his objections through a procedural maneuver. The three-year subsidy extension now heads to the Senate, where the House bill faces an uncertain path amid negotiations over a separate bipartisan framework.

Connecticut public-sector health plan posts $23M deficit as medical costs surge

2026-01-08

Connecticut's state-run health insurance partnership for municipal workers paid nearly $22.6 million more in claims than it collected in premiums in the 2024-25 fiscal year, which ended June 30, according to a report from state Comptroller Sean Scanlon's office released this week. The plan paid out nearly $731.4 million in total claims during the year, serving roughly 60,000 public-sector workers and their family members across 109 of the state's 169 cities and towns. Scanlon attributed the shortfall to surging hospital service fees and medical inflation, which he said have pressured health plans nationally.

Hochul and Mamdani unveil free child care plan for NYC 2-year-olds

2026-01-08

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Thursday a plan to provide free child care for 2-year-olds in the city, marking the new mayor's first significant policy achievement one week into his administration. The two Democrats unveiled the proposal at a celebratory event in Brooklyn, with Mamdani casting it as evidence that ambitious campaign promises can survive contact with the realities of governing.

House advances ACA subsidy extension as bipartisan bloc overrules GOP leaders

2026-01-07

The House voted 221-205 on Wednesday to advance a three-year extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that expired last month, with nine Republicans joining Democrats to overpower Speaker Mike Johnson and House GOP leadership. The procedural vote, forced by a rare discharge petition, sets up a final-passage vote expected Thursday. Four Republican centrists — Reps. Mike Lawler of New York and Brian Fitzpatrick, Robert Bresnahan, and Ryan Mackenzie of Pennsylvania — signed the discharge petition to push it to the 218 signatures required to compel a floor vote. All four represent competitive swing districts expected to help determine which party controls the House after fall elections.

Connecticut considers extending ACA open enrollment amid federal subsidy uncertainty

2026-01-07

Connecticut officials said they are weighing an extension of the Affordable Care Act open-enrollment deadline for 2026 plans as Congress considers whether to revive expired federal health-care premium subsidies. Interim Insurance Commissioner Josh Hershman, Gov. Ned Lamont and Access Health CT CEO James Michel said the state could extend the deadline if federal action comes too late for shoppers to complete enrollment by Jan. 31.

House passes bill extending ACA subsidies in rebuke to GOP leaders

2026-01-07

The U.S. House passed legislation Thursday to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that expired late last year, with 17 Republican lawmakers joining every Democrat to support the measure. The vote was 230-196, sending the bill to the Senate, where pressure is building for a bipartisan compromise.

Connecticut comptroller urges realistic Medicaid budgets as federal cuts loom

2026-01-06

Connecticut State Comptroller Sean Scanlon on Monday warned the state legislature it must adopt more realistic Medicaid budgets, saying surging program costs and looming federal funding cuts threaten health coverage for roughly 1 million state residents. Scanlon said 60% of the state's current overspending problem is concentrated in Medicaid, and called on state officials to stop authorizing amounts that ignore clear demand growth trends.

Montana charter school embeds college teacher training in elementary classrooms

2026-01-06

A public charter school in Great Falls, Montana, is in its second year of a program that trains future teachers inside a functioning K-6 elementary school. College students at Morningside Elementary earn three-year teaching degrees while working as paid teaching assistants and taking courses from the school's own teachers — who hold master's degrees and serve as adjunct professors for the University of Montana-Western.

Three retirement planning rule changes take effect in 2026 under SECURE 2.0 and new tax law

2026-01-06

Three significant rule changes affecting U.S. retirement savers took effect in 2026, altering how high-income 401(k) participants must structure catch-up contributions, how much state and local tax can be deducted from federal returns, and what new deduction is available to Americans 65 and older, according to an analysis by Christine Benz, director of personal finance and retirement planning at Morningstar, distributed through the Associated Press. The changes flow from two pieces of legislation: the SECURE 2.0 Act, which continues to phase in retirement account provisions, and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which modified tax rules beginning in 2025.

Michigan nursing homes log nearly 6,000 abuse and neglect cases as reform stalls

2026-01-05

A four-month Bridge Michigan investigation documented at least 5,915 cases of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and care violations at the state's 420 nursing homes and identified nearly three dozen residents who died from suspected neglect or abuse over the past four years, according to a report distributed Monday by the Associated Press. Investigators reviewed more than 45,000 pages of state and federal inspection records, submitted dozens of public records requests, examined more than 30 death certificates, and spoke with nearly 100 family members, current and former staff, administrators, consumer advocates, researchers, and policymakers.

Detroit to launch cash-assistance program for expectant mothers

2026-01-05

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced Monday that Michigan State University's Rx Kids program will expand to the city within her first 100 days in office, bringing direct cash payments to expectant mothers in a city where about a third of residents live in poverty. Sheffield, elected in November and installed last week as Detroit's first female mayor, said roughly $9 million has been raised for the Detroit launch, with another $2.5 million still needed.

Connecticut comptroller urges legislature to budget more realistically for Medicaid

2026-01-05

Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon urged state lawmakers on Monday to craft more realistic Medicaid budgets as surging costs and expiring federal aid threaten Connecticut’s finances. He warned that “60%” of the state’s overspending is tied to Medicaid and said officials should review all options to ensure about a million people can keep getting health care.

Health care rises as top government priority for Americans in 2026 poll

2026-01-04

Americans named health care or health issues as a top priority for the government in 2026, according to an AP-NORC poll released Dec. 19, with concerns rising sharply compared with last year. The survey also found inflation and cost-of-living pressures remain prominent, while immigration worries shift modestly by party.

Health care rises as a priority for Americans, poll finds

2026-01-03

Health care costs are the top government priority for more Americans heading into 2026, according to an AP-NORC poll released Thursday. The survey found about 4 in 10 adults cited health care or health issues when asked to name up to five issues the government should address. The poll also found confidence in the government’s ability to make progress on major problems is low.

ACA health subsidies expire, leaving millions facing sharply higher premiums in 2026

2026-01-01

Enhanced tax credits that reduced health insurance costs for more than 20 million Affordable Care Act enrollees expired at midnight Wednesday, beginning 2026 with premium increases averaging 114% for subsidized participants, according to an analysis by the health care research nonprofit KFF. The expiration affects self-employed workers, small business owners, farmers, and others who purchase coverage on the individual market and do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.

Adult immigrants in Minnesota lose MinnesotaCare coverage starting Jan. 1

2026-01-01

Adult immigrants in Minnesota lost access to state-funded health care on Jan. 1, after the state ended MinnesotaCare benefits for most people who entered the country illegally. The change affects about 15,000 adults statewide, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Health insurance subsidies tied to Affordable Care Act expire for millions

2026-01-01

Millions of Americans who buy health plans through the Affordable Care Act are set to see higher premium costs in 2026 after enhanced tax credits expired overnight, the Associated Press reported. The change affects people who do not get coverage through an employer and do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare, including many self-employed workers and small-business owners.

Health care rises as a priority for Americans, poll finds

2026-01-01

Nearly 4 in 10 U.S. adults named health care as a top issue for the federal government to address in 2026, up from about one-third last year, according to an AP-NORC poll. The survey found Americans also remain focused on immigration and worries about rising costs as they look ahead to next year’s midterm elections.

Trump administration rolls out rural health transformation funding for states

2026-01-01

The Trump administration announced a Rural Health Transformation Program that will distribute $10 billion to states in 2026 to help offset budget cuts affecting rural hospitals. Federal officials said awards average about $200 million per state and will be tied in part to whether states adopt health policies prioritized under the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.

Vermont provides millions for nursing home bailouts as beds shrink

2025-12-31

Vermont has used “extraordinary financial relief” backed by Medicaid dollars to help nursing homes stay afloat as the state’s long-term care system shrank, according to state records obtained by VTDigger and reported by The Associated Press. The program has delivered about $38 million over the past five years, and lawmakers have asked for detailed reports and payment records. State health officials say without it, Vermont would have lost even more bed capacity for elderly residents.

Nevada casinos urge Congress to restore full deduction of gambling losses

2025-12-31

Nevada lawmakers and casino executives are pressing Congress to reverse a federal tax change that, starting in 2026, limits the deduction of gambling losses. The change reduces players’ deductible losses from 100% to 90%, a shift casino leaders and poker players say is already affecting planning for the new year.

Vermont spends $38 million in bailouts to keep nursing homes afloat

2025-12-30

Vermont officials have used about $38 million in extraordinary financial relief to keep the state’s nursing homes operating as the long‑term‑care system loses capacity, state records show. The aid, drawn from Medicaid dollars, is intended as a temporary measure to prevent facility closures amid high staffing costs and a loss of roughly 900 beds over the past two decades. Lawmakers are now demanding detailed reports on the program as they explore longer‑term solutions.

Duke University cuts jobs and closes buildings amid federal funding changes

2025-12-29

Duke University expects to reduce its spending by $364 million after federal funding changes tied to the Trump administration’s higher-education agenda, according to university documents and internal presentations reported by The Chronicle. The cuts, including buyouts that reduced staff and prompted some building closures, follow proposals that would cap universities’ federally funded grant-reimbursement rates and limit certain types of research funding.

Pennsylvania pilot uses 'angel advocates' to recruit living kidney donors

2025-12-17

A pilot program at three Pennsylvania hospitals is testing whether volunteer strangers — dubbed "angel advocates" — can use their own social media networks to help kidney patients with limited social connections find living donors. The Great Social Experiment, founded by Los Angeles filmmaker David Krissman, launched in May 2025 with 15 patients at Temple University Hospital, UPMC-Harrisburg and Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Early results show at least three patients have found donors across the two hospitals that have reported outcomes.