Breaking News in Healthcare Reform
Please note, there will be no Weekly News Roundup on May 4.
We’ll be returning May 11 with more trusted health policy news.
Featured Podcast
“It’s how the system is designed — and once you see that, a bigger question emerges. If the system works this way, why haven’t we changed it?”
Why the Same Drug Costs 3x More (And Who Decides)
Featuring Bob Coleman, Author, Hostile Takeover
Code WACK! | Podcast Episode 327 | April 27, 2026
“Millions of Americans who receive federally-backed family planning services are likely to feel the impact of such a policy shift.”
Trump Is Going After Birth Control. Here’s Why.
Politico | Mary Ziegler | April 25, 2026
“Democrat lawmakers have raised concerns for months about the pilot, arguing WISeR will add red tape and limit access to care for seniors.”
Medicare AI Prior Authorization Pilot Delaying Care in Washington: Report
Healthcare Dive | Emily Olsen | April 24, 2026
“…the new plan slashed payments for victims, imposed tougher eligibility requirements and eliminated compensation for teenagers who bought Purdue drugs on the street. Estimated settlement amounts … dropped to as little as $8,000; the previous payout for an OxyContin death had been $48,000.”
“A Punch in the Gut”: After Years of Waiting, Many Opioid Victims Will Be Shut Out of Purdue Settlement
ProPublica | Craig R. McCoy, Bob Fernandez | April 23, 2026
“Although Medicare regulation recognizes an exception for medically necessary dental care that is inextricably linked to other Medicare-covered services, access to care under that exception is currently limited.”
Fact Sheet | FAQ: Adding a Dental Benefit to Medicare Part B
Center for Medicare Advocacy | April 23, 2026
“Providing employees health insurance coverage has become one of the fastest-rising costs for business owners, leading many to pass on more of those increasing expenses to workers.”
Why U.S. Employers Are Putting Their Health Insurance Plans Up for Bid
Inc. | Bruce Crumley | April 22, 2026
“…a federal campaign to tackle waste, fraud and abuse in federal Medicaid and Medicare programs that so far has mostly targeted Democratic states — and at least once has erred in its accusations.”
Dr. Oz Announces a 50-State Audit of Medicaid Program Oversight
Associated Press | Ali Swenson | April 21, 2026
“Of the candidates who have qualified for the California gubernatorial debate, three of those who want to be governor have made it public that they support single-payer….”
These Candidates for Governor Support Single-Payer Health Care in California
MSN | Dom McAndrew | April 20, 2026
____________________________________________
Shining a light on ongoing inequities in health care
and the impact they have on vulnerable individuals and communities.
Our podcast Code WACK! brings to life the failures of America’s healthcare system with stories, commentary and analysis.
Our Weekly News Roundup shares news and views about health policy, health equity and healthcare reform (from non-paywalled news sources)
Our Media page connects you to doctors, advocates and experts in health economics and health policy.
Our Resources page provides a wealth of additional resources including links to legislation and studies.
Keep up with the Medicare for All movement
Subscribe to Code WACK!
Apple Google Amazon Spotify Subscribe
Podcasts Podcasts Music for emails
Or wherever you find your favorite podcasts!
And follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe for email updates.