The Week in Brief: Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
Why Older Pedestrians Fare Worse in Car Crashes
By Paula Span
People age 65 and up are more likely than other age groups to die after being hit by a vehicle.
High Fertility Costs Push Americans Abroad for IVF Treatment
By LJ Dawson
Despite President Donald Trump’s promises to make fertility treatment more affordable, the overall costs for one IVF cycle in the U.S. remain in the tens of thousands of dollars. So more Americans than ever are going to Europe to seek IVF treatment for a fraction of the cost.
Trump and Kennedy’s Health Industry Deals Haven’t Been Enforced and Are at Risk of Vanishing
By Stephanie Armour
The agreements, covering issues like drug pricing, reducing the use of synthetic food dyes, and cutting back on insurance prior authorization rules, were announced with fanfare and touted as victories. But it’s not clear whether they’ll result in lasting change.
A State Gave Sheriffs 20% of Its Opioid Settlement Cash. We Followed the Money.
By Aneri Pattani and Lydia Zuraw and Christiana Botic
Opioid settlement cash was meant to abate the addiction crisis. But a new investigation reveals millions in Louisiana was spent on law enforcement gear and police technology instead of lifesaving treatment.
Her Breast MRI Was Approved, But That Didn’t Mean Her Insurance Would Pay
By Lauren Sausser
Stephanie Halver’s doctor recommended she get a breast MRI, partly because of her family’s cancer history. Her insurer approved the scan, but unlike mammograms, breast MRIs aren’t universally covered as zero-cost preventive care.
California Weighs Penalties for Healthcare Providers That Don’t Rein In Costs
By Claudia Boyd-Barrett
About half of U.S. adults say they can’t afford healthcare. California is among at least eight states that have set spending growth targets for the healthcare sector. It may soon impose enforcement penalties aimed at pushing hospitals and other providers to meet those goals.
The Medicare GLP-1 Discount Has One Big Catch: Some Sick Patients Don’t Qualify
By Jackie Fortiér
The new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program promises eligible beneficiaries access to popular weight loss drugs for as little as $50 a month. But for some, having the very medical conditions these drugs are approved to treat means they don't qualify for the discount.
$50B Rural Health Transformation Program Needs More Transparency, Groups Say
By Arielle Zionts
States must submit Rural Health Transformation Program progress reports to the federal government, but they aren’t required to proactively post those reports, or related information, publicly.
In Toss-Up House District, Voters Crave Leadership To Fix Broken Healthcare
By Samantha Rangel, KVPR
Voters in California’s 22nd Congressional District call healthcare a top priority in November’s midterm elections. Although challenger Randy Villegas has built a following among residents craving change, undecided voters say they want to hear more from the Democrat and from GOP incumbent Rep. David Valadao on their affordability plans.
Trump Puts Autistic Kids in the Spotlight and Cuts Agencies Built To Protect Them
By Claire Sibonney
Researchers and disability rights advocates warn that the Trump administration’s dismantling of the Education Department and its erosions of civil rights oversight risk widening the disparities autistic children face in diagnosis, school support, and discrimination protection.
A Camp for Children With Brain Injuries Zips Ahead, Despite Federal Uncertainty
By Lydia McFarlane, WVIA
Federal programs that support brain injury research and services are in flux, with lapsed legislation and a diminished injury-tracking workforce. Still, in rural Pennsylvania, children with acquired brain injuries gathered for a summer camp that emphasized community, confidence, and fun.
Ebola Is Still Killing in Central Africa. These Groups Are Working To Save Lives.
By Rachel Spears
Health workers are continuing to treat patients and train caregivers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the second-deadliest Ebola outbreak on record continues.
Summer’s Health Policy Themes
As summer wanes, some of the season’s major health policy stories continue to simmer, including declining insurance coverage, increasing measles cases, and cuts to federal health programs. Shefali Luthra of The 19th, Rachel Roubein of The Washington Post, and Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Dean Rosen about his work for former Sen. Nancy Landon Kassebaum, who died last week at 94.
Listen to the Latest ‘KFF Health News Minute’
The "KFF Health News Minute" brings original healthcare and health policy reporting from our newsroom to the airwaves each week.
Journalists Highlight Innovations in Vaccines and Safeguarding Maternal Health
KFF Health News journalists made the rounds on national and local media recently to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.