The Week in Brief: Friday, May 7, 2026
Trump Promised Cheaper Drugs. Some Prices Dropped. Many Others Shot Up.
Elisabeth Rosenthal and Arthur Allen
For all Trump’s showmanship, the share of Americans his policies will likely help remains slim, even if some patients do come out ahead.
That Discount at the Pharmacy Counter May Pack Hidden Costs
Rachel Spears
The new TrumpRx program relies partly on connecting consumers with discount coupons offered by drugmakers. For insured patients, though, using a coupon can prove dicey.
The Supreme Court Case That Could Slow Generic Drugs
Dan Weissmann
In “Hikma v. Amarin,” the Supreme Court’s decision could affect how quickly generic versions of brand-name medicines come to market.
She Survived 2 Shootings. Research Helps Explain Why Her Pain Persists Years Later.
Alma Beauvais, The Trace
Witnessing a shooting, hearing gunfire, losing someone, or living in a violent area can leave people with chronic pain and stress long afterward.
Trump’s Drug Strategy Aims To Bolster Addiction Services — Despite Gutting of Government Support
Aneri Pattani
The White House’s strategy for tackling the drug and addiction crisis, released this week, sets lofty public health goals but highlights deep inconsistencies with the administration’s own funding cuts and other policies.
States Eye Aid To Prop Up Distressed Hospitals Amid Federal Medicaid Cuts
Bernard J. Wolfson
Hundreds of hospitals nationwide are bracing for Medicaid cuts as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Some state lawmakers are eyeing loans and other forms of financial aid to distressed hospitals in rural and urban areas, as healthcare providers warn of cuts to critical services and scramble for funding.
A New Medicare Option for Weight Loss Drugs: What Older Americans Should Know
Jackie Fortiér
It may soon get easier for millions of people with Medicare to get discounted GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.
Journalists Share Latest on Baby Formula Safety, Estrogen Patches, and Postcancer Costs
KFF Health News journalists made the rounds on national and local media recently to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.