The Week in Brief: Friday, May 7, 2026
Abortion Pill Politics
A federal court’s decision to restrict availability of the abortion pill mifepristone has launched abortion back into the national spotlight. It’s also raised new questions about the job security of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. Sandhya Raman of Bloomberg Law, Shefali Luthra of The 19th, and Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also, Rovner interviews KFF Health News’ Andrew Jones, who wrote the latest “Bill of the Month."
In California Governor Race, Single-Payer Is a Litmus Test. There’s Still No Way To Pay for It.
By Christine Mai-Duc
Single-payer healthcare is a central talking point in the chaotic race for California governor. In a crowded field, top-polling Democrats are declaring their support for a government-run health system but providing few details about how they’d accomplish it in the nation’s most populous state.
Listen: A Federal Agency Is After Workers’ Health Data, and Critics Are Alarmed
By Amanda Seitz
The Trump administration is seeking unprecedented access to medical records of federal workers and retirees, and their families. The data could be used to implement cost-saving measures, but it would also give the administration access to reams of personal information. Legal experts and insurers say the pursuit is overbroad.
Trump Promised Cheaper Drugs. Some Prices Dropped. Many Others Shot Up.
By Elisabeth Rosenthal and Arthur Allen
For all of President Donald 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
By 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
By 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.
By 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
By 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
By 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
By 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.