Rotavirus Is Surging Across The US; Health Experts Note Vaccine Hesitancy
April 16, 2026
Morning Briefing
In the United States, 73.8% of children are vaccinated against the highly contagious virus, which is still surging late into the season. The Trump administration has tried to remove the rotavirus vaccine from the childhood immunization schedule. Plus, vaccine-preventable measles is still spreading.
Many Women Who Go Out Of State For An Abortion Go To Illinois, Data Show
April 16, 2026
Morning Briefing
Stateline reports that Illinois is the destination for nearly 25% of people traveling to another state for abortion care, according to a report from the Guttmacher Institute. Illinois has implemented safe-haven policies such as a commitment to covering abortion access, coordinating care through a regional hotline, and providing funds for out-of-state patients.
Roblox Settles With Nevada, Will Pay $12M, Increase Protections For Kids
April 16, 2026
Morning Briefing
AP reports that Roblox will block access to adult-rated content and expand parental oversight for users under age 16. Also: The number of foods that can be purchased in Florida with SNAP is shrinking; North Carolina legislators recommend fixes to the state’s intertwined mental health and criminal justice systems; and more.
HHS Hires Economic Adviser To Oversee Health Care Affordability
April 16, 2026
Morning Briefing
The newly appointed chief economist and chief regulatory officer, Casey Mulligan, served on the Council of Economic Advisers during the previous Trump administration. This comes ahead of the midterms, as voters continue to express concern over health care costs, Axios reports.
First Edition: Thursday, April 16, 2026
April 16, 2026
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
As US Birth Rate Falls, Feds’ Response May Make Pregnancy More Dangerous
By Céline Gounder
April 16, 2026
KFF Health News Original
A funding notice for Title X shifts the program’s emphasis from contraception to fertility, family formation, and addressing conditions that could cause infertility, including endometriosis. Experts say these priorities overlook key demographic trends, epidemiology, prevention of unwanted pregnancies, and the nation’s high maternal mortality.
New Federal Medicaid Rules Require One Month of Work. Some States Demand More.
By Samantha Liss
April 16, 2026
KFF Health News Original
Starting next year, about 18.5 million adults will be subject to new Medicaid work rules in 42 states and Washington, D.C. Applicants must show they’ve been working for at least a month before receiving benefits. Some Republican-controlled states want to triple the required work period.
Trump Admin Considers Bringing Back Erica Schwartz, This Time As CDC Chief
April 15, 2026
Morning Briefing
The former deputy surgeon general, if nominated, would be President Donald Trump’s third attempt at installing a permanent director at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three other people reportedly are being considered for supporting roles at the nation’s top public health agency.
Oregon Insurance Law Does Not Apply To Anti-Abortion Group, Judge Decrees
April 15, 2026
Morning Briefing
A full rendering of the judge’s decision will be released soon, but for now it is thought to exempt only Oregon Right To Life from a state law to “not impose on an enrollee a deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement” for reproductive health care.
50% Of AI Chatbots’ Medical Advice Is Problematic, Researchers Observe
April 15, 2026
Morning Briefing
A study found that nearly 20% of chatbot responses were highly problematic. Meanwhile, according to a Gallup poll, about a quarter of U.S. adults have turned to AI for health information or advice in the past 30 days.
Hazardous Lead Paint Is Peeling Off Bridges, Tainting Water Near Baltimore
April 15, 2026
Morning Briefing
State officials warn that even brief exposure can be harmful to your health, especially for children. Their immediate focus is to stop the paint chips from spreading; plans to begin full lead abatement won’t begin until next year, CBS News reported.
Muscle Fat Caused By Ultra-Processed Foods Worsens Joint Pain: Study
April 15, 2026
Morning Briefing
As CNN reported, intramuscular fat prevents muscle fibers from properly regenerating, weakening them. Weak muscles are a key driver of knee osteoarthritis, which affects nearly 375 million people worldwide. According to the CDC, ultra-processed foods account for more than 50% of calories consumed by adults and 62% by children in the U.S.
1 In 7 Who Enrolled In An ACA Plan This Year Didn’t Pay First Premium Bill
April 15, 2026
Morning Briefing
An analysis found that nationally, 14% of enrollees missed January premium payments as federal Affordable Care Act subsidies expired. In some states, though, the share of missed payments was 25% or more, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, April 15, 2026
April 15, 2026
Morning Briefing
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First Edition: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
April 15, 2026
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Medi-Cal Immigrant Enrollment Is Dropping. Researchers Point to Trump’s Policies.
By Claudia Boyd-Barrett
April 15, 2026
KFF Health News Original
A KFF Health News analysis found Medi-Cal lost almost 100,000 immigrants without legal status in the second half of 2025. California officials say it’s not clear if immigrants are losing coverage faster than other populations, but researchers said the most obvious driver is fear of the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Rural Nebraska Dialysis Unit Closes Despite the State’s $219M in Rural Health Funding
By Arielle Zionts
April 15, 2026
KFF Health News Original
A rural Nebraska dialysis unit that was hemorrhaging money closed, upending patients’ lives. That’s despite a federal rural health program that granted the state more than $200 million this year to improve health care in rural communities.
