Healthcare Costs Archives - KFF Health News

A Blue Wave Hits Healthcare

Episode 470

Nov. 5, 2026

The predicted blue wave in the 2026 midterms not only appeared — it overperformed, with Democrats sweeping into majorities in the House and Senate. That sets up a new focus on health policy, with Democrats seeking to undo cuts imposed by President Donald Trump and the GOP-led Congress and advance their own agenda to increase coverage and lower costs. In this special episode, host Julie Rovner is joined by Mollyann Brodie, executive vice president and chief operating officer at KFF; Larry Levitt, KFF’s executive vice president for health policy; and Amanda Seitz, Washington health policy reporter for KFF Health News.

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A photo illustration shows two hands dropping ballots into a box. They are voting against each other.

Democrats’ Election Rout Is Poised To Dramatically Reorder Federal Health Policy

Democrats’ retaking of Congress doesn’t change President Donald Trump’s control of the veto pen — making the new majority’s aspirations to reverse changes to Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and other safety net programs an uphill climb.

By Stephanie Armour and Amanda Seitz

Nov. 4, 2026

A hand-drawn digital illustration of a woman lying on her side relaxing. She has a baby nestled up to her, and holds a piece of paper that says, "Baby List."

HealthCare Helpline

Expecting a Baby? Five Tips To Help You Prepare for Pregnancy Costs

The cost of having a baby is frustratingly difficult to predict. The actual amount families pay varies widely. Here are five tips to help you prepare for the often-unexpected costs of pregnancy and giving birth.

By Stephanie O'Neill

Nov. 3, 2026

Rows of tents set up in a school gymnasium. Medical staff workers walk in the grounds between the tents.

A Few Miles From the US Capitol, Dozens Slept in Their Cars, Waiting for Free Care

If you’ve heard about how people are struggling with affording healthcare but haven’t been touched by it or seen it, then this pop-up clinic just outside Washington, D.C., put the problem on full display.

By Phil Galewitz

Nov. 3, 2026

A photo of an ad inside a train car that reads, "A pathway to a better you: Get free healthcare coverage through Georgia Pathways."

Georgia Helped Inspire the Medicaid Work Rules. Its Own Rules Could Soon End.

For years, Georgia was the only state to require some Medicaid enrollees to work to obtain and keep coverage. Those rules could expire just as the federal Medicaid work requirements they helped inspire roll out across most of the country.

By Briah Lumpkins and Sam Whitehead

Nov. 2, 2026

The Week in Brief

With Midterms Looming, Americans Feel Priced Out of Healthcare

Get our weekly newsletter, The Week in Brief, featuring a roundup of our original coverage, Fridays at 2 p.m. ET.

By Sam Whitehead

Oct. 30, 2026

A photo of a page in the Medicare & You 2026 handbook entitled, "Section 6: Medicare drug coverage (Part D)"

Medicare Drug Plans Are Hiking Premiums While Trump Claims Victory on Medicine Prices

Millions of Medicare enrollees who buy stand-alone prescription drug plans will see their average monthly premiums rise by 50% in 2027, a new analysis finds. But enrollees can avoid the average increase by switching to lower-cost plans.

By Phil Galewitz

Oct. 30, 2026

A photo of a section of a California ballot showing the two choices for California governor: Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton.

For Californians Drowning in Healthcare Costs, Governor’s Race Offers Few Answers

In California, healthcare costs are rising faster than income and inflation, and 4 in 10 adults in the state say they’re paying down medical debt. With the governor’s race in full swing, it’s still not clear what the candidates would do to fix it.

By Christine Mai-Duc

Oct. 30, 2026

What the Health? From KFF Health News

A New Era for the ACA

Episode 469

Oct. 29, 2026

Open enrollment for 2027 Affordable Care Act plans kicks off in most states Nov. 1, and consumers can expect higher premiums and more bureaucracy. Meanwhile, Democrats are planning a major health agenda if they win majorities in Congress. Julie Appleby of KFF Health News, Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, and Victoria Knight of Bloomberg Government join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also, Rovner announces the winners of the KFF Health News Halloween haiku contest.

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A photo of a woman seated on a bench in the shade of a tree.

Bill of the Month

She Needed an EpiPen. But First, an Urgent Care Asked Her To Pay.

An uninsured woman sought help at a Virginia urgent care center after being stung by a wasp. She said she was stunned when the center asked her to pay before giving her a shot to reverse her allergic reaction.

By Phil Galewitz

Oct. 29, 2026

Karlo Campana takes a selfie as he holds his newborn son.

In California and Other States, Dads Are Now Even With Moms in Paid Leave Claims

The U.S. has no law guaranteeing paid parental leave. But in states with their own programs, more dads are using the benefit, surpassing moms in some states. The growth in popularity comes as Americans increasingly say raising children is unaffordable.

By Elly Yu, LAist

Oct. 28, 2026

Priced Out

The Cost of Healthcare Is Hitting America Where It Hurts: The Wallet

Rising healthcare costs are upending the lives of Americans. People are forgoing health insurance, rationing medications, cutting back on doctor visits, and putting off health procedures they can’t afford. But bringing the costs down won’t be easy.

By Renuka Rayasam and Sam Whitehead

Oct. 26, 2026

A man in a button down shirt and business blazer stands on a stage with a microphone.

Postcard From Bakersfield, California

GOP Congressman in California Swing-District Race Defends Vote for Medicaid Cuts

In a race that could help decide control of Congress, Republican U.S. Rep. David Valadao is trying to hold on to his swing-district seat. The congressman didn’t mention healthcare at a recent campaign rally in Bakersfield, but voters can't stop talking about it.

By Jackie Fortiér

Oct. 23, 2026

A photo of HealthCare.gov seen on a computer screen.

Shopping for an ACA Plan This Year? Here’s What You Need To Know

As open enrollment for Affordable Care Act health insurance kicks off, consumers face rising premiums, additional identity checks, and fewer brokers.

By Julie Appleby

Oct. 23, 2026

Priced Out

Digging Into the Money Behind the US Healthcare System

Healthcare makes up a growing share of the U.S. economy — and household budgets. We break down how much money the nation is spending and on what.

By Lydia Zuraw and Renuka Rayasam

Oct. 23, 2026

A photo shows four increasingly-taller stacks on one-hundred-dollar bills. The tallest stack on the right has an orange pill bottle resting on top of it.

Job-Based Health Plan Costs Rise, With Little Relief in Sight

Employers saw their healthcare premiums rise 5% this year — and some passed on that burden to workers — as the cost of family coverage in job-based insurance exceeds $28,000 for family plans.

By Julie Appleby

Oct. 22, 2026

A sign on the side of a building has a seal and the words, "U.S. Customs and Border Protection," next to it.

‘Go to Canada’: Trump Touted Americans’ Access to Cheaper Drugs. A New Rule Threatens It.

The Trump administration pushed back a rule — until after the midterm elections — that would complicate Americans’ access to less expensive medication imports from Canada and other countries.

By Arthur Allen

Oct. 22, 2026

An image of buildings with the signage "OHSU Hospital"

Hidden Help

States Are Forcing Hospitals To Offer More People Financial Aid. In Oregon, It’s Working.

Oregon passed a law to require hospitals to proactively screen patients to see if they qualify for financial aid. Patients got immediate relief. Hospitals pushed to roll back the law following federal cuts to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act subsidies.

By Melanie Evans, Tradeoffs

Oct. 21, 2026

Letters to the Editor

Readers Are Pleading To Make American Healthcare Greater

KFF Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.

Oct. 19, 2026

Vice President JD Vance (center) speaks alongside (left/right) Kimberly Brandt, Mehmet Oz, Andrew Ferguson Chris Klomp during a press conference. A large backdrop poster behind them says, "$2.2 BILLION RECOVERED."

GOP Focuses on Fraud, Seeking To Redirect Voters’ Ire Over Healthcare Costs

The anti-fraud efforts highlight a broader political fight ahead of the midterms. Republicans say they’re protecting taxpayer dollars by going after bad actors. Democrats contend the administration is — with insufficient evidence — targeting blue states to cut programs the GOP has long sought to shrink.

By Stephanie Armour

Oct. 19, 2026

Trump 2.0

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