Major national health policy changes set in motion last year are expected to significantly affect public health in 2026, with implications for coverage, affordability, workforce, and immunization policy. Expiring ACA premium subsidies could increase costs or lead to coverage losses for millions, while incentives for new state Medicaid expansions are ending. New rules remove caps on ACA tax cr…

A record share of Americans view the U.S. healthcare system as deeply troubled, with 23% describing it as “in a state of crisis” and nearly half citing major problems, according to new West Health–Gallup polling. Rising healthcare costs emerged as the most urgent concern, closely tied to worsening access and affordability. Experts note that unpredictable expenses, an aging population, and inf…

A new study published in JAMA Network Open highlights a critical early indicator of childhood vaccination gaps: infants who miss or delay recommended vaccines in the first four months of life are significantly less likely to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine on schedule. Analyzing records from more than 321,000 children with consistent access to care, researchers found dec…

As federal public health capacity faces workforce losses, funding constraints, and shifting priorities, non-governmental actors are increasingly stepping in to sustain essential public health functions. Health care systems, universities, community organizations, philanthropy, and businesses are playing expanded roles in areas such as data collection, evidence-based guidance, workforce training…

As flu activity increases nationwide, a recent article highlights that Tamiflu is not the only CDC-recommended antiviral available to treat influenza. Other options—Xofluza, Relenza, and Rapivab—offer different dosing, delivery methods, and age approvals, which may influence treatment decisions based on access, cost, and patient needs. Antivirals are most effective when started within two days…

Overdose deaths in the U.S. have declined unevenly since fall 2023, with states like West Virginia seeing notable reductions. One contributing factor gaining attention is crisis intervention training (CIT) for law enforcement, a program originally designed to help officers recognize and respond to mental health conditions. CIT equips officers to identify substance use crises, engage empatheti…

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has filed a lawsuit challenging the abrupt termination of nearly $12 million in federal grants by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The organization argues the funding cuts jeopardize long-standing public health initiatives unrelated to current policy disputes, including efforts to prevent sudden unexpected infant death, improve early ide…

A new national survey shows a small but notable decline in U.S. adults willing to recommend the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, raising concerns for public health amid rising measles cases. Eighty-six percent of adults said they would recommend the vaccine to an eligible household member, down from 90% in late 2024.   Confidence in MMR safety remains relatively high at 83%, t…

Public health communicators are heading into 2026 amid mounting uncertainty and high-stakes challenges. Confidence in long-standing public health institutions is being tested as leadership changes, staffing losses, and political influence reshape how guidance and data are produced and received. At the same time, shifts in U.S. vaccine policy risk fueling skepticism at home and abroad, with pote…