Newswatch Health State-by-State
Alabama
Brother Let's Talk | Talk of Alabama | 10.20.2026
October 20, 2026 01:37 PM EDT
ABC 33/40
Brother Let's Talk is a free wellness event where men can have honest conversations about mental health, the struggles they’re facing. The event kicks off Thur
Alabama
How North Alabama Families Are Weighing the Rising Cost of Weight-Loss Care
October 20, 2026 01:00 AM EDT
The Decatur Daily.
For a family in Huntsville bringing home $5,000 a month, another $300 medical expense can change the household budget. Groceries, car payments, childcare, and insurance already take a substantial share.
Arizona
Millions in U.S. will lose access to Medicaid in 2027. How AZ hospitals are preparing for cuts
October 20, 2026 04:19 PM EDT
KJZZ
There are some big changes that have come and are coming to Medicaid as a result of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." Ann-Marie Alameddin, president and CEO of the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, joined The Show to talk about it.
Arizona
Indian-American Lawmakers Join Push To Expedite Green Cards Amid Healthcare Losses - indica News
October 19, 2026 11:02 PM EDT
India Climate Dialogue.
iNDICA NEWS BUREAU- A woman undergoing treatment for advanced breast cancer in Arizona has become o - Indian-American Lawmakers Join Push To Expedite Green Cards Amid Healthcare Losses
Arizona
Appeals court blocks start of takeover of healthcare operations in Arizona prisons
October 19, 2026 08:06 PM EDT
The Richmond Register.
A federal appeals court has paused a court-ordered takeover of healthcare operations in Arizona’s prisons. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued the order late Friday, blocking the takeover scheduled
California
Trump Administration Takes Another Swing at California's Medicaid Program
October 20, 2026 04:56 PM EDT
Notus.
Mehmet Oz announced the government is freezing $1.2 billion in federal Medicaid payments to the state.
California
Feds hold back an additional $1.2 billion in California Medicaid reimbursements
October 20, 2026 04:33 PM EDT
Yahoo! Inc.
In May, the administration held back $1.3 billion in Medicaid funds over concerns about hospice and in-home care programs. Now it's deferring $1.2 billion more.
Delaware
BREAKING: Trump Administration Announces New Funding to Support Early Career Physicians Who Choose to Work in Rural Delaware
October 20, 2026 03:32 PM EDT
WGMD Radio.
The Trump Administration has announced over a million dollars in Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding to help recruit and retain physicians serving communities in rural Delaware. This investment will support medical students and physicians in residency training, reduce the financial burden of clinical training, and encourage more physicians to build their careers while expanding…
Georgia
Georgia early voters share why they're heading to the polls
October 20, 2026 01:23 PM EDT
CBS News
Voters at a busy Buckhead polling location discuss rising costs, health care and civic responsibility as Georgia’s early voting turnout breaks records. CBS News Atlanta’s Nakell Williams hears what is motivating them two weeks before Election Day.
Georgia
Trump order sets up new women's health research initiative at NIH, White House task force - Now Georgia
October 19, 2026 06:45 PM EDT
Now Georgia.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday establishing a Women’s Health Division within the National Institutes of Health.
Hawaii
US State Offers Up to $400,000 in Student Loan Assistance for 5 Years of Rural Healthcare Work
October 20, 2026 11:23 AM EDT
Yahoo News
A program in Hawaii is offering to pay people up to $400,000 in exchange for five years of work in rural parts of the state after graduation. The Hawaii Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a...
Hawaii
Hawaii to pay health career tuition in exchange for 5 years working in rural area - West Hawaii Today
October 20, 2026 06:09 AM EDT
West Hawaii Today.
Imagine going to medical or nursing school with tuition fully paid.
Hawaii
Trump signs order creating NIH division, task force for women's health - Hawaii Tribune-Herald
October 20, 2026 06:05 AM EDT
Hawaii Tribune-Herald
Trump signs order creating NIH division, task force for women’s health - Nation and World News | Hawaii Tribune-Herald
Indiana
Avian flu confirmed in Indiana; public warnings issued
October 20, 2026 08:30 AM EDT
The Times of Northwest Indiana.
While HPAI poses a low risk to public health, the DNR says it is possible for humans to contract the disease.
Indiana
President Trump signs order aimed at boosting women's health research, a plan backed by first lady - Indianapolis Business Journal
October 19, 2026 09:24 PM EDT
Business Journal.
The president signed an executive order creating a Women’s Health Division at the National Institutes of Health and a separate White House Women's Health Task Force.
Kentucky
Cabinet for Health and Family Services reports security breach related to Ky. Medicaid member info
October 20, 2026 07:00 AM EDT
K105 Radio.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) is sharing information on a security breach involving Gainwell Technologies, a vendor contracted with the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services’ Ky Health-Net information system. On Aug. 18, 2026, a
Kentucky
Kentucky nonprofit helps food and beverage workers facing hardship
October 20, 2026 01:00 AM EDT
Spectrum News 1
As dining tabs shrink, grants from Apron Inc. help workers cover rent, medical bills and other emergencies.
Louisiana
Opinion | Beyond the walk: Black youth suicide rates rise in Louisiana – The Lion's Roar
October 20, 2026 01:57 PM EDT
Lion's Roar.
September’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month may have passed, but the conversations surrounding mental health remain important throughout the year. On Tuesday, Sept. 15, a partnership between the NAACP chapter and the University Counseling Center brought the community together for a suicide awareness walk, emphasizing the importance of recognizing mental health struggles and supporting those affected
Maine
Hundreds of Mainers lost their health insurance due to Medicaid eligibility changes
October 20, 2026 06:16 PM EDT
WMTW-TV.
The federal government will no longer reimburse states for Medicaid coverage provided to lawful noncitizens.
Michigan
Area health departments navigate rising costs as funding stays flat
October 20, 2026 02:00 AM EDT
Cadillac News
CADILLAC — A little over a year ago, a cloud of uncertainty hung over northern Michigan’s local health departments as some federal funding was abruptly cut.
Michigan
Advocates rally against rising health care costs in Flint
October 19, 2026 04:27 PM EDT
Mid Michigan Now.
FLINT, Mich. - Local health care advocates gathered at the Flint Farmers’ Market on Monday afternoon to speak out against rising costs hitting Michiganders pock
Minnesota
Minnesota hospitals warn of 'crisis of care' amid mounting cost increases
October 20, 2026 06:54 PM EDT
KTTC Television
The Minnesota Hospital Association released a new “Statewide Crisis of Care” report on Tuesday, detailing the increasing financial pressure many healthcare institutions in the state are facing.
Nebraska
Nebraska Democratic Governor Candidate Pledges Medical Marijuana Executive Order On 'Day One' - Marijuana Moment
October 20, 2026 01:11 PM EDT
Marijuana Moment
The Democratic candidate running to be Nebraska’s next governor is promising to issue an executive order to expedite access to medical marijuana on “day one” of her administration if she is elected. Lynne Walz said it’s “a really sad situation” that the administration of her opponent, incumbent Gov. Jim Pillen (R), has failed to stand […]
Nebraska
Omaha man files lawsuit against DHHS over public records request
October 20, 2026 10:32 AM EDT
Nebraska Television Network.
An Omaha man is filing a lawsuit against the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services over its estimated cost and completion date to fulfill his public
Nevada
Carrot Top returns to the stage one month after suicide attempt
October 20, 2026 09:26 AM EDT
The National Desk.
The 61-year-old was found at his Nevada home on Sept 18 and rushed to the hospital, later making a full recovery.
New Hampshire
Report: Up to 29,000 in NH could lose Medicaid coverage by 2028
October 20, 2026 11:55 AM EDT
New Hampshire Public Radio
Medicaid update: As of this January, Granite Advantage — New Hampshire’s Medicaid Expansion program, which covers people up to 138% over the federal poverty limit — will require enrollees to complete 80 hours of work or community engagement activities every month.
New Hampshire
29,000 Granite Staters Could Lose Their Health Coverage, New Study Says - InDepthNH.org
October 20, 2026 09:15 AM EDT
InDepth New Hampshire.
A new study by the NH Fiscal Policy Institute indicates from 23,000 to 29,000 New Hampshire residents will lose their Medicaid health insurance coverage by 2028 under new federal and state regulations and requirements set to begin Jan. 1.
New Jersey
New Jersey Urology Expands Access to Minimally Invasive Care with New Outpatient Interventional Radiology Centers in Monroe and Voorhees
October 20, 2026 06:39 AM EDT
Yahoo Finance
VOORHEES, N.J., October 20, 2026--New Jersey Urology advances care across the region opening new outpatient centers led by three nationally recognized interventional radiologists
New Jersey
Sherrill unveils New Jersey social media research facility
October 19, 2026 06:15 PM EDT
The Press of Atlantic City.
New Jersey is moving to create a new research facility to study possible connections between obsessive use of social media platforms and anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns among
New Mexico
Bernalillo County Declares Fentanyl Emergency After 314 Overdose Deaths in 2025 as New Mexico Bucks National Decline
October 20, 2026 02:04 AM EDT
Medical Daily.
Bernalillo County declared a fentanyl emergency after 314 overdose deaths in 2025, as New Mexico deaths rise while national deaths fall.
New York
New York Medicare Plan Challenges HHS Star Rating Decision
October 20, 2026 11:22 AM EDT
Bloomberg Industry Group
A New York Medicare Advantage plan is suing the Trump administration, alleging it arbitrarily excluded the company from Medicare bonus payments granted to another insurer.
New York
Q&A: New York Medicaid director explains Bronx work requirement exemption
October 20, 2026 08:36 AM EDT
HealthBeat.
Some 200,000 Medicaid enrollees in the Bronx may be spared new federal work requirements because of the borough’s high unemployment rate. New York Medicaid director Amir Bassiri explains what that means for residents.
North Carolina
North Carolinians brace for Medicaid cuts and SNAP changes - NC Voices
October 20, 2026 12:42 PM EDT
North Carolina Voices.
Changes to SNAP and Medicaid kicked in this month that will affect millions of North Carolina residents and their ability to access food and healthcare.
North Carolina
STATEMENT: Trump and Vance Scramble to Win Back Voters in North Carolina as “Sick of It!” Bus Tour Puts Republicans' Health Care Crisis Front and Center — Protect Our Care
October 20, 2026 07:55 AM EDT
Protect Our Care
Washington, D.C. — After Protect Our Care brought the fight over health care to communities across North Carolina, Donald Trump and JD Vance are scrambling to win back voters ahead...
North Dakota
ND Leaders Celebrate Ribbon Cutting for New State Laboratory
October 20, 2026 12:37 PM EDT
News Dakota.
BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – State leaders gathered on the Capitol grounds to celebrate the official opening of the new North Dakota State Laboratory, a modern facility that strengthens the state’s ability to monitor public health and environmental
Ohio
Ohio deploys $100M to boost rural healthcare access
October 20, 2026 11:15 AM EDT
State Affairs.
Over $100 million is being deployed to improve rural health in Ohio, featuring new investments for rural hospitals and maternal care.
Oklahoma
In The Know: Oklahoma health care agency boasts low payment error rate | Tulsa Public Schools board votes to close 17 schools | Oklahoma lawmakers examine alternatives to unnecessary pretrial detention - Oklahoma Policy Institute
October 20, 2026 10:04 AM EDT
Oklahoma Policy Institute.
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. Subscribe to
Oregon
What to know about changes to Medicare plans as open enrollment begins | MyCentralOregon.com - Horizon Broadcasting Group, LLC
October 20, 2026 05:03 AM EDT
Central Oregon Daily News.
An aerial of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services building on March 19, 2025 in Woodlawn, Maryland. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)Open enrollment for Medicare, the nationwide federal heal
Oregon
Marion County, providers urge OHA to revise residential treatment rules over safety fears
October 19, 2026 11:09 PM EDT
KATU Television.
Marion County and Oregon behavioral health providers urge OHA to revise temporary residential treatment rules, citing safety gaps and confusion. A petition seeks easier discharges, visitor limits and alcohol bans.
Pennsylvania
State counselors offer unbiased help comparing Medicare plans through Dec. 7
October 20, 2026 04:00 PM EDT
North Central Pennsylvania.
Free, unbiased PA MEDI counselors can help Pennsylvanians compare Medicare plans during the open enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
Pennsylvania
Pa. election 2026: Where Josh Shapiro and Stacy Garrity stand on health care, abortion, trans rights and more
October 20, 2026 03:13 PM EDT
WPSU
Find out where the candidates for Pennsylvania governor stand on a variety of issues before you vote in the Nov. 3 election.
Pennsylvania
CDC helps PA with measles - Tri-State Alert
October 20, 2026 12:31 PM EDT
Tri-State Alert
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has begun providing additional assistance to Pennsylvania as the state continues to battle a growing measles outbreak. The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced October 19 that a CDC epidemiologist had joined the state’s response team to help investigate […]
Pennsylvania
US Measles Outbreak: Cases in Pennsylvania Surge to 1,286 Across 42 Counties As Health Officials Ramp Up Vaccination Efforts - Check Symptoms, Treatment and More
October 19, 2026 06:15 PM EDT
The Sunday Guardian.
It seems like Pennsylvania can’t catch a break from the ongoing measles outbreak that has affected 46 US states. According to the state’s local health department, measles cases have risen to 1286. 5 casualties have also been reported.
Tennessee
Tennessee holds free flu vaccinations as cases rise early
October 20, 2026 07:41 AM EDT
WSMV Nashville.
Middle Tennessee is already seeing an increase in flu hospitalizations.
Texas
TTUHSC School of Nursing Expands Access to Maternal and Child Healthcare in Lubbock
October 20, 2026 06:03 PM EDT
KCBD NewsChannel 11
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Nursing celebrated the opening of Grand Expectations Health Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house today.
Virginia
Gov. Spanberger announces Virginia United Coalition to protect Virginians from federal healthcare and SNAP cuts
October 20, 2026 04:25 PM EDT
WSLS 10.
Governor Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday announced the creation of the Virginia United Coalition, bringing together 32 organizations from across the Commonwealth to help Virginians navigate the cuts imposed by H.R. 1 - the “One Big Beautiful Bill”.
Virginia
Governor Spanberger Announces Virginia United Coalition to Protect Virginians From Federal Healthcare & SNAP Cuts
October 20, 2026 02:00 PM EDT
Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer.
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger announced the creation of the Virginia United Coalition, bringing together 32 organizations from across the Commonwealth to help Virginians navigate the devastating healthcare and
Washington
Washington Reports Human Bird Flu Case After Dairy Cattle Exposure: Should You Be Worried?
October 20, 2026 08:47 PM EDT
Health and Me
The human case follows highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 detection in dairy cattle on two Yakima County farms, where the resident was exposed to infected animals. Authorities have quarantined both farms and implemented biosecurity measures, while veterinarians treat sick cows., Health News News, Health and Me
West Virginia
Governor Morrisey announces $3.4 million in rural health funding for WVU Health
October 20, 2026 09:48 AM EDT
WVNS-TV.
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) – Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that West Virginia University (WVU) Health System received more than $3.4 million in West Virginia Rural Health Transformation Prog…
West Virginia
Alabama joins Supreme Court fight over religious school vaccine exemptions
October 20, 2026 09:17 AM EDT
Alabama Political Reporter.
Alabama already allows religious exemptions. The West Virginia dispute asks when the Constitution requires states to provide them.
Wisconsin
Measles in Richland County as southwest Wisconsin outbreak keeps growing
October 20, 2026 04:20 PM EDT
La Crosse Tribune.
A Richland County resident has tested positive for measles, bringing the number of counties affected by Wisconsin's ongoing outbreak to eight.
Wisconsin
Ascension Wisconsin opens two new pharmacies in Oshkosh
October 19, 2026 10:11 PM EDT
WBAY-TV
Health system cites community need as local pharmacies close
Wisconsin
Tom Tiffany discusses affordability during Onalaska roundtable
October 19, 2026 06:59 PM EDT
WXOW 19 News.
U.S. Rep. and gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany hosted a roundtable discussion Monday at The Salon Professional Academy in Onalaska, focusing on rising costs for Wisconsin residents.
Wisconsin
Changing the mental health conversation, one swing at a time
October 19, 2026 03:42 PM EDT
Police1.
Next18, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit, offers retreats for military veterans and first responders that combine the game of golf with mental wellness education.
Wyoming
A new tool helps make sense of Colorado hospital pricing
October 20, 2026 03:31 PM EDT
Wyoming Public Media
Wyoming just took the step to require hospitals to publicly post their prices for services. Colorado has had that requirement since 2021, and now a nonprofit is trying to help consumers make better sense of the data.
Wyoming
Medicare Advantage sessions set in Wyoming County
October 20, 2026 12:45 PM EDT
The Daily News Online.
WARSAW — Three Medicare Advantage events will help people with enrollment and other issues.
