Newswatch Health State-by-State
Arkansas
Arkansas maternal health roundtable highlights access gaps, rural hospital losses
August 20, 2026 07:24 PM EDT
Fort Smith Television, LLC.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined healthcare leaders and Bentonville-based Olivia Walton at a maternal health roundtable Thursday in Little Rock, as providers highlighted ongoing access challenges across Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas.
Arkansas
Proposed 2027 rate increases for Arkansas' health insurance marketplace plans range from 3.1% to 15.9% | Arkansas Democrat Gazette
August 19, 2026 08:40 PM EDT
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Insurers offering plans on Arkansas' Affordable Care Act marketplace have proposed rate increases ranging from 3.1% to 15.9% for 2027, down significantly from the increases that were approved for this year.
Colorado
Healthcare Freefall: Longer drives, fewer options for maternity care in Colorado
August 21, 2026 07:00 AM EDT
Colorado Politics.
Across rural Colorado, hospitals are making choices that once seemed unimaginable — closing labor and delivery units, scaling back core services and questioning whether they can continue offering care their communities have depended on for generations.
Colorado
Colorado man accused of killing art teacher wife
August 21, 2026 02:29 AM EDT
KBTX Media.
A man was charged in the death of his wife after claiming she killed herself due to postpartum depression. (KUSA, FAMILY PHOTOS: LAKEWOOD POLICE, CNN)
Colorado
'Completely overwhelming': Colorado mountain town leaders worry Medicaid, SNAP changes are breaking down rural safety nets
August 20, 2026 07:39 PM EDT
The Aspen Times.
Healthcare groups, food banks and local government leaders in Colorado’s mountain towns find themselves on the front lines of a looming overhaul of the country’s social safety net system. The sweeping megabill passed by congressional...
Connecticut
School vaccination rates on the rise in Connecticut despite national dip
August 21, 2026 06:23 PM EDT
WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness News.
School vaccination rates on the rise in Connecticut despite national dip
Connecticut
41,000 HUSKY Health members impacted in second security incident this year, DSS says
August 21, 2026 05:32 PM EDT
NBC Connecticut
For the second time this year, the Connecticut Department of Social Services is notifying HUSKY Health members about a security incident involving a Medicaid provider portal. The latest incident affects approximately 41,000 HUSKY Health members after an unauthorized person accessed certain claims and payment information through a provider’s account. The last incident happened in March, and an unauthorized user gained…
Florida
'It's scary to run out of options': Floridians talk Obamacare changes after expired tax credits
August 21, 2026 01:20 PM EDT
NBC 6 Miami
Millions of Florida residents left with fewer affordable health insurance options after some Affordable Care Act subsidies expired earlier this year.
Florida
Florida pediatric group rebukes Trump vaccine order
August 20, 2026 12:00 AM EDT
Keys News.
TALLAHASSEE — Pediatricians in Florida are pushing back on President Donald Trump’s executive order calling for changes to the childhood vaccination schedule.
Georgia
Georgia reports seventh measles case as kindergarten vaccine exemptions rise
August 18, 2026 11:25 PM EDT
Atlanta News First.
Georgia health officials have confirmed a new measles case as recently released federal data shows childhood vaccination rates in the state have fallen below the level generally needed to protect communities from highly contagious diseases.
Hawaii
Hawaii's kindergarten vaccination rates drop across the board | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
August 21, 2026 06:05 AM EDT
Hawaii's Star-Advertiser.
Kindergarten vaccination rates in Hawaii have declined across-the-board, according to newly released data.
Illinois
Police officer suicide: How northern Illinois is breaking the silence
August 20, 2026 07:00 AM EDT
Shaw Media.
Police officers face trauma most people never encounter. Lake County Police Chief Deputy Christopher Covelli said officers are repeatedly exposed to traumatic events: violence, death, serious injuries, child abuse, fatal crashes. All take a toll on an individual’s mental health.
Indiana
The human cost of fighting fraud, ending emergency Medicaid
August 21, 2026 01:46 PM EDT
the "Institute of Plant Medicine.
All over Indiana (and the nation at large) thousands of disabled people are losing the benefits they relied on for survival.
Indiana
Fear of a Copycat Culture: From Mangione to the Shooting of an Indiana Judge
August 21, 2026 11:30 AM EDT
The Bloomington Herald-Times.
The Thompson killing added something unusual because Thompson was neither a president nor judge nor politician. He was a highly compensated corporate executive. To Americans furious about medical bills, denied insurance claims and corporate profits, he could be turned into a symbol. That is precisely where society must draw an unmistakable moral line.
Iowa
VA secretary, Ashley Hinson talk veterans funding at Iowa roundtable
August 19, 2026 08:02 AM EDT
The Des Moines Register
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins and U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson talked about veterans funding and mental health at a Marshalltown roundtable.
Kentucky
Insurance cuts and inflation are driving the Kentucky doctor shortage, local physicians warn
August 20, 2026 07:18 PM EDT
WBKO
A shortage of nearly 3,000 doctors is leaving vast areas of Kentucky without care. Local physicians say insurance companies are making the crisis worse.
Maryland
Maryland counties struggle to fund EMTs, more as state shifts costs to locals
August 19, 2026 05:04 PM EDT
The Baltimore Sun
Economists caution that Maryland may enter financial ruin, taxpayers could lose essential programs, and increased income inequality.
Maryland
Baltimore will continue offering full childhood vaccine schedule despite Trump's latest shakeup
August 19, 2026 02:25 PM EDT
Wypr.
President Donald Trump has attempted once more to reduce the number of vaccines recommended to children, but Maryland health officials are pushing back.
Massachusetts
What parents should know about COVID, measles and vaccines as kids head back to school
August 20, 2026 05:16 PM EDT
WCVB-TV.
Massachusetts is seeing only a mild rise in COVID cases, and doctors are reminding families to keep kids up to date on routine vaccines before school starts.
Massachusetts
Woman sought in Massachusetts officer's death co-founded mental health group for first responders
August 19, 2026 12:11 PM EDT
associated with "WLWT Cincinnati.
The woman sought in connection with a Massachusetts officer's death co-founded a mental health group for first responders.
Massachusetts
Woman sought in Massachusetts officer's death co-founded mental health group for first responders | WBAL Baltimore News
August 19, 2026 12:11 PM EDT
WBAL-TV
The search resumes Wednesday for a woman wanted in connection with the death of an off-duty police officer found dead at a Worcester, Massachusetts, home. Police found Worcester police patrolman Kurt
Massachusetts
Woman sought in officer's death co-founded mental health group for police and other first responders
August 19, 2026 07:32 AM EDT
WOKV Radio.
A woman who started a group that advocates for the mental health of police officers is being sought by authorities after a Massachusetts cop was found dead at the home they owned together
Massachusetts
The Globe editorial board endorses Seth Moulton for Senate - The Boston Globe
August 19, 2026 03:43 AM EDT
The Boston Globe
Moulton has proven leadership skills that will serve him well if he reaches the Senate, and his positions on major issues — including health care, the cost of living, and foreign policy — have been consistent with the values of most Massachusetts voters.
Michigan
Michigan Will Not Follow Trump's Vaccine Recommendations, State's Medical Chief Says
August 21, 2026 08:42 AM EDT
WJR Radio.
On Thursday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that it will not change any of its vaccine guidelines to match recent changes in federal recommendations for childhood vaccines.
Michigan
Michigan sticks with standard childhood vaccine schedule despite Trump executive order
August 20, 2026 09:27 PM EDT
WNEM TV5
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is not changing its approach to childhood vaccines following President Donald Trump’s recently signed executive order on childhood vaccine recommendations.
Michigan
Michigan keeps vaccine line amid Trump order
August 20, 2026 11:48 AM EDT
Detroit Free Press.
Michigan sticks with AAP schedule and combined vaccines despite Trump's order; 16 measles cases reported.
Michigan
Michigan vaccination guidelines unchanging amid Trump's new order
August 20, 2026 09:30 AM EDT
Fox Television Stations, LLC.
Michigan’s Health and Human Services Department is keeping its childhood vaccination recommendations unchanged amid guidance from the federal government. Here’s what to know.
Michigan
Michigan vaccine waiver rates hit highest level since 2013
August 19, 2026 10:52 PM EDT
WLIX-TV
Vaccine waiver rates in Michigan have risen to 6.2%, the highest level since 2013, according to the latest data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Minnesota
Minnesota kindergartners have third lowest measles vaccination rate in U.S.
August 20, 2026 03:52 PM EDT
Minnesota Public Radio News
According to new CDC data, immunization rates have continued to fall over the last year especially in Minnesota. Pediatrician Dr. Andrea Singh shared more on what this could mean.
Nebraska
Health Secretary Kennedy visits National Quarantine Unit in Omaha
August 20, 2026 01:12 PM EDT
WOWT 6 News.
Gov. Jim Pillen and Nebraska University President Dr. Jeffrey Gold are among state officials hosting U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to UNMC on Thursday.
Nevada
As health insurance costs rise, Nevada hospitals see more uninsured patients
August 19, 2026 07:06 PM EDT
Las Vegas Review-Journal
As health insurance costs rise, Nevada hospitals see more uninsured patients
New Hampshire
Mental Health Non-profit Will Use $3.6 Million Grant To Address Youth Suicide In NH
August 19, 2026 11:00 AM EDT
The Caledonian-Record.
NAMI New Hampshire, a local mental health non-profit, will use a new $3.6 million federal grant to expand its youth suicide prevention work in New Hampshire. The news comes seven
New Hampshire
Remembering Madbury family one year after tragic murder-suicide
August 18, 2026 07:48 PM EDT
WMUR-TV
Tuesday marks one year since a murder-suicide in Madbury shocked the community, and New Hampshire mental health officials are reminding people that it is important to talk about mental well-being and to ask for help.
New Jersey
New Jersey's Sherrill signs 'shield' law on abortions, 'gender affirming' care
August 21, 2026 01:48 PM EDT
The Center Square.
(The Center Square) — Doctors and other medical professionals who provide abortions and transgender care will have expanded legal protections under a bill signed into law Thursday by Democratic New
New Mexico
Haaland visits Grants Community Pantry, Hears Rural New Mexico Concerns Firsthand
August 21, 2026 01:44 PM EDT
Cibola Citizen.
GRANTS, N.M. – A tour through the Grants Community Pantry Friday morning became a broader conversation about what it takes to live – and stay healthy – in rural New Mexico.Former U.S. Interior Secretary, and current Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland visited the pantry Aug. 21, where Executive Director Alice Perez and garden master Donald Jaramillo walked Haaland and members of her team through the facility, its gardens and the work being done to get food into communities across Cibola County and western New Mexico.
New Mexico
Gubernatorial candidates talk about health issues impacting New Mexicans
August 20, 2026 07:17 PM EDT
KUNM Radio.
New Mexico gubernatorial candidates joined a public health panel on Thursday to share how they would approach the loss of federal funding and protecting Medicaid.
New York
Attorney General James Releases Guidance to Help New Yorkers Access Hospital Financial Aid
August 20, 2026 11:26 AM EDT
Ein Presswire.
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released guidance to help New Yorkers understand and exercise their right to financial assistance for
New York
Hochul says it's 'not too late to reverse course' on Haitian TPS end
August 19, 2026 05:31 AM EDT
The Journal News.
Thousands of Haitians with temporary protected status reside in New York and Gov. Kathy Hochul says the state's healthcare industry will be hit hard.
Oklahoma
More Oklahoma children are entering kindergarten with vaccine exemptions, CDC reports
August 21, 2026 12:20 PM EDT
KGOU Radio.
Most were non-medical, representing 7.2% of Oklahoma kindergartners. That’s about a 33% increase from the previous year.
Oregon
Oregon's Health Care Debate Moves Toward 2027 as State Leaders Focus on Cost, Coverage and Access
August 20, 2026 07:48 AM EDT
The Grants Pass Daily Courier.
The future of health care in Oregon is already emerging as a significant issue ahead of the 2027 legislative session, with state lawmakers examining how
Oregon
Oregon's Psilocybin Program Helps People Improve Mental Health, Federally Funded Study Published By American Medical Association Shows - Marijuana Moment
August 19, 2026 11:11 AM EDT
Marijuana Moment.
“They reported decreases in depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms; improved life satisfaction; and improved mental wellbeing.” By Jack Gorsline, Psychedelic State(s) of America Oregon’s state-regulated psilocybin program has maintained a strong safety record while delivering measurable mental health improvements. But an impending financial crisis threatens to dismantle the nation’s first legal psilocybin market. […]
Pennsylvania
'Bare minimum' healthcare in rural Pennsylvania threatens to get worse
August 20, 2026 04:00 PM EDT
North Central Pennsylvania.
(The Center Square) - Communities in rural Pennsylvania continue to face obstacles to receiving healthcare as new Medicaid and Medicare requirements may soon disproportionately affect residents.
Pennsylvania
Press Release: Mike Kelly Praises $35 Million Rural Health Funding for Pennsylvania | Stock News
August 20, 2026 12:20 PM EDT
Quiver Quantitative
Kelly praises $35 million federal funding for Pennsylvania rural health projects, including technolo
South Carolina
How Healthy Learners is helping local students thrive
August 19, 2026 01:41 PM EDT
wmbfnews
The South Carolina nonprofit Healthy Learners is dedicated to breaking down health barriers for students so they can focus on their education.
South Dakota
Avian flu affects 77,700 South Dakota birds, raising state's four-year outbreak total to 8.1 million
August 21, 2026 05:39 PM EDT
Yahoo! Inc.
Bird flu has returned to South Dakota, with federal officials confirming detections in two flocks this month after nearly a month without U.S. cases. The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus — H5N1...
South Dakota
$90 million to Modernize and Improve IT and Interoperability for South Dakota
August 19, 2026 04:37 PM EDT
Health Care Innovation Group.
The funding aims to expand care access, upgrade digital health systems, strengthen cybersecurity, and support workforce development
Tennessee
Fewer Tennessee kindergarteners vaccinated as nonmedical exemptions climb during 2025-2026 school year
August 20, 2026 05:03 AM EDT
Knoxville News Sentinel.
Nationwide, vaccination coverage among kindergarteners declined for all routinely reported vaccines compared with the previous school year.
Utah
Opinion: Utah's healthcare costs are soaring, families are paying the price
August 20, 2026 12:22 PM EDT
Deseret News.
Whether it be higher deductibles, increasing premiums or facility fees, our already high healthcare costs continue to rise at an unsustainable rate.
West Virginia
Senator Justice praises $4.2 million federal investment for West Virginia rural healthcare
August 21, 2026 05:14 PM EDT
WVNS-TV.
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) – U.S. Senator Jim Justice commended President Trump’s Administration for investing $4.2 million to broaden rural healthcare access in West Virginia. According to …
West Virginia
Trump administration invests $4.2 million in West Virginia health care
August 21, 2026 03:12 PM EDT
WTAP-TV.
Senator Justice applauds Trump Administration’s $4.2 million investment to West Virginia rural healthcare access expansion
West Virginia
Justice praises $4.2 million investment in West Virginia rural health care
August 21, 2026 11:12 AM EDT
West Virginia News.
U.S. Sen. Jim Justice praised a $4.2 million federal investment to expand medical transportation and improve rural health care access in West Virginia.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides update on measles outbreak in southwest Wisconsin
August 21, 2026 05:41 PM EDT
WBAY-TV
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services released an updated number on the measles outbreak in southwest Wisconsin on Friday.
Wisconsin
Measles cases in southwest Wisconsin rise to 41, with 7 more cases probable
August 21, 2026 03:18 PM EDT
Channel 3000.
MADISON, Wis. -- There are now 41 confirmed cases of measles in southwestern Wisconsin, the Department of Health Services said Friday, as an outbreak continues to grow.
Wisconsin
Measles outbreak spreads to Grant County, 36 confirmed cases across southwestern Wisconsin
August 18, 2026 10:58 PM EDT
WXOW 19 News.
GRANT COUNTY, Wis. (WKOW) — A measles outbreak that began earlier this year has now spread to Grant County, with health officials confirming the new are connected to the cases
Wyoming
Task force keeps Wyoming-run catastrophic health insurance talks alive - NewsBreak
August 21, 2026 06:15 AM EDT
News Break, Inc
Wyoming health administrators proposed establishing a state-operated public health insurance plan when they applied for federal Rural Health Transformation
Wyoming
Health insurance Marketplace plans likely to get more expensive in 2027
August 20, 2026 02:04 PM EDT
Wyoming Public Media
The two companies offering plans in Wyoming are asking to increase monthly premium rates by 9 to 25%.
