Newswatch Inequality State-by-State
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.
California
California nearly achieved universal healthcare. Now, millions are losing coverage
August 21, 2026 03:10 PM EDT
Los Angeles Times
California's uninsured rate could nearly double by 2030, with the sharpest losses hitting Black, Asian and Latino residents in Southern California.
California
The Coverage That Becomes a Maze - California Health Care Foundation
August 19, 2026 07:48 PM EDT
the California Health Care Foundation
Paperwork errors cut off Medi-Cal benefits for older adults with low incomes who also are enrolled in Medicare.
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
63,000 in CT have lost food aid this year, double officials' projections, report says
August 21, 2026 05:15 AM EDT
Hartford Courant.
Connecticut Voices for Children warned cuts in SNAP benefits have cost the state’s economy $155 million over the past year.
Connecticut
Lamont, Fazio spar over housing legislation as governor's race heats up
August 20, 2026 05:38 PM EDT
WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness News.
Connecticut has a housing problem. Gov. Ned Lamont and Republican state Sen. Ryan Fazio agree on that. What to do about it is another matter.
Connecticut
CT SNAP enrollment has decreased by 17% since last summer
August 20, 2026 02:30 PM EDT
WSHU Public Radio.
Enrollment in SNAP has reached a 10-year low in Connecticut. Advocates blame changes to the program included in the sweeping tax bill that President Donald Trump signed last summer.
Delaware
Dr. Jeff Bird: Open Door Health Services Provides Comprehensive Care for the Vulnerable — Muncie Journal
August 21, 2026 03:08 AM EDT
Muncie Journal.
By Dr. Jeff Bird— MUNCIE, IN—Open Door Health Services serves Muncie, Delaware County and East Central IN to provide comprehensive health care services under the umbrella as a Federally Qualified Health Center, which by definition is a community-based clinic funded by the federal government to provide care in underserved areas. These centers treat everyone, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, using a sliding fee scale based on income. These clinics offer primary care, preventive check-ups and often dental, mental health and pharmacy services, all of which are provided by Open Door Health Services (ODHS). I got the chance...
Delaware
First-in-the-nation Family Justice Center coming to Sussex County - 47abc
August 20, 2026 09:10 PM EDT
WMDT 47 News.
Georgetown, Del. – On Wednesday, Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Delaware) was joined by state and local partners to highlight the $2.6 million in federal funds going towards a first-of-its-kind Family Justice Center. “We are now able to move forward to turn the idea of family justice centers into a reality, so that survivors, in those moments of crisis, are able to...
Delaware
$2.6 Million in federal funding to establish Delaware's first Family Justice Centers
August 19, 2026 07:07 PM EDT
WDEL 101.7 FM.
Delaware is using $2.6 million in federal funding secured by Rep. Sarah McBride to establish its first Family Justice Centers, bringing legal, counseling, law enforcement and advocacy services for survivors under one roof.
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
The social-safety net fails special-needs families
August 20, 2026 02:22 PM EDT
Great Bend Tribune.
Being the parent of an autistic and nonverbal child, who will likely require around-the-clock care for the rest of her life, can be an isolating experience. Very few people understand the unique challenges you face. So it was with some relief after we found out our daughter was autistic, that I discovered the YouTube channel Fathering Autism, which documents the life of Florida parents caring for their now-adult, nonverbal child.
Florida
Florida's 'High-Beta' Housing Market May Be Poised for a Rebound
August 20, 2026 05:00 AM EDT
Move, Inc.
Though high interest rates and strained housing affordability dominate the housing headlines, the Sunshine State could lead the market's rebound.
Georgia
Next governor could inherit Georgia's $1.4 billion Medicaid funding fight
August 19, 2026 06:37 PM EDT
WRDW News 12.
Georgia is asking the federal government to increase its funding share for Georgia Pathways, a health coverage program created as an alternative to Medicaid expansion.
Illinois
Safety net snaps - Illinois Times, the capital city's weekly source of news, politics, arts, entertainment, culture
August 20, 2026 05:00 AM EDT
Times.
Kayla Brown said her family of four has been getting by on about $200 a month in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits since the sweeping changes made to the program’s eligibility and benefit calculations went into effect earlier this year. Before the change, she said her family received nearly $900 each month. “We’ve been getting […]
Illinois
Chicago Tonight | Illinois Is Building New Houses at One of the Slowest Paces in the US | Season 2026
August 19, 2026 08:00 PM EDT
Public Broadcasting Service.
Home prices in Chicago are rising faster than they have in years.
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.
Louisiana
11 Best Towns In Louisiana To Retire Comfortably
August 20, 2026 04:30 AM EDT
World Atlas.
Discover 11 affordable Louisiana towns where retirees enjoy historic districts, Cajun culture, waterfront parks, trails, and close-knit communities.
Maine
A longstanding loophole in Maine prison disciplinary policy allows for punishment regardless of guilt
August 20, 2026 11:05 AM EDT
Bangor Daily News.
Incarcerated Mainers are challenging a Department of Corrections policy allowing staff to issue punishments regardless of guilt.
Michigan
Blue Cross changes spark protest over mental health care access
August 21, 2026 05:44 PM EDT
Detroit Free Press
Therapists, patients and advocates protested outside Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan headquarters over changes set to take effect March 1.
Nevada
Coalition forms to address housing affordability
August 21, 2026 08:29 PM EDT
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Leaders representing Southern Nevada’s housing, real estate, development and construction industries came together this week to address housing attainability and the need for land to help make that...
Nevada
Homeownership can feel out of reach for Nevadans, these programs can help
August 21, 2026 01:34 PM EDT
Reno Gazette-Journal.
First time homebuyers might be intimidated by Nevada's housing costs, but these assistance programs can help.
Nevada
Las Vegas woman's black mold ordeal sparks tenant rights warning for Nevada renters
August 21, 2026 11:56 AM EDT
Yahoo! Inc.
Because of the potential for black mold to be dangerous to her family's health, the discovery felt especially urgent.
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
New Mexico Home Recovery Program: Housing Recovery Help and In-Person Assistance in Ruidoso — Village of Ruidoso Municipal Government
August 21, 2026 05:36 AM EDT
the Village of Ruidoso
Get New Mexico Home Recovery Program help in Ruidoso for disaster-related home repairs and reconstruction. View workshops and town halls through December 2026.
New Mexico
Earmarks are aimed at addressing New Mexico's housing shortage
August 20, 2026 07:51 PM EDT
KUNM Radio.
This year’s congressional funding came through in part because, according to Representative Stansbury (D-N.M.), President Trump wasn’t paying attention.
New York
Does your family have to choose between groceries and rent?
August 20, 2026 07:41 PM EDT
WWLP 22 News.
The New York State Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council held a public hearing in Albany to gather feedback from advocates and residents on strategies to combat rising costs and systemic gaps in…
New York
New York hospital financial aid: Who qualifies and how to get help
August 20, 2026 06:23 PM EDT
Democrat and Chronicle.
New York Attorney General Letitia James released new guidance explaining who can qualify for free or discounted hospital care and what protections patients have when facing medical debt.
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
Oklahoma
Oklahoma's new cancer screening requirement isn't as transparent for patients as it should be
August 20, 2026 01:27 PM EDT
The Norman Transcript
For a patient with a high risk of a cancer diagnosis, the most frightening part of an extra scan should be the result, not the bill that may arrive weeks
Oregon
Oregon is spending more than ever on low-income housing. A state law keeps the details secret
August 21, 2026 05:05 AM EDT
Oregon Public Broadcasting
The state has given developers an unprecedented $1.4 billion, and the cost of developing each subsidized apartment has nearly doubled. But thanks to a carve-out in its public records law, Oregon doesn’t have to provide the details of that spending.
Oregon
Oregon Is Spending More Than Ever on Low-Income Housing. A State Law Keeps the Details Secret.
August 21, 2026 05:00 AM EDT
ProPublica.
The state has given developers an unprecedented $1.4 billion, and the cost of developing each subsidized apartment has nearly doubled. But, thanks to a carve-out in its public records law, Oregon doesn’t have to provide the details of that spending.
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
South Dakota
South Dakota tribal safety and policing summit draws gubernatorial candidates
August 20, 2026 10:15 PM EDT
Dakota News Now
South Dakota gubernatorial candidates Larry Rhoden and Dan Ahlers joined tribal leaders and lawmakers to address critical gaps in tribal law enforcement and policing.
Tennessee
HUD Secretary Turner calls opportunity zones 'transformative' in TN
August 21, 2026 06:04 AM EDT
The Tennessean.
During a visit to Nashville, U.S. HUD Secretary Scott Turner said opportunity zones have been "transformational" for underresourced areas in Tennessee.
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.
Vermont
The 44 percent that's costing Vt big bucks
August 21, 2026 12:00 AM EDT
S.A. Messenger.
When a Vermont employer writes a check to Blue Cross or MVP, the employee sees a premium deduction on their paycheck. But do you know where that $1,200 monthly premium
Washington
Coordinated Care Brings Free Health Screenings to Washington Communities with Statewide Vision & Dental Van Tour
August 21, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
PR Newswire Association LLC
/PRNewswire/ -- Today, Coordinated Care, Washington's trusted healthcare partner and wholly owned subsidiary of the Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), is...
Washington
Washington groups press Gov. Ferguson to protect immigrant health care
August 19, 2026 09:27 PM EDT
NBC Right Now.
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Immigrant rights groups in Washington are urging Gov. Ferguson to use emergency funds to keep health coverage in place for foreign-born families facing federal Medicaid cuts.
Wisconsin
Farmers feeling impact of ACA changes - Brownfield Ag News
August 20, 2026 12:48 PM EDT
Brownfield Ag News
The government relations director with the Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) says rising health insurance costs are adding to the financial squeeze on farmers. Michelle Ramirez-White says the subsidy changes within the Affordable Care Act (ACA) through last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill are being felt by producers. “We put out a survey as Wisconsin Farmers […]
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%.
