The Commonwealth Fund
@commonwealthfund.org
As Medicaid work requirements take effect in 2027, it’s unclear how states will determine who qualifies as medically frail and exempt from the rules.
Medical Frailty Exemptions Will Help with Medicaid Work Requirements
Medical frailty policies will allow people with disabilities and chronic illnesses to be exempted from work reporting requirements and stay enrolled in Medicaid.
www.commonwealthfund.org
January 12, 2026 at 6:18 PM
As Medicaid work requirements take effect in 2027, it’s unclear how states will determine who qualifies as medically frail and exempt from the rules.
Drug prices continue to be a top concern for #Medicare beneficiaries, with one of five saying they use discount websites like GoodRx or Amazon, instead of their prescription drug plan.
What the Decline in Medicare Part D Plan Availability Means
Fewer standalone Rx plans in traditional Medicare raises questions about whether beneficiaries will have choices that align with health needs and budgets.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Drug prices continue to be a top concern for #Medicare beneficiaries, with one of five saying they use discount websites like GoodRx or Amazon, instead of their prescription drug plan.
🚨 Today at 12PM ET!
"Decoding the Moment: The $50 Billion #RuralHealth Program in Context"
Join @tradeoffs.org and @pennldi.bsky.social for this virtual event exploring the #healthcare challenges facing rural America, the evidence-based solutions, and more.
#powerofrural
"Decoding the Moment: The $50 Billion #RuralHealth Program in Context"
Join @tradeoffs.org and @pennldi.bsky.social for this virtual event exploring the #healthcare challenges facing rural America, the evidence-based solutions, and more.
#powerofrural
January 6, 2026 at 2:06 PM
🚨 Today at 12PM ET!
"Decoding the Moment: The $50 Billion #RuralHealth Program in Context"
Join @tradeoffs.org and @pennldi.bsky.social for this virtual event exploring the #healthcare challenges facing rural America, the evidence-based solutions, and more.
#powerofrural
"Decoding the Moment: The $50 Billion #RuralHealth Program in Context"
Join @tradeoffs.org and @pennldi.bsky.social for this virtual event exploring the #healthcare challenges facing rural America, the evidence-based solutions, and more.
#powerofrural
Federal programs play a critical role in whether people can get contraceptive care, and states can shape how well those programs work.
A new analysis outlines paths states can take and what’s at risk if funding is cut.
bit.ly/3Y2mmV6
A new analysis outlines paths states can take and what’s at risk if funding is cut.
bit.ly/3Y2mmV6
An Overview of Federally Funded Contraceptive Programs
With sufficient funding, states can utilize Medicaid SPAs and Section 1115 waivers, MCO contracts, and Title X grants to expand access to contraceptives.
bit.ly
January 6, 2026 at 1:58 PM
Federal programs play a critical role in whether people can get contraceptive care, and states can shape how well those programs work.
A new analysis outlines paths states can take and what’s at risk if funding is cut.
bit.ly/3Y2mmV6
A new analysis outlines paths states can take and what’s at risk if funding is cut.
bit.ly/3Y2mmV6
Bright spots in rural communities illuminate ways to expand primary care.
From mobile clinics and telehealth to community health workers, smart investments and rural-specific solutions can help make sure your zip code doesn't determine the care you get. bit.ly/44B2YlJ
From mobile clinics and telehealth to community health workers, smart investments and rural-specific solutions can help make sure your zip code doesn't determine the care you get. bit.ly/44B2YlJ
The State of Rural Primary Care in the United States
Rural Americans face significant barriers to accessing adequate primary care; tailored federal and state programs can help address some of these challenges.
commonwealthfund.org
January 5, 2026 at 2:27 PM
Bright spots in rural communities illuminate ways to expand primary care.
From mobile clinics and telehealth to community health workers, smart investments and rural-specific solutions can help make sure your zip code doesn't determine the care you get. bit.ly/44B2YlJ
From mobile clinics and telehealth to community health workers, smart investments and rural-specific solutions can help make sure your zip code doesn't determine the care you get. bit.ly/44B2YlJ
Reposted by The Commonwealth Fund
🔴 Decoding the Moment: The $50 Billion #RuralHealthProgram in Context 🔴
🗓️ Tomorrow, Jan 6 @ 12pm ET
Expert virtual discussion, co-hosted w/ @tradeoffs.org
➡️ REGISTER HERE:
https://bit.ly/4964AXd
🗓️ Tomorrow, Jan 6 @ 12pm ET
Expert virtual discussion, co-hosted w/ @tradeoffs.org
➡️ REGISTER HERE:
https://bit.ly/4964AXd
January 5, 2026 at 2:03 PM
🔴 Decoding the Moment: The $50 Billion #RuralHealthProgram in Context 🔴
🗓️ Tomorrow, Jan 6 @ 12pm ET
Expert virtual discussion, co-hosted w/ @tradeoffs.org
➡️ REGISTER HERE:
https://bit.ly/4964AXd
🗓️ Tomorrow, Jan 6 @ 12pm ET
Expert virtual discussion, co-hosted w/ @tradeoffs.org
➡️ REGISTER HERE:
https://bit.ly/4964AXd
If we’re serious about affordability, and not monopolies, 2026 is our time to align incentives with patients.
bit.ly/4s5IeN3
bit.ly/4s5IeN3
December 31, 2025 at 3:02 PM
If we’re serious about affordability, and not monopolies, 2026 is our time to align incentives with patients.
bit.ly/4s5IeN3
bit.ly/4s5IeN3
Let's make a resolution to both protect innovation and lower drug costs as we wrap this year.
Smart patent reforms can curb abuse, speed generic competition, and make lifesaving medicines more affordable, without cutting corners on safety or science.
Smart patent reforms can curb abuse, speed generic competition, and make lifesaving medicines more affordable, without cutting corners on safety or science.
December 31, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Let's make a resolution to both protect innovation and lower drug costs as we wrap this year.
Smart patent reforms can curb abuse, speed generic competition, and make lifesaving medicines more affordable, without cutting corners on safety or science.
Smart patent reforms can curb abuse, speed generic competition, and make lifesaving medicines more affordable, without cutting corners on safety or science.
Historically, we’ve underinvested in primary care, especially in rural America.
Now, rural Americans contend with doctor shortages, long drives for care, and ERs filling gaps they weren't meant to fill. These problems won’t fix themselves.
Show of hands: who is committed to this work in 2026?
Now, rural Americans contend with doctor shortages, long drives for care, and ERs filling gaps they weren't meant to fill. These problems won’t fix themselves.
Show of hands: who is committed to this work in 2026?
The State of Rural Primary Care in the United States
Rural Americans face significant barriers to accessing adequate primary care; tailored federal and state programs can help address some of these challenges.
bit.ly
December 30, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Historically, we’ve underinvested in primary care, especially in rural America.
Now, rural Americans contend with doctor shortages, long drives for care, and ERs filling gaps they weren't meant to fill. These problems won’t fix themselves.
Show of hands: who is committed to this work in 2026?
Now, rural Americans contend with doctor shortages, long drives for care, and ERs filling gaps they weren't meant to fill. These problems won’t fix themselves.
Show of hands: who is committed to this work in 2026?
The average number of standalone prescription drug plans has declined by nearly two-thirds since 2021. Will Medicare beneficiaries still have choices that align with their health care needs and household budgets?
What the Decline in Medicare Part D Plan Availability Means
Fewer standalone Rx plans in traditional Medicare raises questions about whether beneficiaries will have choices that align with health needs and budgets.
bit.ly
December 29, 2025 at 2:27 PM
The average number of standalone prescription drug plans has declined by nearly two-thirds since 2021. Will Medicare beneficiaries still have choices that align with their health care needs and household budgets?
Recent changes to federal preventive care and vaccine recommendations have raised concerns about their credibility, and states are looking for ways to keep science-backed services available to their residents. bit.ly/4pKZxkQ
States Are Preserving Recommendations Preventive Care, Vaccines
Amid concern about credibility of recent federal vaccine recommendations, states are exploring how to protect access to scientifically backed services.
bit.ly
December 25, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Recent changes to federal preventive care and vaccine recommendations have raised concerns about their credibility, and states are looking for ways to keep science-backed services available to their residents. bit.ly/4pKZxkQ
We know making health coverage affordable works to keep people insured, support local economies, and strengthen our care systems. Choosing to let premium subsidies expire risks major disruptions to the marketplaces that will be difficult to overcome, despite having been easy to avoid. bit.ly/4ajXsaT
Expiring ACA Premium Tax Credits Could Lead to Nearly 340,000 Jobs Lost Across the U.S. in 2026
Unless Congress acts quickly to extend the enhanced ACA marketplace premium tax credits, nearly 5 million people could lose health insurance coverage in 2026.
bit.ly
December 24, 2025 at 3:04 PM
We know making health coverage affordable works to keep people insured, support local economies, and strengthen our care systems. Choosing to let premium subsidies expire risks major disruptions to the marketplaces that will be difficult to overcome, despite having been easy to avoid. bit.ly/4ajXsaT
Choice works best when people understand their options.
Evidence shows simpler, standardized health plans protect consumers & lower costs, without limiting real options.
If we want to build a health system people can trust, we need clear rules, fair choices, and coverage that does what it promises.
Evidence shows simpler, standardized health plans protect consumers & lower costs, without limiting real options.
If we want to build a health system people can trust, we need clear rules, fair choices, and coverage that does what it promises.
Lessons from the ACA: Simplifying Choices to Optimize Health Coverage
Additional standards in the Affordable Care Act for plan design, marketing, and enrollment could improve consumer satisfaction and health care affordability.
commonwealthfund.org
December 23, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Choice works best when people understand their options.
Evidence shows simpler, standardized health plans protect consumers & lower costs, without limiting real options.
If we want to build a health system people can trust, we need clear rules, fair choices, and coverage that does what it promises.
Evidence shows simpler, standardized health plans protect consumers & lower costs, without limiting real options.
If we want to build a health system people can trust, we need clear rules, fair choices, and coverage that does what it promises.
Gaps in contraceptive access persist across the U.S. — and federal funding cuts could make them worse.
Full report:
Full report:
An Overview of Federally Funded Contraceptive Programs
With sufficient funding, states can utilize Medicaid SPAs and Section 1115 waivers, MCO contracts, and Title X grants to expand access to contraceptives.
bit.ly
December 22, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Gaps in contraceptive access persist across the U.S. — and federal funding cuts could make them worse.
Full report:
Full report:
Let’s be clear: the enhanced ACA tax credits worked.
They helped millions afford coverage and kept uninsured rates down.
Now, as they near expiration, nearly 5 million people could lose coverage, while jobs vanish and economic stability emerges.
They helped millions afford coverage and kept uninsured rates down.
Now, as they near expiration, nearly 5 million people could lose coverage, while jobs vanish and economic stability emerges.
Expiring ACA Premium Tax Credits Could Lead to Nearly 340,000 Jobs Lost Across the U.S. in 2026
Unless Congress acts quickly to extend the enhanced ACA marketplace premium tax credits, nearly 5 million people could lose health insurance coverage in 2026.
www.commonwealthfund.org
December 18, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Let’s be clear: the enhanced ACA tax credits worked.
They helped millions afford coverage and kept uninsured rates down.
Now, as they near expiration, nearly 5 million people could lose coverage, while jobs vanish and economic stability emerges.
They helped millions afford coverage and kept uninsured rates down.
Now, as they near expiration, nearly 5 million people could lose coverage, while jobs vanish and economic stability emerges.
🛜 Telehealth is expanding across the country, but not evenly.
Nationally, 29% of adults have received primary care via telehealth, compared to only 19% in rural areas.
More here: bit.ly/3Xie1we
Nationally, 29% of adults have received primary care via telehealth, compared to only 19% in rural areas.
More here: bit.ly/3Xie1we
December 16, 2025 at 1:58 PM
🛜 Telehealth is expanding across the country, but not evenly.
Nationally, 29% of adults have received primary care via telehealth, compared to only 19% in rural areas.
More here: bit.ly/3Xie1we
Nationally, 29% of adults have received primary care via telehealth, compared to only 19% in rural areas.
More here: bit.ly/3Xie1we
Prescription drug prices in the United States are higher than in other countries; one contributing factor is the number of patents some drugmakers file to maintain monopolies on their brand-name drugs.
bit.ly/4rgHXql
bit.ly/4rgHXql
December 12, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Prescription drug prices in the United States are higher than in other countries; one contributing factor is the number of patents some drugmakers file to maintain monopolies on their brand-name drugs.
bit.ly/4rgHXql
bit.ly/4rgHXql
43% of U.S. primary care physicians report burnout — one of the highest rates in a new 10-country survey. The report explores what’s driving it and how to better support clinicians.
bit.ly/3LYwb3A
bit.ly/3LYwb3A
December 11, 2025 at 2:26 PM
43% of U.S. primary care physicians report burnout — one of the highest rates in a new 10-country survey. The report explores what’s driving it and how to better support clinicians.
bit.ly/3LYwb3A
bit.ly/3LYwb3A
Why primary care physicians report burnout varies by country:
🗂️ Administrative burden (top reason in the U.S.)
🏥 Patient load & complexity (higher in Sweden)
😞 Feeling undervalued (more common in the U.K. & Australia)
🗂️ Administrative burden (top reason in the U.S.)
🏥 Patient load & complexity (higher in Sweden)
😞 Feeling undervalued (more common in the U.K. & Australia)
The Causes and Impacts of Burnout Among Primary Care Physicians in 10 Countries
This survey brief examines factors contributing to burnout among primary care physicians in 10 countries and strategies to combat it and improve system performance.
bit.ly
December 4, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Why primary care physicians report burnout varies by country:
🗂️ Administrative burden (top reason in the U.S.)
🏥 Patient load & complexity (higher in Sweden)
😞 Feeling undervalued (more common in the U.K. & Australia)
🗂️ Administrative burden (top reason in the U.S.)
🏥 Patient load & complexity (higher in Sweden)
😞 Feeling undervalued (more common in the U.K. & Australia)
New analysis on rural primary care finds:
🏥 Demand for rural primary care physicians is projected to exceed supply by 2037
🚑 Nearly 1 in 4 rural adults used the ER for needs that could be treated in primary care
💻 Only 19% received primary care via telehealth, compared to 29% nationally
Details ⤵️
🏥 Demand for rural primary care physicians is projected to exceed supply by 2037
🚑 Nearly 1 in 4 rural adults used the ER for needs that could be treated in primary care
💻 Only 19% received primary care via telehealth, compared to 29% nationally
Details ⤵️
The State of Rural Primary Care in the United States
Rural Americans face significant barriers to accessing adequate primary care; tailored federal and state programs can help address some of these challenges.
bit.ly
December 3, 2025 at 3:02 PM
New analysis on rural primary care finds:
🏥 Demand for rural primary care physicians is projected to exceed supply by 2037
🚑 Nearly 1 in 4 rural adults used the ER for needs that could be treated in primary care
💻 Only 19% received primary care via telehealth, compared to 29% nationally
Details ⤵️
🏥 Demand for rural primary care physicians is projected to exceed supply by 2037
🚑 Nearly 1 in 4 rural adults used the ER for needs that could be treated in primary care
💻 Only 19% received primary care via telehealth, compared to 29% nationally
Details ⤵️
Today at 11 AM PT!
🎙️ Live Webinar: The Coming Revolution: Equity in the Age of AI
🔗 Register Here: bit.ly/RegEquityAgeofAI
🎙️ Live Webinar: The Coming Revolution: Equity in the Age of AI
🔗 Register Here: bit.ly/RegEquityAgeofAI
⏰ Happening TOMORROW!
Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from three leading voices shaping on the future of AI and health equity.
🎙️ Live Webinar: The Coming Revolution: Equity in the Age of AI
📅 Tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 11 AM PT
🔗 Register now: bit.ly/RegEquityAgeofAI
Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from three leading voices shaping on the future of AI and health equity.
🎙️ Live Webinar: The Coming Revolution: Equity in the Age of AI
📅 Tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 11 AM PT
🔗 Register now: bit.ly/RegEquityAgeofAI
December 2, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Today at 11 AM PT!
🎙️ Live Webinar: The Coming Revolution: Equity in the Age of AI
🔗 Register Here: bit.ly/RegEquityAgeofAI
🎙️ Live Webinar: The Coming Revolution: Equity in the Age of AI
🔗 Register Here: bit.ly/RegEquityAgeofAI
Reposted by The Commonwealth Fund
Join Dr. Joseph Betancourt, president of @commonwealthfund.org, Dr. Tina Hernandez-Boussard, professor of medicine at @stanforduniversity.bsky.social, and @katiepalmer.bsky.social, health tech correspondent at @statnews.com... (1/2)
December 1, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Join Dr. Joseph Betancourt, president of @commonwealthfund.org, Dr. Tina Hernandez-Boussard, professor of medicine at @stanforduniversity.bsky.social, and @katiepalmer.bsky.social, health tech correspondent at @statnews.com... (1/2)
From “patent thickets” to “product hopping,” drugmakers have developed a host of strategies for blocking competition. Learn how some policymakers are hoping to stop patent abuse and end the drug monopolies that lead to high prices.
How Drugmakers Use the Patent Process to Keep Prices High
Patent reforms could address a problem that’s been driving rising prescription drug costs and create a more competitive pharmaceutical market.
bit.ly
December 2, 2025 at 1:58 PM
From “patent thickets” to “product hopping,” drugmakers have developed a host of strategies for blocking competition. Learn how some policymakers are hoping to stop patent abuse and end the drug monopolies that lead to high prices.
A proactive approach to implementing the behavioral health exemption to work requirements can help minimize impacts for Medicaid enrollees, the behavioral health crisis, and related long-term costs.
How Will States Implement the Behavioral Health Exemption to Medicaid Work Requirements?
A proactive approach to implementing the behavioral health exemption to work requirements can help minimize impacts for Medicaid enrollees.
bit.ly
December 1, 2025 at 2:27 PM
A proactive approach to implementing the behavioral health exemption to work requirements can help minimize impacts for Medicaid enrollees, the behavioral health crisis, and related long-term costs.
🩺 New international survey of primary care physicians: U.S. doctors report some of the highest burnout rates among 10 high-income countries.
Some countries are streamlining administrative tasks and supporting clinician well-being, offering lessons for U.S. leaders.
bit.ly/3LYwb3A
Some countries are streamlining administrative tasks and supporting clinician well-being, offering lessons for U.S. leaders.
bit.ly/3LYwb3A
November 28, 2025 at 3:07 PM
🩺 New international survey of primary care physicians: U.S. doctors report some of the highest burnout rates among 10 high-income countries.
Some countries are streamlining administrative tasks and supporting clinician well-being, offering lessons for U.S. leaders.
bit.ly/3LYwb3A
Some countries are streamlining administrative tasks and supporting clinician well-being, offering lessons for U.S. leaders.
bit.ly/3LYwb3A