STAT investigates how a Texas couple cashed in on a new law that's supposed to protect patients from surprise medical bills.
https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/18/no-surprises-act-loophole-profits-scott-laroque-mpowerhealth-alla-laroque-halomd/
How a Texas couple is getting rich off out-of-network medical bills
STAT investigates how a Texas couple cashed in on a new law that's supposed to protect patients from surprise medical bills.
Despite a cool reception from Congress, the White House is looking to intensify its pressure campaign on lawmakers to pass legislation that would codify a “most-favored nation” drug pricing policy.
https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/17/mfn-drug-pricing-divide-trump-congress-talks/
White House digs in on ‘most-favored nation’ drug pricing despite Congress’ cool reception
Despite a cool reception from Congress, the White House is looking to intensify its pressure campaign on lawmakers to pass a “most-favored nation" drug pricing bill.
National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya promised a House Appropriations subcommittee on Tuesday that, despite the sluggish pace of grant awards, the agency will spend its full budget by the end of the 2026 fiscal year.
https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/17/nih-director-jay-bhattacharya-reassures-congress-on-funding/
NIH will spend its full budget this year, agency director promises House appropriators
NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya promised a House subcommittee on Tuesday that the agency will spend its full budget by the end of the 2026 fiscal year
The CDC had remarkable data on smoking rates last fall, but it no longer had smoking experts available to review it and disseminate it.
https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/17/cigarette-smoking-rate-below-10-percent-cdc-data-says/
Smoking rates are at a historic low. You're not hearing about it from the government
The CDC had remarkable data on smoking rates last fall, but it no longer had smoking experts available to review it and disseminate it.
NIH grant funding is well behind historical pace. Analyst says a once 'pretty well-oiled machine' is hampered by layoffs, shifting priorities.
https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/17/nih-grant-funding-slowdown-new-awards-training-grants/
NIH grant awards are again lagging far behind historical averages, analysis shows
Nearly halfway into the 2026 fiscal year, the NIH is far behind on grant spending, new data show
A federal judge in Boston on Monday stalled major parts of health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign to remake vaccine policy in the U.S., saying the Trump administration had likely violated the law.
https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/16/kennedy-childhood-vaccine-changes-blocked-judge/
Federal judge stalls health secretary RFK Jr.’s overhaul of vaccine policy
Breaking: A federal judge on Monday stalled major parts of health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign to remake vaccine policy in the U.S.
Two people with paralysis were able to type using a brain-computer interface that decodes attempted finger movement, a new study showed.
https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/16/brain-computer-interface/
A brain-computer interface allowed people with paralysis to type with their minds
Two people with paralysis were able to type using a brain-computer interface that decodes attempted finger movement, a new study showed.
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2026 STAT Madness
2026 bracket Welcome to STAT Madness, a bracket-style contest to find the best innovation in science and medicine. Explore groundbreaking innovations from
A 20th century artistic philosophy can help us tackle 21st century diseases of the brain
https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/13/surrealism-dementia-uncanny-mental-map/
How surrealism helps us make sense of and live with dementia
“Surrealism ought to be part of the care of people living with diseases that cause dementia,” writes Jason Karlawish.
Cardiology groups say adults as young as 30 should assess cholesterol risk and consider treatment to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/13/heart-disease-prevention-new-statin-guideline-age-30/
Major changes to cardiovascular guidelines suggest taking statins as young as 30
Cardiology groups say adults as young as 30 should assess cholesterol risk and consider treatment to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
