2026 Farm Bill Provisions Subsidize Tobacco and Protect Pesticides, Drawing MAHA Criticism

• A federal judge in Oregon ruled on March 20, 2026, that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. overreached by issuing a December declaration labeling puberty blockers and surgeries for gender dysphoria as unsafe without proper procedures. • The declaration warned doctors of exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid for providing such treatments, prompting a lawsuit led by New York Attorney General Letitia James alleging coercion and lack of public notice or comment period. • The ruling provides legal clarity for patients, families, and providers, affirming that transgender health services remain available despite major medical groups like the AMA opposing restrictions.

• Federal data reveals the National Institutes of Health has lost about 4400 employees, representing 20% of its workforce, during President Donald Trump's second term due to cuts in staff and research funding. • Former NIH scientists warn the exodus could lead to fewer biomedical breakthroughs, weaker responses to disease outbreaks, and diminished U.S. public health crisis management. • KFF Health News correspondent Rachana Pradhan discussed the brain drain on WAMU’s Health Hub on March 18, 2026, with departing D.C.-area workers citing tumult as a key factor for early quits or retirements.

• The New York State Senate passed a bill sponsored by Senator John Liu and Assemblymember Ron Kim requiring health insurers to cover diabetes screening for Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals with BMI of 23 or higher, aligning with clinical guidelines for higher metabolic risk. • Physician Charles Lopresto, DO, from Queens advocated for the bill, noting Type 2 diabetes often goes undiagnosed for years, leading to complications like kidney disease and vision loss in diverse communities where 11% of Queens adults have diabetes. • The legislation addresses gaps in traditional BMI thresholds of 25+, aiming to enable earlier detection and prevention in at-risk populations per New York Department of Health data.

• AMA Board Chair Dr. Aizuss testified before Congress on March 20, 2026, highlighting financial challenges for physician practices impacting patient access to care nationwide. • He identified market consolidation, inadequate payments, prior authorization burdens, coverage instability, and workforce shortages as drivers of rising costs and longer waits. • Recommendations include prior authorization reform, restoring physician-owned hospitals, addressing physician shortages, and ensuring Medicaid sustainability amid changes.

• The Trump administration launched investigations on March 19, 2026, into 13 states requiring health insurance to cover abortion, citing violations of the Weldon Amendment. • Targeted states include California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, most with Democratic governors. • HHS Civil Rights Director Paula M. Stannard stated the probes address states' disregard for protections allowing health entities to opt out of abortion coverage on conscience grounds.

• A new KFF survey from February-March 2026 shows 23 million ACA marketplace enrollees facing higher premiums after failed bipartisan subsidy extensions, forcing cuts to necessities. • Orlando resident Priscilla Brown, 48, rations Type 2 diabetes insulin to half or third doses or skips it entirely to manage costs despite insurance. • 75% worry about affording emergency care or hospitalization; 70% blame insurers 'a lot,' over half fault Republicans, Trump, and pharma companies.

• The California Medical Association strongly opposes a proposed statewide ballot initiative that would strip billions of dollars from vital community health centers. • The measure threatens funding for essential services provided by health clinics serving underserved populations across California. • CMA urges physicians and stakeholders to mobilize against the 'dangerous' proposal to protect community health infrastructure.

• Democrats laying groundwork for major U.S. health care reforms amid political shifts in Washington. • NIH's Bhattacharya commits to full budget spending; top FDA official announces exit. • Moves signal potential policy battles over research funding and regulatory changes.

• CMS actuaries forecast U.S. health spending at $5.3 trillion in 2024, outpacing economic growth to hit 20% of GDP by 2033. • Projections highlight unsustainable trajectory for national health expenditures. • Policymakers face pressure to address cost drivers in insurance, drugs, and services.

• Researchers using AI analyzed death certificates and estimated 155,000 additional unrecognized COVID-19 deaths outside hospitals in 2020-2021, raising the official toll of 840,000 by 16%. • The study compared symptomology of hospital deaths with those outside care, highlighting dramatic disparities in uncounted fatalities nationwide. • This undercounting underscores ongoing challenges in pandemic mortality tracking and public health surveillance across the U.S.

• Heartland Forward-commissioned research released March 19 reveals broad U.S. consensus on maternal health priorities and actionable steps forward. • Conducted in Bentonville, Ark., the poll finds Americans ready to address maternal care gaps nationwide. • Results point to unified public support for policy and community interventions to boost outcomes.