He was diagnosed with cancer. Then he was told he lost his Medicaid
Health clinics and organizations advocating for poor and working-class Nebraskans say the rollout of Medicaid work requirements has been rife with problems.
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One air ambulance service rethinks what it takes to practice medicine in the sky
Air medical service comes with high risks, high costs, and staffing struggles. To reduce turnover and serve rural patients, LifeFlight of Maine is putting the needs of healthcare workers first.
A promising new medicine against heart disease fails unexpectedly
Doctors expected an experimental drug that lowers a common risk factor for heart attacks would save patients' lives. The medicine made no difference.
This teen boy set out to get people talking about periods. He's now a Diana honoree
This year's the Princess Diana honor roll highlights 198 inspiring young activists and advocates — including an 18-year-old guy in India who founded Team Period.
Trump's global health strategy is emerging. What will the Democratic Congress say?
The Trump Administration has ushered in a fundamental shift in the U.S. approach to global health aid. How will the newly elected Democratic Congress weigh in?
Health intel-sharing group warns industry in wake of cyberattack on French blood bank
A healthcare intelligence-sharing organization is warning its members to lock down systems following cyberattacks on cold storage systems, including a French blood bank.
His 1-year-old faced heart failure. His new book tells how to cope in a health crisis
Dr. Raj Panjabi is the author of Safer: A Playbook. His goal is to help people face a personal crisis — health, workplace, family conflicts — and "turn fear into action."
Teens worldwide aren't getting enough exercise -- especially girls
A new study looks at the recommended amount of daily exercise for adolescents — and how few are getting it.
It was a big night for doctors to win seats in Congress, riding the blue wave
Historically, most physicians who served in the House or Senate have been Republicans. In the next Congress, physicians who are Democrats made significant gains.
This woman defied lethal cancer. Can mRNA vaccines make that possible for others?
Researchers have been chasing the dream of a cancer vaccine for decades. Some recent successes with mRNA technology are garnering excitement from patients, doctors, government and investors.
What the latest on mRNA vaccines means for cancer
One patient in a small trial is experiencing the fantasy results so far with an mRNA pancreatic cancer vaccine. She shows no evidence of the cancer that was supposed to kill her years ago.
How does this fluoride-free toothpaste compare when it comes to oral health?
Many people are swapping out their fluoride dental products for ones made with a mineral called hydroxyapatite. What do dentists say about it?
Do you know signs of a stroke? BE FAST are the words to remember
Sen. Chris Murphy is expected to fully recover from his stroke. The acronym BE FAST can help you remember the symptoms of stroke and what to do when it happens: Call 911 quickly.
Has Trump kept his promises to the MAHA movement?
It's been just over two years since the rise of Make America Healthy Again, or MAHA. How well is the Trump administration meeting its promises?
It's ACA open enrollment time. Here are the changes for health insurance shoppers
The ACA health insurance marketplaces — find yours at HealthCare.gov — open Nov. 1 for 2027 coverage. Getting an early start may be especially important this year.
How one family gave a critical boost to gene therapy research
A family affected by Sanfilippo syndrome raised millions of dollars for research. The Food and Drug Administration just approved a gene therapy the support helped make possible.
Drone photo award winners: Far-out landscapes. Ship recycling. Rugs, rugs, rugs!
The Siena Drone Photo Awards for 2026 offer breathtaking bird's-eye views of our planet, revealing landscapes, livelihoods and human stories often invisible from the ground.
A lot of Floridians lost their healthcare this year. Now, they're heading to the polls
When federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act health insurance expired last year, Florida was hit particularly hard. Now, as the election and open enrollment coincide, healthcare is a major issue.
Do you have seasonal affective disorder? How to tell — and what to do about it
The syndrome can make people feel like a "hibernating bear," says Dr. Norman Rosenthal, who published the first research on SAD. He explains how to identify the symptoms and what to do to feel better.
Nearly 2 out of 3 teens and tweens use AI chatbots, new research shows
Most kids say they use chatbots for help with homework and when they're stressed, lonely, or anxious. And how they use chatbots is tied to their mental health.
Florida sees spike in dengue fever cases
Florida is seeing a record number of dengue fever cases this year as the tropical disease thrives in warming climates.
What killed 500-plus penguins? How scientists solved the mystery
The penguins that perished lived on the Danger Islands in Antarctica. The prime suspect was avian flu. Researchers were surprised by what they found.
Lost your spark? The "silent sister" of depression, and a quiz to spot her
Always busy, but rarely joyful? Allison Aubrey and Juana Summers discuss a tool to spot "high functioning depression."
Ahead of midterms, Missourians defend transgender healthcare
The campaign to defend access to transgender healthcare for young people in Missouri is taking an unhurried approach to talking with voters about the proposed ban.
New blood test can detect changes associated with Alzheimer's disease
Brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease can be detected by a new type of blood test -- and a growing number of patients are asking their doctors about it.
Eleven states cut Medicaid coverage for refugees who are pregnant or children
When Congress cut Medicaid benefits for refugees who are in the U.S. legally, most states allowed them to continue for children and pregnant women. Arizona and 10 others did not.
Trump administration will allow pharmacies to make popular peptides
The Department of Health and Human Services will let small compounding pharmacies make six peptides that haven't been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It may not be enough to meet demand.
What's gone up even faster than gas or rent? The cost of caregiving
A new study from AARP shows caregivers' out-of-pocket costs rose about 60% in the last five years.
Are you an organ donor? Here are some rule changes you may want to know
Transplant teams can talk to families about organ donation before they've decided whether to continue life-sustaining medical care for loved ones. Until now, that has been forbidden.
Some people with meat allergies from alpha-gal syndrome turn to exotic alternatives
People with alpha-gal syndrome can have allergic reactions to meat from mammals. Many of those affected change their diets to eat other proteins.
The Ebola outbreak is breaking records -- and just marked a grim milestone
The current outbreak, first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has now counted 10,000 patients and has spread with great speed. How can it be stopped?
A 'Green Army' is out to thwart El Niño flooding
In Nairobi, a city prone to floods, workers in the "Green Army" are making preparations to prevent disaster when El Niño arrives.
Special ed diaries: Teachers tell NPR about their most joyous, most difficult moments
What makes special education teaching jobs so hard to fill? NPR set out to find some answers by talking to more than a dozen teachers who do this work every day.
Merck's melanoma vaccine trial shows reduced recurrence or death from skin cancer
Merck presented its mRNA melanoma vaccine trial data at a European cancer conference this weekend. Results are promising: The vaccine reduces recurrence and death alongside an immunotherapy drug.
Some people with meat allergies from alpha-gal syndrome turn to exotic alternatives
People with Alpha-Gal Syndrome can have allergic reactions to meat from mammals. Many of those affected change their diets to eat other proteins.
U.S. measles cases more than double what they were last year as outbreak spreads
Pennsylvania is the worst hit state, with at least 1,338 cases of measles confirmed in 44 counties so far this year, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
What people aged 50 and older need to know about flu shots
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe asks Dr. Ann Falsey of the University of Rochester Medical School about flu shots for people aged 50 and older.
This College of Magic turns ordinary kids into cool magicians
The students, many from marginalized communities, learn to conjure up candy, do card tricks — and face the world with a confident, creative and resilient mindset.
More dads taking paid family leave for a new baby, sometimes as much as moms are
The U.S. has no national law for paid parental leave. But in states that do, more dads are using the benefit, sometimes more than moms. The change comes as Americans say having kids is unaffordable.
U.S. birth rate drops to record low, but older women are having more babies
The U.S. birth rate fell to its lowest level ever recorded, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The drop would have been greater, but women over age 30 are having more children.
Is your Medicare Advantage plan ending next year? Here's what to know
Medicare open enrollment runs through Dec. 7, and for as many as 5 million seniors, it will be important to log on and pick a new plan.
Will a macaque eat a grape sitting on a pile of poo? A study on germophobia
When an outbreak strikes, humans try to avoid germs. (Remember wiping off groceries at the start of the pandemic?) What about ... monkeys?
Authorities investigating whether first Kenya and Nigeria Ebola cases crossed paths
Nigeria this week recorded its first case of Ebola in the current outbreak, which has spread from the epicenter in Congo to several other African countries.
Why going on a 'say no' retreat is a gift to your future self
It's a day to think about all the upcoming appointments and commitments you're dreading — and then decline some of them. Writer Caroline Sylge shares a suggested schedule for the day.
Achy from sitting at a desk all day? Try doing this
Sitting at a desk all day hurts. And it isn't good for us. Strategies to make it a little more comfortable, from eye muscle exercises to alleviate eye strain to a back pain-fighting body movement.
High health costs squeeze workers, even if you have good insurance through a job
About 157 million Americans get their health insurance through work. A survey of employers shows a moderate price uptick this year, but workers still say health costs are a top concern.
A GOP congressman voted to cut Medicaid. It covers 62% of his district. Can he win?
Republican U.S. Rep. David Valadao is fighting for reelection in central California. 6 in 10 residents of his district are covered by Medicaid, which he voted to cut last year.
Can a dream help you solve a problem? Here's how to try tonight
What can you learn from dreams and how can you remember them and steer them to the topics you wish to dream about. Allison Aubrey and A Martinez discuss the resurgance in dream research and how dreams are a tool for self-discovery.
New human data hints at psychedelics' potential to combat inflammation
Lab studies have shown that psychedelics like psilocybin can lower inflammation and may be protective for a range of illnesses. Now, researchers are publishing some of the first data in humans that signals this holds potential for patients with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease.
How much does pregnancy cost? Be prepared with these tips
The cost of having a baby is difficult to predict. The amount families pay varies widely. Here are five tips to help you prepare for the often unexpected costs of pregnancy and giving birth.
Actor Christina Applegate says she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis
Actor Christina Applegate revealed she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis. NPR's A Martínez speaks with neurologist Michael Kornberg about how MS can be misdiagnosed.
Influencers are helping 'free birth' gain fans, despite medical risks
The practice known as "free birth" — giving birth at home without a midwife — carries severe risks. But social media influencers are bringing attention and followers to the practice.
Nigeria confirms an Ebola case in Abuja as a woman arriving from Uganda tests positive
Nigeria is the latest country to report an Ebola case as the outbreak spreads across the region. Kenya confirmed its first case earlier this month and has since recorded nine infections.
Vanessa Kerry is the new WHO envoy for health resilience. What's on her to-do list?
A respected figure in the world of global health, Dr. Kerry takes on a new responsibility. She says it's challenging but not "daunting."
The Ebola crisis is far outpacing the response, Congo's IRC director says
Health workers battling the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Congo are hindered by lack of data, budget cuts and a fearful community.
Sidewalk sleepers: They have nowhere else to stay while a loved one is in the hospital
Patients travel miles to be treated at public hospitals in Delhi. Those in need get financial aid for their care. But for overnight accommodations, families are often on their own — and on the street.
Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia – OB-GYNS set new rules for menopause treatment
For the first time since 2014, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has updated its guidelines for the treatment of symptoms commonly associated with menopause.
Public health nurse talks about the moment she learned to ask for help
For StoryCorps, a public health nurse in Minnesota speaks with her college mentor about a moment when she almost gave up on her career aspirations.
Hit a midlife wall? Here's how to rediscover your strengths
Health and science correspondent Allison Aubrey talks with Ailsa Chang about her new podcast Your Turn with Allison Aubrey — and they share a survey that can help us identify our most positive character traits.
Hit a midlife wall? This test identifies your strengths and what matters to you
Kansas voters could send a Democrat to the Senate for the first time in nearly a century — and flip the governor's office back to Republican control, even in what could be a tough year for the GOP.
After booting 760K off ACA health plans, the Trump administration adds some people back
The Trump administration provided few details about its process for canceling hundreds of thousands of Affordable Care Act enrollments — even as the next stage of the anti-fraud effort is underway.
Make a 'sick day' kit for cold and flu season before your household gets hit
Cold and flu season is here. Before someone in your household gets hit, make sure you have these essential meds and comfort items in your medicine cabinet.
Medicare Advantage plans are shutting down, leaving millions without coverage
Medicare open enrollment starts Thursday, Oct. 15. And for several million seniors across the country it will be especially important. That's because some insurers are shutting their Medicare Advantage plans, especially in rural areas.
These workers help train robots who could one day steal their jobs
Factory workers in India are being asked to wear GoPro cameras to record the way they do their jobs. The ultimate goal is to train robots to take over. Will it work?
VIDEO: The skincare sample is free. What happens next can cost thousands
For years, customers have complained of aggressive sales tactics and charges at mall skincare stores. NPR investigated the business that connects many of them.
What to know about Pope Leo's lung cancer diagnosis
NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks to Dr. Otis Brawley, an oncologist at Johns Hopkins University, about the Pope's lung cancer diagnosis.
Writer Yiyun Li lost both of her sons. When words fell short, she turned to music
Li won a Pulitzer for her memoir about the suicides of her two sons. In her new novel, Music Against the Night , she writes about two young prodigies in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Rise in accidents involving kids and e-bikes sparks debate about regulation
Emergency room departments are reporting soaring numbers of pediatric trauma accidents associated with micromobility devices. Experts and advocates agree that the federal government needs to step in.
Sauna research gathers steam
Leading researchers in heat exposure are coming together to reach a consensus on what we know — and don't — about the health benefits of sauna and its potential for treating and preventing disease.
Here's what to know if you're unsure about your measles immunity status
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against measles. For most adults, one shot of the MMR is considered enough protection. But there are certain situations that call for a second dose.
Do adults need another measles shot?
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against measles, one of the most contagious diseases known. For most adults, one shot of the MMR is considered enough protection. But there are certain situations that call for getting a second dose.
How one antibiotic morning-after pill came to be widely available in San Francisco
An antibiotic morning-after pill has been shown to be effective for preventing STIs among gay men, but some doctors worry about antibiotic resistance. This story discusses STIs and their symptoms.
Don't be scared: Being afraid is outright fun, and maybe useful
Listeners of NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday may already know that host Ayesha Rascoe loves horror. But why do scream queens (and kings) like her like what's frightening? The answer may surprise you.
She was a global star: Teen bikes 700 miles carrying injured dad. Where is she now?
Her epic ride — carrying her injured dad on her $20 hot pink bicycle — made headlines. Promises were made — financial help, training for a cycling career, even a movie deal. Were any of them kept?
Sweating the details: Sauna's potential health benefits draw scientists' interest
A group of international researchers is pushing to rigorously study the potential health benefits of sauna and other heat therapies. They hope to bring scientific legitimacy to the age-old practices.
Ongoing lawsuits allege GLP-1s can cause serious harm. But we don't know how often
Scant data about serious adverse effects makes it harder to answer scientific and legal questions about how often the drugs might cause serious harm like blindness or pancreatitis.
Did Russia play by the rules in reporting lab worker's death?
A global treaty signed by 197 countries — including Russia — requires reporting any death that could be a sign of an outbreak to come.
A student hated reading for years. Her podcast explores finding the right diagnosis
Middle schooler Cora Walsh of Long Island, N.Y., has won the 2026 NPR Student Podcast Challenge with a story about her journey with dyslexia.
ChatGPT for Teens has special safeguards. A watchdog group finds most don't work
A study from Common Sense Media says most safeguards in ChatGPT for Teens failed. The chatbot talks to teens like a friend and doesn't alert parents when users talk about self-harm and suicide.
Why we remember: One student's journey into memory
Why one teen can't let go of the time he ate fries with his great-grandpa.
RFK Jr. touts vaccine injury initiative, worrying experts
Heath Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces new steps aimed at identifying and treating complications from vaccines.
Health Secretary Kennedy touts an initiative to study vaccine safety
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has established a new clinic at the National Institutes of Health to study vaccine injuries. It's part of a larger administration effort on vaccine safety.
Suicide is up among Black Americans. We need to talk about it.
NPR's Michel Martin hosted a panel conversation about mental health and suicide in the Black community, exploring a difficult subject in deeply personal conversations.
Medical debt is crushing hospital patients in LA. Health officials may have a fix
In Los Angeles County, the nation's most populous, a new system could screen hospital patients for financial aid, preventing hundreds of thousands from getting bills they can't pay.
New Maryland law requires radiologists inform patients of heart disease warning sign
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with radiologist Dr. Lisa Mullen about a new Maryland law requiring that patients be notified if mammogram results show calcium deposits in blood vessels.
Republicans and Democrats find a unifying target: Pharmacy benefit managers
Republicans and Democrats, both patients and politicians, seem united in their disdain for the healthcare companies known as pharmacy benefit managers. Tennessee and Arkansas are regulating now them.
The WHO seeks more details on the death of a plague research lab employee in Russia
The World Health Organization says it wants more information on what caused the death of an employee at a Russian plague research lab. Russia says the woman died of pneumonia of unknown origin.
What is the pneumonic plague?
The ancient disease of plague is back in the headlines after the death this month of a Russian lab worker.
Doomscrolling too much? Try these tips to put the phone down and plug into real life
NPR Life Kit provides tips to help you reduce your screentime.
How to define a measles death
Historically, the CDC relied on state health departments' determination of measles deaths. Now, it's working with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists to create a clear definition.
She got Trump's $500 check for health insurance. To her, it's a 'political stunt'
As checks from President Trump for health costs hit millions of mailboxes, a poll shows Americans don't trust Republicans on healthcare. Experts doubt it will move the needle and say it is likely illegal.
Gut microbes followed migrating humans across continents, new study suggests
New research looks at the surprising similarities in the gut microbiomes of hunter-gathers in Tanzania and horticulturalists in Bolivia, and asks: What role do these bacteria play in human health?
DIY fertilizer is a blessing as farmers face steep prices due to the Iran war
It's hard enough being a small-scale farmer. Then the Iran war drove up fertilizer prices. So farmers are using a traditional Asian recipe to make their own. They call it a "labor of love."
5 things civil rights data says about public schools
The federal Civil Rights Data Collection, for the first time in decades, tells us about the teacher workforce and reminds us racial disparities are still stark in American public schools.
'Medicare for All' message attracts midterm voters buckling under medical bills
Midterm candidates are talking up Medicare for All, and in a poll 2 out of 3 Americans said they support it. The phrase speaks to a desire for radical change, though many don't really know what it is.
An early flu season means it might be time to think about a flu shot
Flu season typically starts in October or November. But it looks like the flu started to pick up in September this year.
CDC funding for HIV prevention shifted from providers to states under Trump
Nonprofits fighting HIV used get direct funding from the CDC. Now that money is going to state health departments that may have other priorities.
An early start to flu season moves up vaccination timing
This year's flu season is unusual. It started early and in the West, instead of the South. A new variant with a mutation that helps the virus evade immunity may be playing a role.
What happened during Christa Pike's failed execution
Catherine Sweeney was in the witness room when Tennessee attempted to execute Christa Pike on Sept. 30. An attempted execution in May had also failed. Here's what Sweeney saw and heard.
Wildfire smoke affects animals in unique ways. Scientists are trying to understand it
The new field of "smoke ecology" examines how wildfire smoke perturbs wild places and animals — and what might be done to prevent its worst mayhem.