STAT investigates why alcohol remains America’s leading cause of death and calls for Medicaid work requirement exemptions

STAT’s D.C. Diagnosis newsletter examines why alcohol continues to be the United States' deadliest drug, highlighting its persistent impact on public health.

The piece references cultural commentary, including a tongue‑in‑cheek remark by Dr. Oz about a condition he calls “under‑babied,” underscoring the broader societal conversation around alcohol use.

Patient advocacy groups are pressing the federal government to carve out exemptions from new Medicaid work‑requirement rules, arguing that the rapid rollout across states creates a confusing patchwork that could hinder care for vulnerable populations.

The article suggests that without targeted exemptions, many individuals who rely on Medicaid may struggle to meet the 20‑hour weekly work, school, or volunteer threshold, potentially limiting access to needed health services.