STAT+: STAT examines America’s deadliest drug

STAT PlusNewsletterD.C. Diagnosis STAT examines America’s deadliest drug You’re reading STAT’s D.C. Diagnosis newsletter Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By John WilkersonMay 12, 2026 Washington Correspondent John Wilkerson[email protected]John Wilkerson is a Washington correspondent for STAT who writes about the politics of health care. He is also the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. “Under-babied.” Dr. Oz said that’s the name for a condition that affects one-in-three Americans. I guess that means over-babied is the condition of having too many kids, but then what do you call having the right number of babies? Baby-neutral? Balanced-babied? Send news tips and your favorite lines from Raising Arizona to [email protected] or John_Wilkerson.07 on Signal. Scrambling for work requirement exemptions Patient groups are jockeying for exemptions from Medicaid work requirements, but the unusually fast implementation timeline for states is causing headaches.Advertisement Advocates for people in Medicaid would prefer that the federal government exempt specific patient populations from new requirements that able-bodied adult Medicaid beneficiaries work at least 20 hours a week, or be in school or volunteer for community service. Otherwise, it’ll be difficult to help people navigate a state-by-state patchwork of rules. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In CMS, Medicaid, Policy, public health, STAT+, states Submit a correction requestReprints John Wilkerson Washington Correspondent John Wilkerson is a Washington correspondent for STAT who writes about the politics of health care. He is also the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended D.C. Diagnosis May 7, 2026 STAT Plus: More political interference at the FDA? D.C. Diagnosis May 5, 2026 STAT Plus: A new attack on AMA’s billing codes Advertisement D.C. Diagnosis April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Democrats go hard on health care affordability D.C. Diagnosis April 23, 2026 STAT Plus: RFK Jr. backs off some MAHA issues D.C. Diagnosis April 21, 2026 STAT Plus: RFK Jr. to face four GOP doctors at Senate hearings Subscriber Picks