This Week in Healthcare — Washington (#38, 2026)
Veterans Affairs health center staffing shortages; $500M in federal health benefits program fraud detailed; 2027 Medicare Advantage plan provider networks to shrink; Amazon, GoodRx seek prescription customers as insurance drops.
September 27, 2026 to October 03, 2026
This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning healthcare providers, doctors, physicians, clinicians, pharmacies and pharmacists, dental care providers, oral care providers, naturopaths, and old-age care providers. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.
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📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

What We're Reading This Week
- Opinion | Bill patients for emailing? This could backfire.: Some healthcare providers are considering charging patients for email consultations, raising concerns about access and the patient experience.
- VA built dozens of new veteran health centers but can’t find enough doctors and staff: Despite opening new facilities, the VA reports continued physician and staffing shortages that limit operational ability across its network.
- Seniors’ 2027 Medicare Advantage outlook: Analysis of trends in next year's Medicare Advantage plans reveals potential areas of concern for seniors and healthcare providers.
- Aging Life Care Managers Can Be a ‘Godsend’ for Families: Geriatric care managers are increasingly used by families to coordinate elder care, facilitating complex care arrangements.
- I'm 25 with a terminal disease. We need an FDA commissioner that hears people like me: Advocacy for patient voices in FDA leadership is growing, as individuals seek improved access to treatments.
- Doctor reveals common infections that can trigger cancer — and how to protect yourself: In a recent segment, a physician discusses links between infection and cancer risk, offering guidance on preventive strategies.
- Office of Personnel Management uncovers $500M in fraud and waste in federal health benefits programs: The OPM identified extensive fraud and waste, totaling $500 million, in federal employee health benefit programs.
- The Fall of Roe Changed Doctors. Now They’re Changing Politics.: Recent coverage examines changing engagement by healthcare professionals in the policy environment after Dobbs.
- UnitedHealthcare, Aetna say 2027 Medicare Advantage plans to offer more limited provider networks: Major insurers announced plans for smaller provider networks in 2027 Medicare Advantage offerings.
- Amazon, GoodRx target US prescription subscribers as health insurance coverage slips: As insurance coverage declines, retail pharmacies and platforms like Amazon and GoodRx expand prescription subscription offerings.