Health care News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending Jan. 15

A look at how North Carolina members of Congress voted during the previous week.

Targeted News Service

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Healthcare coal for the holidays

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025-- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist

WakeMed-UnitedHealthcare contract talks could disrupt Medicare Advantage coverage in Raleigh

WakeMed and UnitedHealthcare are in negotiations as their contract deadline looms, potentially leaving Medicare Advantage members without coverage at WakeMed facilities. UnitedHealthcare claims WakeMed demands a significant price hike, while WakeMed argues for fair reimbursement amidst rising costs.

Will Congress extend Affordable Care Act subsidies? Millions could face higher health insurance premiums

While a resolution to the federal shutdown would restore SNAP benefits and airline operations, a separate and critical issue of expiring enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies remains unresolved, potentially impacting the affordability of health insurance for millions.

Government shutdown: Will Congress extend ACA subsidies before millions face higher premiums?

While a resolution to the federal shutdown would restore SNAP benefits and airline operations, a separate and critical issue of expiring enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies remains unresolved, potentially impacting the affordability of health insurance for millions.

Beware of these open enrollment scams involving Medicare, Healthcare.gov

The Better Business Bureau is warning people about scams involving open enrollment for Medicare and Healthcare.gov.

How much does the typical weight loss journey cost?

In a world of weight loss drugs, weight loss surgeries, and rising healthcare costs, many patients are figuring out what is most accessible and affordable for their own weight loss journeys.

Nearly 1 million North Carolinians will pay more for Affordable Care Act plans

The looming expiration of COVID-era enhanced premium tax credits for the Affordable Care Act in 2026 is set to cause nearly 1 million North Carolinians to pay more for health care.

Partisan turmoil heats up as North Carolinians face Affordable Care Act rate increases in 2026

The looming expiration of COVID-era enhanced premium tax credits for the Affordable Care Act in 2026 is set to cause nearly 1 million North Carolinians to pay more for health care.

New WakeMed health campus aims to transform mental health care

WakeMed is preparing to break ground on a new mental health campus in Garner. Some physicians are telling WRAL the changes will help transform behavioral health care.

Fact check: How many US residency spots are held by immigrants with H-1B visas?

President Donald Trump announced that H-1B visa fees would increase to $100,000, a move that some social media users said could worsen U.S. physician shortages.

Weatherby Healthcare opens new hub in Wake County

Weatherby Healthcare has expanded its presence in North Carolina by opening a new hub in One North Hills Tower in Raleigh, a move expected to create 150 new, high-paying jobs.

NC Medicaid cuts under scrutiny amid funding stalemate

A Republican-led Medicaid oversight committee questioned top health officials about the future of the program and a decision to cut reimbursement rates.

Weatherby Healthcare opens new hub in Wake County

Weatherby Healthcare has expanded its presence in North Carolina by opening a new hub in One North Hills Tower in Raleigh, a move expected to create 150 new, high-paying jobs.

More than $6.5B in medical debt relieved through NC program. Stein calls it 'life changing news'

The state's Medical Debt Relief Program has relieved debts for more than 2.5 million North Carolinians, totaling billions of dollars. Officials say it's only the start.

Will Doran, WRAL News

Fact check: Could Affordable Care Act health premiums rise 75% by next month?

In an interview on CBS' "Face the Nation" -- aired Sept. 28, three days before government funding was set to run out -- Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said that if Republicans failed to extend the expiring subsidies, many Americans would see a big hit in their out-of-pocket health insurance costs.

Measles outbreaks surge in US as vaccination rates dip

Health officials blame falling vaccination rates and rising vaccine hesitancy.

How Trump's Online Drugstore May Affect Your Drug Costs

President Donald Trump and top health officials heralded their drug pricing deal with Pfizer on Tuesday as a breakthrough that would save money for American patients struggling with prescription drug costs.

Rebecca Robbins, New York Times

What is 'Trump RX'?

President Donald Trump and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla announced that the drugmaker will drop its prices for Medicaid pateints and guarantee that pricing on newly launched drugs.

Millions in NC on Obamacare, Medicaid affected by budget fights

As Republicans and Democrats in Washington, D.C. spar over a spending deal a different budget standoff in the North Carolina government also hit a key deadline on Wednesday.

Deadline approaching for Medicaid funding with NC lawmakers at a standstill

North Carolina lawmakers have failed to approve the necessary state funding for Medicaid before the Oct. 1 deadline, risking higher medical bills and possible loss of coverage for tens of thousands of people.

Gov. Josh Stein calls on NC lawmakers to pass Medicaid bill before Oct. 1 deadline

North Carolina lawmakers have failed to approve the necessary state funding for Medicaid before the Oct. 1 deadline, risking higher medical bills and possible loss of coverage for tens of thousands of people.

Gov. Josh Stein on proposed Medicaid cuts in North Carolina: There is not enough funding

Gov. Josh Stein spoke Thursday at the Alliance Medical Ministry in Raleigh.

State prepares for Aetna to drop Duke Health as standoff continues

Weeks remain for two health care providers to reach a deal, or hundreds of thousands of state of North Carolina employees could be stuck paying more for their health insurance.

Duke Health-Aetna dispute at stalemate despite deadline approaching

North Carolina state treasurer Brad Briner warned that he's preparing for what happens if Duke Health and Aetna can't agree on a deal.