Axios

Complex. Unclear. Overwhelming. This is how Americans describe today's health care system.

• A record high of 23% of Americans say the U.S. health care system is "in a state of crisis," with another 47% saying the system has "major problems," according to Gallup.
• Consumers want health care to be easier and more transparent, with upfront costs and convenient choices — the same way they shop online.

Built for better health: UnitedHealth Group is tackling this lack of transparency with technology that shows the cost of care and prescription drugs before you're in the doctor's office or at the pharmacy, making it easier to make decisions and navigate the health system.

Health insurers say they've cut pre-treatment claim reviews by 11% in the past year after committing to streamlining requirements for patients and doctors.

Why it matters: The so-called prior authorizations help control health care spending, but they can discourage patients from getting treatment and add administrative burden for providers.

A leading Democratic think tank has started putting meat on the bones of a midterm health care affordability agenda, calling for policy shifts that its authors say would immediately lower costs.

Why it matters: There's a change in how Democrats are talking about health care, and it could spell big trouble for industry profits should they regain power any time soon.

It's not a longevity hack — it's a boring truth underscored by new research: Staying motivated is the key to exercising for a healthier, longer life.

Why it matters: Fitness trends and wellness products may come and go, but fun, varied workouts actually improve long-term health.

The 2026 box office is off to its strongest start since the COVID-19 pandemic, raising hopes in Hollywood that theatrical moviegoing has staying power in the streaming era.

Why it matters: Success at the box office gives studios and distributors more leverage to preserve theatrical release windows, a key revenue driver for the industry.

After saying it wanted to keep federal payments to private Medicare plans roughly flat next year, the Trump administration reversed course on Monday and gave the insurers a $13 billion pay bump.

Why it matters: The average 2.48% pay increase for 2027 was on the high end of analysts' expectations and marked a win for UnitedHealthcare, Humana and other Medicare Advantage plans, whose stocks tumbled after the administration's initial proposal in January.

California now requires folic acid in corn tortillas — a staple in many Latino households — in a move that could spread beyond the state.

Why it matters: A quiet change to corn tortillas could reshape grocery shelves nationwide — while helping prevent serious birth defects that disproportionately affect Hispanic babies.

Neurocrine Biosciences (Nasdaq: NBIX) has agreed to acquire Redwood City, California-based Soleno Therapeutics (Nasdaq: SLNO) for $2.9 billion in cash.

Why it's the BFD: This would give Neurocrine its first metabolic disease drug — something that's evolved from "nice to have" to "must have" in the GLP-1 era.

For the first time, Medicare is covering some cannabis products under a pilot program that opens up more of the nearly $30 billion hemp industry to seniors.

Why it matters: The effort is part of a White House push to reschedule marijuana and tracks with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s interest in non-pharmaceutical, alternative treatments.

President Trump's 2027 budget proposes a $5 billion cut to the National Institutes of Health, setting up a showdown with Congress and patient advocacy groups over medical research funding.

Why it matters: The amount is a fraction of the nearly $20 billion cut the administration proposed for NIH last year, which Congress rejected. But it shows how the biomedical research institution remains a lightning rod for criticism from the right.