Medicaid Work Requirements: CMS says a new federal rule will require many 19–64 adults in Medicaid expansion states to complete 80 hours a month of work or qualifying activities, projecting millions to lose coverage starting soon. Maternal Health Support: Region 7’s Maternal Health ECHO session focused on tying community support to clinical care across Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas. Hospital Leadership: Northwestern Medical Center in St. Joseph, Missouri named Jonathan Billings its new CEO, promoting from interim CEO/COO. Heat Safety: UNMC emergency medicine professor Dr. Eric Ernest urged Nebraskans to prevent heat illness by hydrating, watching warning signs, and taking breaks. Blood Supply Crisis: The American Red Cross warned Iowa hospitals may face delays as a type O shortage hits crisis levels, with extreme heat and outbreaks cited. Autism Therapy Access: Florida families say Medicaid abruptly stopped covering ABA therapy, leaving children without services and parents scrambling. Local Care Recognition: CHI Health St. Francis honored maternity center clinical educator Beth Deida, RN, with a Caring Kind Award. Healthcare Rankings: WalletHub’s 2026 study lists Nebraska among the better states for healthcare, using cost, access and outcomes.