Health Budget Pressure: The Philippines’ proposed 2027 cuts to the Department of Health and PhilHealth could delay hospital expansion by 15,000 beds and strain state-backed coverage, raising alarms for insurers tied to public health funding. Premium Hike Backlash: New Mexico lawmakers criticized the state insurance regulator for approving a 24.4% average BeWell health premium increase, arguing the state should negotiate better rates. Medicaid/CHIP Legal Fight: New York and 20 other states sued the Trump administration over a rule blocking federal Medicaid and CHIP reimbursement for gender-affirming care for youth, setting up a major court showdown. Cyber Risk Outlook: Swiss Re says AI is amplifying existing cyber risks, while underinsurance remains a concern as cyber premiums grow and rates have fallen for four straight years. Market Growth Snapshot: Kenya reported 2025 gross direct premiums of Sh466.58bn (+16.5%) and rising penetration to 2.63% of GDP. Wildfire Smoke Claims: California’s Smoke Damage Recovery Act would standardize wildfire smoke testing for insurers after LA County sued State Farm over mishandled smoke-damage claims. Fraud Crackdown: North Carolina announced an insurance fraud arrest tied to a forged towing invoice, underscoring ongoing enforcement. Life Insurance Awareness: Tennessee proclaimed September as Life Insurance Awareness Month and promoted the NAIC policy locator tool, which helped find $107m in benefits in 2025.