A Bite, a Bill, and a Bureaucratic Chill in Winning Halloween Haikus

TO KFF Health News Staff

Illustrations The real Zenda

October 31, 2025

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<br /> <span class="byline">KFF Health News Staff and Una Zenda</span><br /> <span class="byline photographer"><br /> <span>Illustrations <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/author/oona-tempest/"><strong>The real Zenda</strong></a></span> </span></p> <p>This Halloween, we received nearly 100 health-related haiku in our inbox. Check out the winning and runner-up poems from KFF Health News' seventh annual Halloween Haiku Contest, illustrated by Una Zenda. </p> <p>The judges' favorites were inspired by tick migration, Medicaid work requirements and rising copays. </p> <p>Follow KFF Health News accounts on social networks (<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://x.com/KFFHealthNews">X</a>, <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/KFFHealthNews/">Instagram</a>And <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/KFFHealthNews/">Facebook</a>) to see more of our favorites. Enjoy!</p> <h2><strong>1st place</strong></h2> <p>Inspections turn into fear. Additional payments are growing like a witch's flame. My wallet screams “Ugh!”</p> <p><em>— Arnav Shah</em></p> <h2><strong>2nd place</strong></h2> <p>There is no peace after death. Even ghosts must work now to benefit.</p> <p><em>— Kristen Hayashi</em></p> <h2><strong>3rd place</strong></h2> <p>Seeking legs and teeth, Hitchhiking on their bloody brides, All ticks and no treats!</p> <p>— <em>Carrie Moores</em></p> <p>While Halloween may be coming to an end, KFF Health News' reporting continues year-round. <strong>Send us your haiku</strong> at any time for possible inclusion in our morning briefing: <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://kffhealthnews.org/contact-haiku/">https://kffhealthnews.org/contact-haiku/</a>. </p> <h2><strong>2024 Halloween Haiku Competition Winners</strong></h2> <h2><strong>2023 Halloween Haiku Competition Winners</strong></h2> <h2><strong>2022 Halloween Haiku Competition Winners</strong></h2> <p>
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