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

By KFF Health News Staff

Illustrations by Oona Zenda

October 31, 2025

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<br /> <span class="byline">KFF Health News Staff and Oona Zenda</span><br /> <span class="byline photographer"><br /> <span>Illustrations by <strong>Oona Zenda</strong></span> </span></p> <p>Nearly 100 health care-themed haikus crept into our inbox this Halloween. See the winning poems and top runners-up from KFF Health News’ seventh annual Halloween haiku contest, illustrated by Oona Zenda. </p> <p>The judges’ favorites were inspired by tick migration, Medicaid work requirements, and rising copays. </p> <p>Follow KFF Health News’ social media accounts (X, Instagram, and Facebook) for more of our favorites. Enjoy!</p> <h2><strong>1st Place</strong></h2> <p>Checkups turn to fright.Copays rise like witching flames.My wallet screams “Boo!”</p> <p><em>— Arnav Shah</em></p> <h2><strong>2nd Place</strong></h2> <p>No rest after death.Even the ghosts must work nowTo get benefits.</p> <p><em>— Kristen Hayashi</em></p> <h2><strong>3rd Place</strong></h2> <p>Questing legs, and teethHitching rides on their blood-brides,All ticks and no treat!</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 haikus</strong> at any time for possible inclusion in our Morning Briefing: </p> <h2><strong>2024 Halloween Haiku Contest Winners</strong></h2> <h2><strong>2023 Halloween Haiku Contest Winners</strong></h2> <h2><strong>2022 Halloween Haiku Contest Winners</strong></h2> <p>
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