Frights, Fangs, and Healthcare Nightmares in Winning Halloween Haikus

What’s scarier than ghosts and goblins? How about measles, unaffordable dental care, and an insurance claim denied by artificial intelligence? Nearly 80 healthcare-themed haikus crept into our inbox this Halloween season. Meet the winners of KFF Health News’ eighth annual Halloween haiku contest below. Follow KFF Health News’ social media accounts (X, Instagram, and Facebook) for more of our favorites. Enjoy! 1st Place (Illustration: Oona Zenda/KFF Health News; Haiku: DJ Zelle) Which is scarier?Jack-o’-lanterns and ghouls, orMeasles and lettuce? — DJ Zelle 2nd Place (Illustration: Oona Zenda/KFF Health News; John Fedyna) 3rd Place (Illustration: Oona Zenda/KFF Health News; Chris Savage) While Halloween may be coming to an end, KFF Health News reporting continues year-round. Send us your haikus at any time for possible inclusion in our Morning Briefing: https://kffhealthnews.org/contact-haiku/. 2025 Halloween Haiku Contest Winners 2024 Halloween Haiku Contest Winners 2023 Halloween Haiku Contest Winners 2022 Halloween Haiku Contest Winners