Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
First Edition: Friday, July 17, 2026
KFF HEALTH NEWS ORIGINAL STORIES
KFF Health News: Insurers Hedge On Trump-Backed Pledge To Improve Denials Process
One year after the Trump administration announced that dozens of health insurers had signed a six-part pledge promising to reduce barriers to doctor-recommended care, some insurers now say they won’t implement all the promised initiatives. Meanwhile, patients, their advocates, and clinicians say little has improved. “It has never been this bad for patients,” said U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.), a physician who co-chairs the GOP Doctors Caucus. (Sausser and Rayasam, 7/17)
KFF Health News: Watch: ‘Robust’ Primary Care, Transparency Top Employers’ Reform Wish List
In this “How Would You Fix It?” interview, Julie Rovner, KFF Health News’ chief Washington correspondent and host of the What the Health? podcast, sat down with Elizabeth Mitchell, the president and CEO of the Purchaser Business Group on Health, which represents many large employers and other institutional buyers of healthcare coverage. Mitchell noted that employers, which offer coverage to more than 160 million Americans, are a big player in the nation’s healthcare system — a role they came into because of “an accident of history,” she said. (Rovner and Norman, 7/17)
KFF Health News: Trump’s CDC Nominee Praises Vaccines, Without Vowing Independence From Kennedy
Erica Schwartz, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, expressed support for vaccines — including mRNA-based covid shots — in a Senate hearing on Wednesday, though she didn’t dispel concerns the agency has lost any independence from the White House. “I have been vaccinating people throughout my entire career in uniformed services. I believe in vaccines,” Schwartz said at the hearing. “I do believe that mRNA technology is safe and effective.” (Spears, 7/16)
KFF Health News: KFF Health News’ ‘What The Health?’: States Start Their Medicaid Cuts
When Republicans passed their big budget bill in 2025, they scheduled many of the Medicaid reductions to take effect in 2027, after the 2026 midterm elections. But in anticipation of getting less money from Washington come January, many states are already cutting their Medicaid programs, making the issue more relevant for voters in November. (Rovner, 7/16)
CYCLOSPORIASIS OUTBREAK
The Washington Post: CDC, FDA Link Taco Bell Lettuce Supplier To Multistate Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
Federal health officials said Thursday that a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis that has sickened thousands of people has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states, confirming key findings first reported by The Washington Post. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said traceback investigators identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. In updates posted to the CDC webpage and FDA webpage late Thursday, officials urged consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants in those states while the investigation continues. (Sun and Roubein, 7/16)
ABC News: Hospitalizations In Michigan Linked To Cyclosporiasis Surpass 100: Health Officials
Hospitalizations in Michigan linked to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, have surpassed 100, health officials said Thursday. So far, 102 people have been hospitalized, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Additionally, cases have topped 4,000, state data shows. Preliminary findings by Michigan health officials suggest lettuce or salad greens as a potential source of the illnesses. However, no specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source, and federal health officials have not publicly identified a source of the outbreak. (Benadjaoud and Kekatos, 7/16)
The Hill: Can Vinegar Kill Cyclospora Parasite?
A produce-linked parasite that can cause uncomfortable (and at times dangerous) bouts of “explosive” diarrhea is causing people to think twice before snacking on berries or mixing up a salad. Thousands of people so far have fallen ill with cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite. The source of this year’s outbreak is not yet confirmed, but in years past the parasite has been found on fresh fruits and vegetables, like lettuce, salad greens, berries, cilantro, green onions, basil and snap peas. (Martichoux, 7/16)
MedPage Today: You've Heard Of Cyclospora. What Other Parasites Can You Catch From Food?
As health officials track cyclosporiasis cases in multiple states, experts note that there are plenty of other parasites that people can contract from food. These fall into two main categories: protozoa -- like Cyclospora, the one causing "explosive diarrhea" right now -- and worms. (Henderson, 7/16)
ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
The Washington Post: Wildfire Smoke Will Worsen In The Northeast And Mid-Atlantic Through Friday
Through Friday, more than 115 million people are forecast to be exposed to air quality levels that are unhealthy or worse as winds funnel smoke south from out-of-control fires in Canada and Minnesota — and a heat dome traps that smoke near the ground. (Noll, 7/16)
ABC News: As Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Blankets The US, Can Wearing A Mask Help?
For those who need to work outdoors, are more sensitive to smoke or are in a high-risk group, wearing a mask can help protect you -- as long as it's the right kind of mask. (Kekatos, 7/16)
Bloomberg: Overlapping Weather Disasters Challenge US Amid Trump Cuts
Across the US this week, different disasters — from Canadian wildfire smoke darkening the skies in the Midwest and Northeast to extreme heat along the East Coast to catastrophic flooding in Texas — are disrupting daily life and putting people's health at risk. When multiple weather catastrophes play out like this at the same time, or in quick succession, experts refer to them as compound events. As climate change makes compound events more likely, experts warned that grappling with them is further complicated by the Trump administration’s cuts to disaster work. (Hirji and Woody, 7/16)
AP: Spain Practices Outside Before The World Cup Final As Smoke Fills The Air
With the sun obstructed by haze, Spain’s players practiced Thursday ahead of the World Cup final outside in northern New Jersey while air conditions are hazardous because of smoke from Canadian wildfires. It was not clear how fast-paced a practice Spain held. Media members are only able to observe the first 15 minutes of what was scheduled to be a hourlong session in East Hanover beginning at 11 a.m. EDT. (Whyno and Borenstein, 7/16)
ON CAPITOL HILL
Stat: GOP Senators Oppose Bill To End AI Prior Authorizations In Medicare
A Senate vote to halt a Medicare pilot that uses artificial intelligence to approve or deny care failed along party lines on Thursday. (Wilkerson, 7/16)
Military.com: House Officially Delays 60-Bill Veterans Package As Major Veterans Service Organizations Split Over Benefits
The House on Thursday abruptly delayed a vote on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act (TCAVA), shelving one of the largest veterans legislative packages in years after Republican leaders apparently failed to secure enough support amid a growing fight over disability compensation that has divided many of the nation's largest veterans organizations. (Lindsay, 7/16)
HEALTHCARE COSTS AND COVERAGE
Modern Healthcare: Key ACA Exchange Rule Provisions Blocked By Federal Judge
A federal judge temporarily blocked several parts of a rule Thursday that would have made major changes to the Affordable Care Act exchanges. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland blocked several provisions of a sweeping Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulation from going into effect July 20. (Early, 7/16)
Stat: UnitedHealth Signals Employer Health Insurance Premiums Likely To Rise
UnitedHealth Group smashed through investors’ earnings expectations in the second quarter, with executives confidently saying this new level of profit is durable for the foreseeable future. (Herman, 7/16)
MedPage Today: Medicaid Could Save $$ Under 'Most Favored Nation' Pricing, Study Finds
A new program to base Medicaid drug prices on the lowest drug prices in other countries -- known as "most favored nation" (MFN) pricing -- could result in substantial savings, researchers found. (Frieden, 7/16)
THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
The Hill: Trump Administration Revives Public Charge Rule For Green Card Applicants
The Trump administration is reviving a policy that would allow immigration officers to deny green cards to applicants who use public benefits like Medicaid, housing assistance or food stamps. The policy governs how officials can apply the “public charge” test, which is used to determine whether applicants are likely to rely on government support. A final rule issued Thursday reverses the 2022 Biden-era policy that only allowed authorities to consider a green-card applicant’s use of cash benefits. The new version provides no limits. (Weixel, 7/16)
The Washington Post: Exclusive: FDA Raised Conflict Of Interest Concerns Ahead Of New Peptide Panel
As the Trump administration was assembling a key panel to review a slate of controversial peptides, FDA officials expressed concerns about appointing those who worked for peptide-related businesses and clinics, according to two individuals familiar with the matter. The Food and Drug Administration said such members could represent potential conflicts of interest, the individuals said. Despite the flags, officials from the Department of Health and Human Services selected multiple people who promote peptides or work for companies that sell peptides to the panel, an unusual process given FDA staff typically choose their own advisers, said one of the individuals, along with another person familiar with the matter. Those people, like several others interviewed, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. (Roubein, 7/17)
The Wall Street Journal: Federal Officials Investigate Online Ketamine Sellers To Curb At-Home Use
The federal government is cracking down on companies that provide ketamine for consumers to take at home, as concerns grow about misuse, adverse effects and deaths. The Drug Enforcement Administration has ongoing multiple investigations into “bad actors” prescribing the powerful mind-altering drug online, according to a person familiar with the probes. (McKay and Ramachandran, 7/16)
WUSF: RJK Jr. Lauds TGH For Going Healthy With Patient Meals
The food you get while recuperating at Tampa General Hospital might be tasting better these days. At least, it's likely to be better for you. It's the first hospital to sign a healthy food pledge that may be adopted by other medical centers. (Newborn, 7/17)
Stat: Hegseth Call For Military Testosterone Screenings Divides Experts
Medical experts are divided on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s announcement that U.S. service members will undergo testosterone deficiency screenings with their annual physical exams. (Merelli, 7/16)
Military.com: Marine Corps Officially Issues New Rules To Prevent Heat And Cold Injuries
The Marine Corps issued updated interim rules July 9 to help commanders prevent heat and cold stress injuries during training and operations. (Billard, 7/17)
HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY
Stat: Experts Expelled From ADA Conference Embroiled In New Controversy
Turmoil at the American Diabetes Association has taken a fresh turn, with leaders blocking editors at its flagship journal from publishing an opinion piece and first-person accounts detailing a high-profile controversy at the group’s own annual meeting just last month. (Cooney, 7/16)
MedPage Today: New Maternity Billing Codes Better Reflect Modern Care, Ob/Gyns Say
Maternity care billing is getting an overhaul that ob/gyns say is long overdue and will likely improve patient care and physician compensation -- as long as it's rolled out effectively. For decades, there's been a global system for pregnancy care billing in which all patients got the same package of 13 visits and clinicians were paid in a lump sum for this bundle. But starting Jan. 1, ob/gyns can individualize patients' care plans and bill for specific services thanks to new maternity billing codes adopted by the American Medical Association (AMA). (Robertson, 7/16)
Modern Healthcare: GE HealthCare, Catholic Health Agree To Imaging Tech Deal
GE HealthCare is locking in one of its largest-ever health system partnerships: a 10-year, $500 million deal with Long Island-based Catholic Health to modernize the system’s imaging, AI and diagnostic capabilities across more than 40 sites. The partnership, known as a care alliance, is part of Chicago-based GE HealthCare’s broader push into AI imaging and is meant to significantly enhance Catholic Health’s high-tech medical offerings. (Asplund, 7/16)
Axios: CVS Wants To Become The AI Front Door To Health Care
CVS Health is betting it can drive customer engagement with an AI assistant it developed with Google to help schedule checkups, fill prescriptions and check what insurance covers. (Reed, 7/16)
Stat: MDCalc Is Scoring The Clinical Calculators Used By Millions Of Doctors
Every day, doctors turn to specialized calculators to make decisions about their patients’ care. Kidney performance? There’s a calculator for that. Chance of a successful vaginal birth after a previous C-section? There’s a calculator for that. (Palmer, 7/17)
PHARMA AND TECH
Stat: Brain-Computer Interface Helps Paralyzed Man Regain Sensation
Keith Thomas just wanted to pet his dog. A diving accident in 2020 damaged Thomas’ spinal cord and left him with virtually no ability to move or feel his limbs below his neck, so when Bow, his Malshipoo, grazed his legs or nuzzled in his lap, Thomas couldn’t feel it or return the affection. (Broderick, 7/16)
Stat: Can Ultrasound Treat Duchenne? Sonothera Raises Millions To Find Out
For the last year, a small California startup has been making extraordinary claims about the ability of its technology to potentially treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy — and maybe a slew of other genetic diseases, too. (Mast, 7/17)
The Washington Post: A Viral Trend Is Back. Has ALS Research Progressed Since The First Ice Bucket Challenge?
Some of the country’s biggest football stars have brought back a decade-old internet trend where people douse themselves in ice water to raise money for research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease known as ALS. Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson put ALS and the Ice Bucket Challenge back in the spotlight in late June when he announced his diagnosis on “Good Morning America.” (Wu, 7/16)
HealthDay: One Type Of ADHD Med May Affect Kids' Weight
Two top treatments both eased kids' ADHD symptoms in a new study, though one caused more significant weight loss within the first year. Children who were given dexamphetamine lost more weight than those prescribed methylphenidate, according to an Australian study recently published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. (Miller, 7/17)
MENTAL HEALTH
HealthDay: Survey Finds Adults Over 50 Largely Unaware Of 988 Suicide Line
New research suggests that this resource is failing to reach those 50 and older. The National Poll on Healthy Aging reported that 31% of adults over 50 are completely unaware that any mental health crisis lines exist. Even more concerning, 69% of survey respondents had never heard of the 988 service. These gaps in awareness are alarming given that suicide rates for people over 50 are higher than those among teens and young adults. (Neff, 7/17)
STATE WATCH
North Carolina Health News: Oral Health Advocates Try To Unravel Mystery Of Two NC Budget Paragraphs
People who pay close attention to the machinations of state budget-making these days in North Carolina know that you can’t just look at the bottom line to understand how lawmakers’ spending choices will shape communities, families and the health care they’ll have access to. You have to become adept at reading between the budget lines to get the sweeping effect. (Blythe, 7/17)
Connecticut Public: Key Lawmaker Wants CT To Explore Partnership To Make GLP-1s
A key lawmaker wants Connecticut to explore manufacturing generic weight-loss drugs despite Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration backing away from the idea. (Khan, 7/16)
AP: Sister Of Tennessee Death Row Inmate Targets Doctor Who Participated In Failed Execution
The sister of a Tennessee death row inmate whose execution was halted because of problems inserting an IV has filed a complaint against the doctor who was involved. The complaint filed Wednesday with the Tennessee Department of Health by Tonya Hervey says Tony Carruthers suffered excruciating pain during the May 21 attempt to administer a lethal injection and the family believes he now has partial paralysis that they attribute to a stroke. It does not specifically say how or when they believe the stroke occurred, and Hervey declined an interview request. (Loller, 7/16)
AP: Ghost Gun Company Must Pay $100M In The Death Of A Kentucky Teen
A ghost gun company has been ordered to pay more than $100 million in the death of a Kentucky teenager who had purchased the company’s pistol-building kit online. The verdict — believed to be the largest ever against a gun dealer — was awarded by a jury Wednesday following a trial focused on whether the vendor, Husky Armory LLC, skirted federal regulations barring the sale of the gun-assembly kits to those under 21. (Offenhartz and Lovan, 7/17)
AP: ICE's Hiring Spree Draws Fresh Scrutiny After Maine Shooting
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been rapidly expanding its workforce, hiring thousands of new officers as part of the Trump administration’s attempt to ramp up immigration arrests and deportations. The supersizing of ICE -- fueled by an infusion of billions of dollars granted by Congress — has raised concerns about the agency’s hiring practices and whether officers being brought on are receiving proper vetting. Those concerns have been rejected by the Department of Homeland Security. (Santana, 7/17)
MEASLES
CIDRAP: Most Measles Patients Who Sought Care At Prisma Health In South Carolina Were Kids
Most of the measles patients Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital cared for during South Carolina's recent outbreak were kids aged 10 years or younger. NIHAccording to a letter from the health system's physicians, published yesterday in the New England Journal of Medicine, Prisma treated 81 people for measles from October 2025 to April 2026. (Boden, 7/16)
MedPage Today: Studies Document Brain Swelling, Sepsis In U.S. Measles Outbreaks
As U.S. measles cases approach last year's record-breaking total, studies on South Carolina and Utah's large outbreaks showed cases of encephalitis and sepsis among the hospitalized patients. In both states, hypoxemia and pneumonia were the most common conditions leading to hospitalization for measles, with some admissions driven by electrolyte abnormalities, sepsis, and shock. (Rudd, 7/16)
GLOBAL WATCH
Stat: WHO Presses Uganda For Update On Cases Of Deadly Marburg Virus
The government of Uganda has gone quiet on an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus that it reported late last month, with the World Health Organization acknowledging Thursday it has made repeated requests for updated information on the status of the investigation into how it started and how far it may have spread. (Branswell, 7/16)
