Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Congress Irons Out A Deal To Fund HHS, But There Still Could Be Wrinkles

Morning Briefing

The legislation still must pass the Senate and House. Stat noted that many of the health care reforms in the package were part of a deal Congress struck in December 2024 that quickly fell apart after then President-elect Trump and Elon Musk attacked it.

Minnesota Residents ‘Holding Off’ On Medical Care In Order To Avoid ICE

Morning Briefing

Also: More older adults are protesting in California; geriatricians say it can be beneficial to their health. Other news from around the nation comes from Maryland, Florida, Oregon, and Illinois.

Pig Kidney Recipient Gets A Human Organ, Making Transplant History

Morning Briefing

Doctors and scientists have been able to fine-tune treatment for future xenotransplant patients after guiding New Hampshire patient Tim Andrews through an experimental pig kidney transplant that his body rejected months later but that bought him time while waiting for a human kidney match.

Future Of Abortion Rights In Virginia Will Be Decided By Voters

Morning Briefing

A proposed constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights cleared the Virginia General Assembly last week. The issue will go before voters in November. Virginia currently allows abortion through the second trimester of pregnancy.

Phantom Exchange Enrollees May Haunt Health Insurers As Sign-Ups End

Morning Briefing

Some insurers are still seeing enrollees who were automatically enrolled when their previous carrier left the market, and they are not counting on them paying their premiums. Early evidence suggests that more exchange enrollees than usual will not keep their plans this year. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump focuses blame on insurance companies for rising health care costs.

As Vaccinations Dip, Experts Warn That Few ERs Can Fully Care For Sick Kids

Morning Briefing

Only about 17% of hospitals met standards for high pediatric readiness in a 2024 national study of almost 5,000 emergency departments, Axios reported. In related news, the United States is on the cusp of losing its measles elimination status.

Maternal Acetaminophen Use Does Not Increase Autism Risk, Review Confirms

Morning Briefing

Acetaminophen remains “the first-line treatment that we would recommend if the pregnant women have pain or fever in pregnancy,” said Dr. Asma Khalil, the lead author of the study. Other MAHA news looks at fluoridated water, whole milk, and more.

14 Psychiatric Disorders Have Genetic Similarities, Large Study Finds

Morning Briefing

The new study suggests that many disorders may not need to be treated as distinct illnesses, as they involve similar genes. Scientists believe this could lead to better treatment for millions of psychiatric patients. Other news discusses Lyme disease, measles, avian flu, and more.

NY Hospitals Woo Replacement Nurses With $9,000-A-Week Pay During Strike

Morning Briefing

As the New York City nurses’ strike enters its fifth day, Continuum Health Center is offering to pay travel nurses nearly three times the average salary typically offered by New York hospitals. As of Thursday evening, only one of the three hospital systems affected by the walkout has returned to the negotiating table, but no resolution has been reached.

HHS Studying Cellphone Effects On Health — After Deleting Data On Safety

Morning Briefing

“The FDA removed webpages with old conclusions about cellphone radiation while HHS undertakes a study on electromagnetic radiation and health research,” HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon said. Plus, the updated dietary guidelines are drawing scrutiny.

Democrats Threaten Federal Shutdown Over ICE Raids, Minnesota Shooting

Morning Briefing

The Hill reported that Democratic lawmakers in both houses of Congress are vowing to oppose funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless the legislation includes tougher rules governing the conduct of ICE officers. The deadline for the next shutdown is Jan. 30.

Trump’s ‘Great Healthcare Plan’ Skirts Issue Of Skyrocketing Obamacare Costs

Morning Briefing

The president’s initiative, which would need a nod from Congress, does not include estimates of what the plan would cost or save the federal government. Experts noted the plan does not help people facing higher ACA premiums or help people with preexisting conditions.