The Week in Brief: Friday, March 21, 2025
Checking the Facts on Medicaid Use by Latinos
Paula Andalo and Isabel Rubio, Factchequeado
Republicans’ moves to scale back Medicaid are leading to more misinformation about immigrants, especially Latinos, circulating on social media platforms. The misconceptions include the myths that Latinos covered by Medicaid don’t work and that they use Medicaid significantly more than others.
Indiana Lawmakers Seek To Forbid Hospital Monopolies, but One Merger Fight Remains
Samantha Liss
Union Health has made a new bid to buy its only rival hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana. The system passed one hurdle after lawmakers watered down a bill that threatened the proposed deal. That means the merger will now face a likely showdown with Indiana’s new governor.
Watch: The Dr. Oz Show Comes to Congress
Julie Rovner and Rachana Pradhan and Stephanie Armour
The Senate Finance Committee questioned Mehmet Oz, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. KFF Health News reporters discussed the biggest takeaways from the hearing.
Scientists Say NIH Officials Told Them To Scrub mRNA References on Grants
Arthur Allen
Two senior scientists say National Institutes of Health officials advised them to remove references to mRNA vaccines in grant applications, and they fear the Trump administration will abandon a promising field of medical research.
Federal Health Work in Flux
It’s the Trump administration vs. the federal courts, as the Department of Government Efficiency continues to try to cancel federal contracts and programs and fire workers. But in the haste to cut things, jobs and programs are being eliminated even if they align with the new administration’s goal to “Make America Healthy Again.” Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, and Rachel Roubein of The Washington Post join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more.
Her Case Changed Trans Care in Prison. Now Trump Aims To Reverse Course.
Bram Sable-Smith
President Donald Trump ordered a halt to gender-affirming medical care for transgender prisoners in federal custody, and to housing trans women in female prisons. The new policies raise alarms for a formerly incarcerated trans woman. She said the order denies lifesaving medical care and creates a road map for rape.
US Judge Names Receiver To Take Over California Prisons’ Mental Health Program
Don Thompson
A federal judge has named a receiver to run California’s troubled prison mental health system. Colette Peters, a reformist with a rocky tenure as director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, will have four months to develop a plan to adequately care for tens of thousands of prisoners.
Scientist Whose Work Led FDA To Ban Food Dye Says Agency Overstated Risk
Phil Galewitz
Almost 40 years ago, Joseph Borzelleca published a study on red dye No. 3, a petroleum-based food coloring. The FDA cited his work to ban the additive in January. But Borzelleca says it’s safe.
In New York, Providers Must Put Patient Costs on the Table
Michelle Andrews
The governor’s fiscal year 2026 budget revises a law designed to limit unexpected bills that can put people at risk for unfair medical billing practices and reduce medical debt. Consumer groups say it doesn’t go far enough.
Without Federal Action, States Wrestle With Kratom Regulation
Mara Silvers, Montana Free Press
A bill proposed by kratom industry advocates is prompting consideration — and some concern — in the Montana Legislature.
Congressman Blames Trump Team for Ending Telehealth Medicare Benefit. Not Quite Right.
Suz Redfearn
Rep. Ro Khanna of California warned of Trump administration “cuts” to Medicare telehealth access hitting March 31. But if Medicare recipients lose telemedicine benefits that day, it will be because Congress failed to act.
Workers Prep To Meet ICE Officials at the Health Clinic Door
Jackie Fortiér
Recent arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in northern Virginia have put immigrant communities in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area on alert. Health clinics that serve those communities say they are working to continue to care for patients amid detention and arrest fears.
Amid Plummeting Diversity at Medical Schools, a Warning of DEI Crackdown’s ‘Chilling Effect’
Annie Sciacca
Enrollment of underrepresented groups at medical schools fell precipitously this academic year after the Supreme Court’s 2023 ban on affirmative action. Education and health experts worry the Trump administration’s anti-DEI measures will only worsen the situation, even in states like California that have navigated bans on race-conscious admissions for years.
Journalists Share How Additives Enter Food Supply and Measles Harms Kids’ Immune Systems
KFF Health News journalists made the rounds on national and local media recently to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.