Trump’s Tariffs Could Bump Up Costs For Health Care-Related Items
February 3, 2025
Morning Briefing
Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and personal protective equipment such as gowns and gloves could be affected by tariffs, which the president has said will stay in place “until those countries stop the flow of fentanyl and undocumented immigrants into the United States,” Stat reports.
More Public Health Webpages Are Scrubbed, Federal Databases Removed
February 3, 2025
Morning Briefing
Sites pertaining to HIV, reproductive care, and gender identity are among the areas up for review as the administration seeks to purge certain language from government reports. Meanwhile, health organizations around the world are reeling after the White House halted humanitarian aid.
Dems Tap Brakes On RFK Jr.’s HHS Nomination; Panel Preps Tuesday Vote
February 3, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Cabinet nominee is revising his ethics form and divesting his financial stake in vaccine litigation, but concerns linger, and Senate Democrats would like time to review the matter. Meanwhile, AP raises questions over the credibility of a letter in support of Kennedy.
Louisiana Indicts NY Doctor Over Telemedicine Abortion Shield Law
February 3, 2025
Morning Briefing
Dr. Margaret Carpenter is accused of providing abortion pills to a resident of Louisiana, which has a near-total ban on the procedure. Health care providers in states with shield laws have been sending thousands of abortion pills per month to states with abortion restrictions, The New York Times says.
First Edition: Monday, Feb. 3, 2025
February 3, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Across the South, Rural Health Care Has Become ‘Trendy.’ Medicaid Expansion Has Not.
By Lauren Sausser
February 3, 2025
KFF Health News Original
State legislatures nationwide, including several in the South, are spending millions to improve rural health outcomes and access. For years, though, most Southern states have refused billions of federal dollars to provide public health insurance to more low-income adults. That isn’t likely to change with Trump back in office.
Little Tracking, Wide Variability Permeate the Teams Tasked With Stopping School Shootings
By Cheryl Platzman Weinstock
February 3, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Several states require schools to assemble teams of law enforcement and education officials to identify students who could become mass shooters and intervene before it’s too late. But some experts say the efforts often face a lack of guidance and significant pressure, putting them at risk of maligning innocent students.
Strike Us in the Heart: Send In Your Health Policy Valentines
February 3, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Make us swoon by sending us your sweetest “health policy valentines.” Submissions will be judged by an esteemed panel of experts. We’ll share favorites on our social media channels, and tenderhearted members of our staff will pick the winners, announced on Friday, Feb. 14.
Journalists Analyze Issues of the Day: RFK Jr., Bird Flu, L.A. Fires
February 1, 2025
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News journalists made the rounds on national and local media recently to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
At His HHS Job Interview, RFK Jr. Stumbles Over Health Policy Basics
By Phil Galewitz Arthur Allen
January 31, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the anti-vaccine activist President Donald Trump nominated to lead the nation’s top health agency, did little to win over his critics at two Senate confirmation hearings this week. Democrats argued he’s not qualified for the job. And by botching answers to basic questions about health policy, Kennedy supplied some evidence. It’s […]
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
January 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on drug trials, cancer, Alzheimer’s, polar bears, and more.
Some Hospitals In Colo., Va., And DC Halt Gender Care For Those Under 19
January 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
Medical facilities are reevaluating their treatment in the wake of President Donald Trump’s executive order. In related news, a Colorado Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill that would make it a felony to bring a minor to Colorado for reproductive or gender-affirming care.
FDA Green Lights New, Nonaddictive Pain Pill Journavx — But It’s Pricey
January 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
The drug, known as suzetrigine, is the first new painkiller approved in the U.S. since 1998. It can be used to relieve pain after surgery or injury, and some researchers say it might be the start of a new generation of painkillers. However, each pill costs $15.50.
Biden’s Parting Panacea: 8 Members Added To Vaccine Advisory Panel
January 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices reviews the safety and efficacy data of proposed vaccines and those already in use. The appointments, however, are at-will.
Oregon Governor Steps In As Doctor, Nurse Strike Hits 3-Week Mark
January 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
The strike, which involves 5,000 health care workers from Providence Health in Oregon, is the first in the state’s history to involve physicians. Other news from around the nation is on measles cases in Texas, a “clinic in a box” in Tampa, a private equity deal for a Long Island retirement community, and more.
Law Banning Gun Sales To Americans 18 To 20 Ruled Unconstitutional
January 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
An appeals court determined that the federal law requiring adults to be 21 or older to purchase firearms went against the Second Amendment. Meanwhile, gun violence researchers sound warning bells as the Office of Gun Violence Prevention is emptied and the safety board created to prevent school shootings is disbanded by the Trump administration.
Cigna Vows To Change Policies On Prior Authorization, Patient Advocacy
January 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
CEO David Cordani suggested Thursday that the moves are a direct response to the slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the public outcry over the state of health care. Other news is on CommonSpirit, Steward Health Care, Cardinal Health, and more.
Morning Briefing for Friday, January 31, 2025
January 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
Want to catch up on this week's KFF Health News stories? Try our new Friday newsletter, The Week in Brief. You'll get a fresh take on one of our top stories, a recap of our best social media coverage, and more. Don’t miss out — sign up here !
RFK Jr.’s Confirmation As Health Secretary Remains Too Close To Call
January 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
After two days of Senate committee hearings, four Republicans have declined to commit to approving Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose stance on vaccines remains a hot-button issue even after being presented with scientific evidence. Kennedy also told senators he favors opioid addiction medications as well as AI and telehealth for Medicare and Medicaid recipients.
