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.
Pentagon Ends Abortion Travel Policy For Troops And Their Families
January 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Biden-era policy provided paid leave and reimbursement for troops to travel outside the state where they are stationed to obtain abortions or reproductive care. Trump critics claim these policies distract the military from its mission to defend the nation. Meanwhile, infant mortality has been going up since the constitutional right to abortion was overturned in 2022.
First Edition: Friday, Jan. 31, 2025
January 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Drawn-Out Overhaul of Troubled Montana Hospital Leaves Lawmakers in Limbo
By Mara Silvers, Montana Free Press
January 31, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Unsure how to help the troubled psychiatric facility, legislators look to shore up other parts of the state’s mental health system.
Trump’s Order on Gender-Affirming Care Escalates Reversal of Trans Rights
By Julie Appleby
January 31, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The Jan. 28 executive order directs federal regulators to cut insurance coverage for hormonal or surgical treatments that help in young people’s gender transitions and cut federal funding for medical professionals or institutions that provide such care. It will likely be challenged in court.
Most Insurance Covers IUDs. Hers Cost More Than $14,000.
By Julie Appleby
Updated January 31, 2025
Originally Published January 31, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The Affordable Care Act requires most insurance plans to cover preventive care, including many forms of contraception, without cost to patients — but not if they’re “grandfathered” plans, which predate the law.
Orden de Trump sobre procedimientos de afirmación de género pone en peligro los derechos trans
By Julie Appleby
January 31, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Aunque está dirigida principalmente a programas de salud del gobierno, la orden también podría tener implicaciones para el sector privado y es probable que enfrente litigios por parte de los estados o grupos de defensa.
What the Health? From KFF Health News: RFK Jr. in the Hot Seat
January 30, 2025
Podcast
President Donald Trump’s choice to lead the vast Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., faced sharp questioning from senators this week, particularly over his history of vaccine denialism. Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s second week has been even more disruptive than its first, with an on-again, off-again funding freeze that left many around the country scrambling to understand what was going on. Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call and Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Nicholas Bagley, a University of Michigan law professor, who explains how the federal regulatory system is supposed to operate to make health policy.
Recapping the RFK Jr. Hearings: A Live Discussion With KFF Health News Journalists
January 30, 2025
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News reporters break down the biggest takeaways from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation hearings for secretary of Health and Human Services.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
January 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
