High Court Again Asked To Weigh In On ‘Skinny Labeling’ On Generic Drugs
December 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
The tactic of leaving patented uses off of labels has allowed generic drugmakers to move products to the market quicker. A dispute between Amarin and Hikma Pharmaceuticals prompted the call for another look. Other administration news is about climate change, racial discrimination, and more.
Leading Health Organizations Unite Against Limits On Hepatitis B Vaccine
December 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
Representatives from six leading health organizations gave a joint news conference, during which they warned that the proposed changes to federal vaccine policy would lead to children’s deaths. Meanwhile, the FDA has launched a safety review for two RSV drugs already approved for infants.
First Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025
December 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Plan-Switching, Sign-Up Impersonations: Obamacare Enrollment Fraud Persists
By Julie Appleby
December 10, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Investigators from the Government Accountability Office were able to register nearly 20 fake ACA enrollments in a probe of healthcare.gov. The federal government paid subsidies to insurers for some of the fake customers.
This HIV Expert Refused To Censor Data, Then Quit the CDC
By Amy Maxmen
December 10, 2025
KFF Health News Original
HIV physician John Weiser talks about why complying with President Donald Trump’s orders to erase transgender people is bad for science and society. And he notes that acquiescing didn’t spare the CDC from further harm.
How Delays and Bankruptcy Let a Nursing Home Chain Avoid Paying Settlements for Injuries and Deaths
By Jordan Rau
December 9, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Genesis HealthCare’s bankruptcy case in Dallas will allow the nursing home chain to avoid paying millions of dollars it promised for residents who were injured or died while in its care. Families say bankruptcy nullifies one of the main ways to hold nursing home owners accountable for poor care.
Has Your Snail Mail Gotten Slower? It Might Be Affecting Your Rx Deliveries
December 9, 2025
Morning Briefing
People who live in rural areas are particularly at risk as the U.S. Postal Service continues to consolidate its mail processing system. But the USPS has denied that its new system will cause delivery delays, Axios reported.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Rollback Not Based On Data, ACIP Panel Member Claims
December 9, 2025
Morning Briefing
“I repeatedly asked for it, and no data of harm was presented,” said Joseph Hibbeln, a member of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Meanwhile, a study shows that more parents are refusing vitamin K shots for their newborn babies, equating them to vaccines.
ACA Sign-Ups Outpacing Last Year’s Numbers, Despite Subsidy Uncertainty
December 9, 2025
Morning Briefing
As of Friday, nearly 5.8 million Americans had selected a plan, up almost 400,000 enrollments from the same time in 2024. The window to shop for Affordable Care Act plans closes Dec. 15 for people who want coverage starting Jan. 1. Plus, the latest on those expiring tax credits.
FDA Has Delayed Abortion Pill Safety Study Until After Midterms: Report
December 9, 2025
Morning Briefing
A Health and Human Services Department spokesperson said, “FDA’s comprehensive scientific reviews take the time necessary to get the science right.” Also: States are more divided over abortion than ever; IVF expansion is stripped from Congress’ annual defense policy bill; and more.
HUD Withdraws Homelessness Funding Policy Change To Make Revisions
December 9, 2025
Morning Briefing
The government’s move to temporarily rescind its new policy just ahead of a court hearing drew rebuke from U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy. That policy would have significantly cut the funds available for permanent housing for people who are homeless.
Judge Declares Mistrial In Florida Hospitals’ Opioid Case
December 9, 2025
Morning Briefing
The 16 Florida hospitals had accused Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens of driving up opioid sales. Jurors deliberated for 14 days but could not reach a unanimous verdict. Also: West Virginia sues United Healthcare over the opioid crisis.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, December 9, 2025
December 9, 2025
Morning Briefing
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First Edition: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025
December 9, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Rural Health Providers Could Be Collateral Damage From $100K Trump Visa Fee
By Arielle Zionts Phillip Reese
December 9, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Dozens of health care organizations have asked the Trump administration to shield the doctors, nurses, and techs they need to fill shortages from the president’s new $100,000 visa fee for skilled foreign workers. So far, there’s no sign of a reprieve.
Out-of-Pocket Pain From High-Deductible Plans Means Skimping on Care
By Charlotte Huff
December 9, 2025
KFF Health News Original
High-deductible health insurance plans are increasingly common, and many more enrollees will likely need to choose such plans for the coming year. For those with chronic conditions like diabetes, the gamble can mean compromised care and long-term consequences.
Trump’s Idea for Health Accounts Has Been Tried. Millions of Patients Have Ended Up in Debt.
By Noam N. Levey
December 9, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Republican calls to give Americans cash instead of health insurance subsidies double down on a decades-old strategy of moving people into high-deductible plans with health savings accounts.
California Warns Against Mushroom Foraging After Deadly Poisoning
December 8, 2025
Morning Briefing
California officials have reported one fatality and nearly two dozen cases of amatoxin poisoning, possibly caused by death cap mushrooms. The toxin can lead to severe liver damage and death. Other states in the news include Massachusetts, Illinois, Nebraska, and Maine.
