CDC Recommends RSV Vaccine For High-Risk People 50 And Older
July 3, 2025
Morning Briefing
The agency’s website indicates HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. adopted the previous advisory panel’s suggestion to expand access on June 25. AP also reports on FDA vaccine chief Vinay Prasad’s role in a decision to restrict covid shots.
First Edition: Thursday, July 3, 2025
July 3, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: The First Edition will not be published Friday or Monday in observance of July Fourth. Look for it again in your inbox on Tuesday, July 8.
To Keep Medicaid, Mom Caring for Disabled Adult Son Faces Prospect of Proving She Works
By Bram Sable-Smith
Updated July 3, 2025
Originally Published July 3, 2025
KFF Health News Original
A proposed work requirement would make Medicaid expansion enrollees prove they’re working or meet other criteria. Most already work, but millions are expected to lose coverage if the provision passes, many from red tape. A Missouri mother who cares for her disabled son would probably be subject to the rule.
GOP Governors Mum as Congress Moves To Slash Medicaid Spending for Their States
By Phil Galewitz
July 3, 2025
KFF Health News Original
In 2017, when President Donald Trump tried to repeal Obamacare and roll back Medicaid coverage, Republican governors helped turn Congress against it. Now, as Trump tries again to scale back Medicaid, Republican governors — whose constituents stand to lose federal funding and health coverage — have gone quiet on the health consequences.
El megaproyecto de ley republicano supondrá más costos de salud para muchos estadounidenses
By Phil Galewitz Julie Appleby Renuka Rayasam Bernard J. Wolfson
July 2, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Esto, a su vez, perjudicaría las finanzas de hospitales, residencias de adultos mayores y centros de salud comunitarios, y podría obligarlos a reducir servicios y personal, hasta a cerrar instalaciones.
Social Security ‘Resurrects’ Immigrants From Death List; Benefits Still Blocked
July 2, 2025
Morning Briefing
They’ll instead be flagged as “unverified.” An unnamed administration official told The New York Times that it would achieve the same goal by alerting third parties that they may not be eligible for services. Also, 20 states have sued over the administration’s use of immigrants’ Medicaid data.
Senate Megabill That Would Erode Social Safety Net Now Heads To House
July 2, 2025
Morning Briefing
Hospital associations on Tuesday slammed the legislation, which would devastate millions of sick or poor Americans. The bill passed 51-50 on a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance after three Republicans joined Democrats in opposing it.
Federal Judge Pauses RFK Jr.’s Mass Firings, Calling Them Unlawful
July 2, 2025
Morning Briefing
Tuesday’s order blocked the layoffs and organizational changes at HHS. Judge Melissa DuBose of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island said the changes far exceeded Kennedy’s authority. Andrew Nixon, RFK Jr.’s spokesperson, said they are considering next steps.
Wyoming Confirms Its First Measles Case In 15 Years
July 2, 2025
Morning Briefing
The patient is an unvaccinated child. Other states making news: New Mexico, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and elsewhere.
Scientists Find Microplastics In Reproductive Fluids Of Men, Women
July 2, 2025
Morning Briefing
The presence of microplastics in semen and follicular fluid were not entirely unexpected. But the lead research author added: “What did surprise us, however, is how widespread it is. This is not an isolated finding — it appears to be quite common.” Plus: hormone therapy and breast cancer; antibiotic resistance in cow manure; and more.
UnitedHealthcare Reaches Agreement With Cancer Center Over Coverage
July 2, 2025
Morning Briefing
The multi-year agreement announced Tuesday between UnitedHealthcare and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center will let some 19,000 UnitedHealthcare and Oxford health plan members remain in-network for their cancer care. Also in the news: Ascension Health, Sharp HealthCare, Mass General Brigham, and more.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, July 2, 2025
July 2, 2025
Morning Briefing
We’d like to speak with personnel from the Department of Health and Human Services or its component agencies about what’s happening within the federal health bureaucracy. Please message us on Signal at (415) 519-8778 or get in touch here.
First Edition: Wednesday, July 2, 2025
July 2, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Republican Megabill Will Mean Higher Health Costs for Many Americans
By Phil Galewitz Julie Appleby Renuka Rayasam Bernard J. Wolfson
Updated July 3, 2025
Originally Published July 2, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Spending cuts hitting medical providers, Medicaid and Affordable Care Act enrollees, and lawfully present immigrants are just some of the biggest changes the GOP has in store for health care — with ramifications that could touch all Americans.
To Cut Medicaid, the GOP’s Following a Path Often Used To Expand Health Care
By Julie Rovner
July 2, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Republicans are attempting to use the budget reconciliation process to boost President Donald Trump’s priorities and reduce health coverage. That process has been used to pass nearly every major piece of health legislation for decades — except usually lawmakers use it to expand health care, not cut it, writes Julie Rovner.
Con el verano hay más mosquitos y, temen oficiales, más casos de dengue
By Phillip Reese
July 2, 2025
KFF Health News Original
El año pasado se reportaron alrededor de 3.700 nuevas infecciones por dengue en Estados Unidos, frente a las 2.050 de 2023, según los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades.
‘MAHA Report’ Calls for Fighting Chronic Disease, but Trump and Kennedy Have Yanked Funding
By David Hilzenrath
July 2, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Scientists and public health advocates see disconnects between what the Trump administration says about health — notably, in its “MAHA Report” — and what it’s actually doing.
As Mosquito Season Peaks, Officials Brace for New Normal of Dengue Cases
By Phillip Reese
July 2, 2025
KFF Health News Original
In recent years, locally acquired dengue cases have appeared in California, Florida, and Texas, parts of the U.S. where the disease isn’t endemic. Health and vector control officials worry that with climate change and the lack of a vaccine, dengue will take hold in a larger swath of North America.
Senate Passes Trump’s Megabill With Medicaid Cuts, Other Health Provisions
July 1, 2025
Morning Briefing
The massive tax and immigration bill passed the Senate Tuesday by a 51-50 vote, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tiebreaker. The legislation, which must go back to the House, offsets some of the new spending with measures that aim to cut back on Medicaid and food assistance for the poor.
