Online Abortion Pill Access Up In Early 2025, Despite GOP Efforts to Restrict It
December 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
A report shows an increase in medication abortions throughout the country in the first half of the year, while Republicans have made efforts to keep doctors in blue states from prescribing pills to women in states where abortion is illegal. Other news comes from Alabama, Georgia, and Illinois.
House Democrat Files Articles Of Impeachment Against RFK Jr.
December 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Michigan accused the HHS secretary of an assault on the public health system that constitutes high crimes and misdemeanors, The New York Times reported. But with Republicans in control of Congress, the impeachment attempt will almost certainly go nowhere.
As Some Republicans Push For HSAs, IRS Updates Its Guidance On Eligibility
December 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
The use of Health Savings Accounts has become a prominent GOP strategy as the partisan squabble over making insurance more affordable continued Tuesday. Republicans have appeared to unite around a plan that lets Affordable Care Act subsidies expire.
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.
