Morning Briefing for Monday, July 28, 2025
July 28, 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.
RFK Jr.’s Plan To Remove Preventive Health Panelists Rebuked By AMA
July 28, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Health and Human Services chief reportedly considers all seasoned volunteers on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force too “woke.” The panel issues recommendations for preventive services that insurers must cover at no cost to patients. The American Medical Association contends the nonpartisan panel’s work must continue uninterrupted.
Medicaid Cuts And Work Rules Will Be Catastrophic, Hospital Group CEO Says
July 28, 2025
Morning Briefing
Dr. Bruce Siegel, CEO and president of America’s Essential Hospitals, says the cuts will upend safety-net hospitals. Also: Medicaid cuts will hurt family caregivers; Medicare savings programs are now under threat; and more.
Tennessee School District Won’t Accept Doctor’s Notes For Absences
July 28, 2025
Morning Briefing
Lawrence County Director of Schools Michael Adkins stated that the change in policy is due to chronic absenteeism, and that a doctor’s note will no longer suffice. Other states making news: Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Oregon, Maryland, and California.
Pediatrics Academy Stands Firm In Opposing Nonmedical Vax Exemptions
July 28, 2025
Morning Briefing
The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains that schools and day cares must require proof of vaccinations for children to attend. Just five states have laws that accept only medical exemptions. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. repeats false vaccine claims at a meeting with governors.
First Edition: Monday, July 28, 2025
July 28, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Cosmetic Surgeries Led to Disfiguring Injuries, Patients Allege
By Fred Schulte
July 28, 2025
KFF Health News Original
A joint investigation by KFF Health News and NBC News found that cosmetic surgery chains have been the target of scores of medical malpractice and negligence lawsuits, including 12 wrongful death cases.
California Looked to Them To Close Health Disparities, Then It Backpedaled
By Vanessa G. Sánchez
July 28, 2025
KFF Health News Original
A statewide initiative to formalize the role of community health workers and expand their ranks was meant to improve the health of underserved communities, particularly Hispanic populations, who often experience higher rates of chronic illnesses. But years in, California has abandoned a certification program and rescinded public support.
California contrató a trabajadores de salud comunitarios para zanjar desigualdades, ahora da marcha atrás
By Vanessa G. Sánchez
July 28, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Estudios demuestran que el trabajo de las promotoras puede reducir las hospitalizaciones, y las visitas a las salas de emergencias y a las clínicas de urgencias.
Journalists Drill Down How Federal Cuts Will Affect Medicaid, Cancer Research, and Uninsured Rates
July 26, 2025
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News journalists made the rounds on national or local media recently to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Share Your Cosmetic Surgery Story With Us
July 25, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Have you had cosmetic surgery, such as liposuction, a “Mommy Makeover,” a tummy tuck, a Brazilian butt lift, or another type of cosmetic surgery? We’d like to hear about your experience. Tell us here.
Public Health Officials Move To Protect Native Americans Against Measles Outbreak
By Arielle Zionts
July 25, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Get our weekly newsletter, The Week in Brief, featuring a roundup of our original coverage, Fridays at 2 p.m. ET.
Uptick in Human Tularemia Infections Detected In Minnesota
July 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
Five people have been sickened by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which can spread by touching animals that have the disease. More news is on measles, covid, and avian flu.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
July 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on therapy, eating disorders, AI, war amputees, and more.
Yale New Haven Health Axes All Gender-Affirming Care For Under-19s
July 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
The news comes on the heels of the announcement by Connecticut Children’s Medical Center that it plans to end its gender-affirming care program for children. They are the two largest pediatric hospitals in Connecticut.
Homeless People May Be Involuntarily Hospitalized Per Trump Order
July 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
President Trump’s executive order to clear the country’s streets of people who suffer from addiction or mental illness also prioritizes funds for treatment programs, especially for municipalities that enforce laws regarding homelessness to the “maximum extent.”
Trump Administration Plans To Torch $9.7M Worth Of Birth Control
July 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
The United Nations and some reproductive organizations were unsuccessful in their attempts to purchase the contraceptives, intended for poorer nations. Also: Five California Planned Parenthoods close; New Hampshire now requires doctors to sterilize patients if they choose; and more.
UnitedHealth Confirms It’s Being Investigated Over Medicare Billing
July 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
The insurance giant said Thursday it is cooperating with the Department of Justice and responding to both formal criminal and civil requests, The New York Times reported.
