Morning Briefing for Thursday, July 3, 2025
July 3, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Morning Briefing will not be published Friday or Monday in observance of July Fourth. Look for it again in your inbox on Tuesday, July 8.
Speaking For Hours, Jeffries Slams ‘Big Ugly Bill’ That Will Decimate Medicaid
July 3, 2025
Morning Briefing
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the bill “immoral” and a “disgusting abomination.” About 11 million people would lose Medicaid coverage, estimates show. The legislation also calls for cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
‘Backdoor Ban’ In Megabill Will Likely Cripple Abortion Access In Blue States
July 3, 2025
Morning Briefing
Planned Parenthood stands to lose $700 million in federal funding tied to Medicaid. Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s President and CEO, Alexis McGill Johnson, warned Wednesday that nearly 200 health centers could close. The legislation affects blue states more severely because those states have larger numbers of people on Medicaid, The Guardian reported.
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.
DOJ May Strip Citizenship From Those Who Dupe Medicaid, Medicare
July 3, 2025
Morning Briefing
A legal expert notes the U.S. denaturalization policy is legit but says “its use has historically been rare and reserved for extreme cases — such as war crimes or national security threats.” Plus, news about immigrant detention centers, including the “Alligator Alcatraz” set to receive occupants.
As Pollution Rises, Non-Smokers Might Not Be Able To Dodge Lung Cancer
July 3, 2025
Morning Briefing
A new analysis shows high levels of fine-particulate air pollution causes more cancer mutations. A quarter of all lung cancer cases worldwide are among people who never smoked. Meanwhile, websites for U.S. national climate assessments have disappeared. The White House says NASA will now house the information, but reports as late as Tuesday say it was not available on their site.
Shriners Children’s Research Institute Plans $153 Million Facility In Atlanta
July 3, 2025
Morning Briefing
The facility should be operational within a year to 18 months, according to the organization. Other industry news is on business pressures facing Centene, the uncertainty of the ACA market, the use of MyChart to prevent no-shows, and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
