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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scientists Tap Into Mitochondria To Reverse Aging, Fight Dementia
December 8, 2025
Morning Briefing
A new method transforms a patient’s own cells by changing them into stem cells and adding “nanoflower” particles, resulting in increased mitochondria production that can target aging cells. Also: Researchers find reading is good for the aging brain; diabetes is linked to sudden cardiac death; and more.
After Hep B Guidance Change, Trump Orders Quick Review Of Vaccine Plan
December 8, 2025
Morning Briefing
In ordering the review of vaccine recommendations, the president said he thinks the United States’ core childhood vaccine schedule should be updated “to align with such scientific evidence and best practices from peer, developed countries.” Plus, insurers will still cover the hepatitis B shot.
Congress Faces Make-Or-Break Timing On ACA Subsidies, Health Care Costs
December 8, 2025
Morning Briefing
Congress’ docket this week includes the introduction of a House leadership-endorsed health care plan and a potential Senate vote on Democrats’ three-year subsidies’ extension. Other news on health care costs is on a charge for pre-visit questionnaires, a rise in spending on prescription drugs, and more.
Unhappy With Zeldin’s Performance, MAHA Advocates Want EPA Chief Fired
December 8, 2025
Morning Briefing
President Trump “made a promise to the American people to address pesticides and reduce childhood chronic illnesses,” one influencer said. Lee Zeldin instead has weakened protections against toxic chemicals, activists contend. Plus, ProPublica examines the EPA’s revision of how the health dangers posed by formaldehyde are assessed.
Health Policy Experts Wary Over What Is In The Fine Print Of $50B Rural Fund
December 8, 2025
Morning Briefing
In a bid to get a larger piece of the funding, several states also vowed to change their own laws, Politico reported — making promises, for example, to restrict low-income people from using SNAP to buy junk food or to expand telehealth.
First Edition: Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
December 8, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Watch: What Do Republicans Really Want on Health Care?
By Julie Rovner
December 8, 2025
KFF Health News Original
On “What the Health? From KFF Health News,” distributed by WAMU, chief Washington correspondent and podcast host Julie Rovner sat down with Avik Roy, a GOP health policy adviser, to talk about how health care has evolved as a Republican Party issue.
