Maternal Mortality Rate Worse For Black Mothers, Not Getting Better: CDC
February 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
According to CDC data, Black mothers’ pregnancy-related death rate is more than three times that of any other racial or ethnic group. Also, disparities between expert recommendations and guidelines for migraine prevention; overdiagnosis of thyroid cancer; and more.
New York Court Says Abused Parents Shouldn’t Face Child Welfare Inquiries
February 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
Parents who are victims of domestic violence are regularly investigated by child welfare agencies in a practice that has been deemed illegal by the state appellate court, The New York Times reported. Florida, North Carolina, California, Montana, Georgia, and Colorado are also in the news.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
February 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
New Strain Of Bird Flu, More Dicey For Humans, Infects Nevada Dairy Cows
February 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
The D1.1 version of the virus was detected during milk testing late last year and was the strain that led to the death of a Louisiana man and severely sickened a Canadian teen. The CDC has not held bird flu briefings since Donald Trump became president, and now Virginia lawmakers are urging the release of essential public health data.
DOGE Team Gains Access To Systems at CMS, CDC, Other Health Agencies
February 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
Elon Musk and his team — said to be scouring systems for evidence of fraud, waste, and DEI contracts — have now accessed payment and contracting systems across the Department of Health and Human Services. More news is about the fallout from some of the White House’s executive orders.
Americans Warned Of Ebola Spread In Uganda As USAID Missions Shut Down
February 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
U.S. health officials say the outbreak will worsen as a result of President Donald Trump’s funding freeze. Americans traveling to Uganda are urged to take precautions.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, February 6, 2025
February 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
Our annual Health Policy Valentines contest is underway! Make us swoon by sending us your sweetest health-themed poems via this form by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 9. ♥
First Edition: Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025
February 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Biden Rule Cleared Hurdles to Lifesaving HIV Drug, but in Georgia Barriers Remain
By Rebecca Grapevine, Healthbeat
February 6, 2025
KFF Health News Original
A new rule requires insurers to improve coverage of PrEP, which can prevent HIV, but Georgians face challenges getting the drug.
Officials Seek To Dismantle Appeals Board for Montanans Denied Public Assistance
By Katheryn Houghton
February 6, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The Montana health department says the Board of Public Assistance is redundant and a bureaucratic hurdle that helps few people. Current and former board representatives say the rare cases in which the panel helps people are important.
Share Your Story: Medicaid Estate Recovery Collections
February 5, 2025
Page
Has your family been sent bills for repayment of Medicaid expenses after the death of a loved one who was covered by the program? KFF Health News wants to hear from you. Tell us about it here.
California Housing Officials Recommend State Protect Renters From Extreme Heat
By Molly Castle Work
February 5, 2025
KFF Health News Original
State officials say homes should be able to be cooled to a safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees. The legislature will now take up the report.
Funcionarios de California recomiendan que el estado proteja a los inquilinos del calor extremo
By Molly Castle Work
February 5, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Aunque la mayoría de las muertes y enfermedades causadas por el calor se pueden prevenir, alrededor de 1.220 personas mueren cada año en el país por esta causa.
Health Workers, Most Of Them Black, Listed As ‘Targets’ Over DEI ‘Offenses’
February 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
A website called “DEI Watch List” has had a chilling effect on federal employees, who are now concerned for their safety after their photos and personal information were published online. Meanwhile, physician and advocacy groups are pushing back against the administration’s data purge.
Federal Workers Fight For Their Jobs; Trump Further Dismantles USAID
February 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, the National Institutes of Health has resumed at least some grant reviews for health research projects. In other news, AP has reported that the United States will withdraw from the top U.N. human rights body and also will review its involvement in the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO.
White House Advances Its Crackdown On Transgender Health And Research
February 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
The moves have sparked confusion and fear among organizations that serve the LGBTQ+ community. In other news: A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s order that prisons must house trans women with male inmates.
Moody’s Dings Health Insurance Sector With ‘Negative’ Outlook
February 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
The ratings agency expects Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and commercial insurers to continue to see high medical costs this year. More industry news is about Baystate Health, Tricare East, and others.
San Francisco Gives New Mayor Expanded Powers In Fentanyl Crisis
February 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
AP reports on the San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors’ 10-1 vote in favor of giving Mayor Daniel Lurie more power and flexibility in the fentanyl fight. Other news from across the nation is on overdoses in Maryland, a covid-related discrimination bill in Wyoming, a Missouri prison nursery, and more.
Good News For Parkinson’s Patients: FDA OKs New Wearable Treatment
February 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
MedPage Today reports on the infusion device, aimed at treating motor fluctuations in adults with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Also in public health news: hopes are dimmed for GLP-1 drugs’ ability to treat Parkinson’s; a new blood test may detect colon cancer with 80% accuracy; and more.
