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.
A North Carolina Hospital Was Slated To Open in 2025. Mired in Bureaucracy, It’s Still a Dirt Field.
By Andrew Jones
December 8, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Regulations meant to prevent unfettered health care expansion are withholding needed hospital beds in a rural part of North Carolina. Here, as in communities around the country, some officials and health care providers are contesting such “certificate of need” laws.
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.
Journalists Dig Into Maine HIV Outbreak and Ever-Closer End to Enhanced ACA Subsidies
December 6, 2025
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News journalists made the rounds on national media recently to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
In RFK Jr.’s Upside-Down World of Vaccines, Panel Votes To End Hepatitis B Shot at Birth
By Arthur Allen
December 5, 2025
KFF Health News Original
A session of a vaccine panel dominated by skeptics was chaotically at odds with past practices of the CDC, which HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has described as a “cesspool of corruption.” His crew voted to end a 34-year recommendation to vaccinate newborns against hepatitis B.
Feds Promised ‘Radical Transparency’ but Withhold $50B Rural Fund Details
By Sarah Jane Tribble
December 5, 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.
Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs, Humana May Join Forces To Lower Drug Costs
December 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
The two are in talks to explore how they can lower prescription drug prices with a direct-to-employer model. Plus: A look at why turning human blood into medications is big business; CMS wants to encourage technology-supported care through wearable reimbursements; and more.
New York Health System May See Cuts, Missed Payroll Without Urgent Aid
December 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
North Star Health Alliance in Ogdensburg, New York, is “facing imminent closure,” according to CEO Richard Duvall. Plus, news from California, Florida, and Missouri.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
December 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on relationships, mental health, Parkinson’s, rabies, and more.
Vaccine Advisers Balk At Wording Of Proposed Hep B Guidance, Delay Vote
December 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices panelists are taking a closer look at the recommendation, which was revised three times just before the meeting. They could vote today on whether newborns should get the shot. Plus, ACIP’s trustworthiness is under the scope.
US-Kenya Health Pact Is First Of Likely Many Global Deals After USAID’s Exit
December 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
It’s a five-year, $2.5 billion deal that focuses on preventing and treating diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis with an emphasis on faith-based medical providers, AP reported. Previously, there was a patchwork of health agreements run by the U.S. Agency for International Development before it was dismantled this year.
Democrats Push For Vote On 3-Year Extension Of Enhanced ACA Subsidies
December 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
A vote for a straightforward, three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act subsidies is expected in the Senate next week, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer announced Thursday. The GOP still has not settled on an alternate plan.
American Cancer Society OKs Self-Swab Screening For Cervical Cancer
December 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
The updated recommendations were released Thursday and include new guidance on when women can stop being screened for cervical cancer. In other news, a new Texas law allows residents to sue those suspected of making, distributing, or mailing abortion pills in or out of the state.
Morning Briefing for Friday, December 5, 2025
December 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
Behind on your reading? Catch up on this week's KFF Health News stories with The Week in Brief, delivered every Friday to your inbox. Sign up here !
Mientras científicos estudian la propagación del sarampión en el país, Kennedy pone en riesgo avances que costaron décadas
By Amy Maxmen
December 5, 2025
KFF Health News Original
El estatus de Estados Unidos depende de si los principales brotes ocurridos este año tienen origen en el gran brote del oeste de Texas que comenzó oficialmente el 20 de enero.
First Edition: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025
December 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Health Savings Accounts, Backed by GOP, Cover Fancy Saunas but Not Insurance Premiums
By Amanda Seitz
December 5, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Health savings accounts can be used to cover medical expenses, tax-free. But while wealthier Americans are using them to pay for gym equipment, cedar ice baths, and hemlock saunas, poorer Americans can’t use them to pay their skyrocketing health insurance premiums.
