Veterans Told To Look Outside The VA For Gender Dysphoria Treatment
March 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
Hormone therapy and gender dysphoria treatment will be offered only to those already receiving it. “If veterans want to attempt to change their sex, they can do so on their own dime,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said. Meanwhile, a study finds gender-affirming care may lower the risk of depression.
California’s Newsom Asks For An Extra $2.8 Billion To Close Medicaid Hole
March 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
The request comes on top of a $3.44 billion loan that was proposed last week in order to fully pay the bills for the state’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, through the end of the year. Other Medicaid and Medicare news is on county-owned hospitals in Indiana, work requirements, MA cuts, and more.
Shuttered Sharon Regional Medical Center Resuming Business Today
March 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
California-based Tenor Health Foundation has taken over the 163-bed hospital in Pennsylvania. More hospital news is about Anson General in Texas, Scripps Health in California, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Massachusetts. Also, chatbots feel the weight of heavy issues.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, March 18, 2025
March 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each month, KFF Health News’ Rural Dispatch newsletter covers health issues in places where accessing care can be more challenging. Sign up here!
First Edition: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
March 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Her Case Changed Trans Care in Prison. Now Trump Aims To Reverse Course.
By Bram Sable-Smith
March 18, 2025
KFF Health News Original
President Donald Trump ordered a halt to gender-affirming medical care for transgender prisoners in federal custody, and to housing trans women in female prisons. The new policies raise alarms for a formerly incarcerated trans woman. She said the order denies lifesaving medical care and creates a road map for rape.
Congressman Blames Trump Team for Ending Telehealth Medicare Benefit. Not Quite Right.
By Suz Redfearn
Updated March 17, 2025
Originally Published March 17, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Rep. Ro Khanna of California warned of Trump administration “cuts” to Medicare telehealth access hitting March 31. But if Medicare recipients lose telemedicine benefits that day, it will be because Congress failed to act.
Uncertain Future For Rural Hospitals As Medicaid, Medicare Changes Loom
March 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
The future of a subsidy program for broadband internet also is uncertain. If changes to any of these programs are made, the effects will hurt rural hospitals that rely on telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and other technologies to help their patients. Other news is on a charity care settlement, the nursing home industry, and more.
Marines May Remove Troops With Skin Condition Affecting Mostly Black Men
March 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
The genetic skin condition, called pseudofolliculitis barbae, causes pain and scarring from shaving. Military.com reports that a new policy may mean that servicemembers who don’t respond to treatment and must stay on a shaving waiver may be let go “due to incompatibility with service.” Also: immigration; halting Agent Orange cleanup; removing mRNA vaccine references from grant applications; and more.
FDA Raids Maker of Poppers, A Party Drug HHS Chief Suggests Causes AIDS
March 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
It is unclear whether Robert F. Kennedy Jr. knew about the raid. Also, the FDA is documenting injuries caused by nitrous oxide sold commercially, as inhaling it can cause dangerously low blood pressure. Other news links probiotic use to fever reduction in kids, discusses drug pricing, and more.
Measles Outbreak Swells To Almost 260 As Afflicted Try Nonclinical Treatments
March 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
At least 34 people have been hospitalized in the outbreak that began in Texas. Health experts fear folks are following advice such as using cod liver oil and are not seeking medical help soon enough.
Texas GOP Legislators Come After Medication Abortion
March 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
A bill would target tech companies and nonprofits that assist people seeking care, The 19th reports. In other state news: the Florida Senate passes a bill to study autism; Missouri nursing home staff shortages are among the worst in the nation; and more.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
March 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s stories are on green beer, hologram doctors, spreading kindness, and more.
In Senate Hearing, Oz Steers Around Talk Of Medicaid Cuts
March 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
TV personality, heart surgeon, and CMS nominee Dr. Mehmet Oz touted three reforms to fix the U.S. health system: giving patients more information to navigate the system; using AI to ease paperwork burdens on doctors; and combating fraud, Politico reported. But he would not directly answer questions about the possibility of cuts to the Medicaid program.
First Edition: Monday, March 17, 2025
March 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Watch: The Dr. Oz Show Comes to Congress
By Julie Rovner Rachana Pradhan Stephanie Armour
Video by Hannah Norman
March 17, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The Senate Finance Committee questioned Mehmet Oz, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. KFF Health News reporters discussed the biggest takeaways from the hearing.
Without Federal Action, States Wrestle With Kratom Regulation
By Mara Silvers, Montana Free Press
March 17, 2025
KFF Health News Original
A bill proposed by kratom industry advocates is prompting consideration — and some concern — in the Montana Legislature.
Verificando cinco mitos sobre los latinos y Medicaid
By Paula Andalo Isabel Rubio, Factchequeado
March 17, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Los recortes de gastos, la inmigración y Medicaid están bien arriba en la lista de prioridades en la agenda de Washington. Este clima politico ofrece un terreno fértil para que la desinformación y los mitos se multipliquen en las redes sociales.
