America’s First Human Bird Flu Death Logged In Louisiana
January 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
The patient, who had underlying medical conditions, was exposed to the virus through a backyard flock and wild birds. As Iowa records its first H5N1 case in a domestic flock this year, officials warn to be wary of signs of possible infection in birds.
Medical Debt Now Banned From Credit Reports, But New Rule Faces Hurdles
January 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has estimated that this could boost the credit scores of people with medical debt by an average of 20 points, potentially improving their access to housing and lowering the threat of homelessness. Still, the rule may face a court challenge or could be struck down by incoming President Donald Trump.
FDA Sets New — And Unenforceable — Lead Level Guidance For Baby Food
January 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
Critics, however, say the move is too little, too late. Other FDA and pharma news is on AI-enabled medical devices, smaller PBMs, and more.
Key GOP Senator, Who’s Also A Doctor, Balks At RFK Jr.’s View Of Vaccines
January 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana is the incoming chairman of the Senate HELP committee. Cassidy was one of just seven Republicans who voted to convict Donald Trump in his impeachment trial in 2021. He is scheduled to meet with HHS nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week.
First Edition: Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025
January 7, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Biden Administration Bars Medical Debt From Credit Scores
By Noam N. Levey
January 7, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The move, which comes less than two weeks before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office, represents a challenge to the new administration.
Health Care Is Newsom’s Biggest Unfinished Project. Trump Complicates That Task.
By Angela Hart Christine Mai-Duc
January 7, 2025
KFF Health News Original
As Gov. Gavin Newsom enters the second half of his final term, health care stands out as his most ambitious but glaringly incomplete initiative for California residents. The issue will likely shape his national profile for better or worse. And now, Donald Trump brings a new wrinkle.
An Arm and a Leg: A Listener Fighting the Good Fight
By Dan Weissmann
January 7, 2025
Podcast
A medical resident who listens to “An Arm and a Leg” is pushing for change with the American Medical Association and at the hospital where he works.
La salud, un proyecto inconcluso del gobernador de California
By Angela Hart Christine Mai-Duc
January 7, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Algunas de las iniciativas emblemáticas de Newsom en materia de salud, que podrían definir su perfil en el escenario nacional, están en peligro con el regreso de Donald Trump a la Casa Blanca.
California Governor Issues Executive Order To Limit Ultra-Processed Foods
January 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
In other news, California homelessness increased by 3% in one year; Minnesota now requires insurance companies to cover wigs for cancer patients; and more.
Former Virginia NICU Nurse Charged With Abusing Babies In Her Care
January 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, a Florida ob-gyn is reprimanded for abortion care; some insurers are denying coverage of prosthetic limbs as not necessary; AI in health care; and more.
Storm Quiets DC, But Vote Certification Will Go On; J6 Victims Feel ‘Betrayed’
January 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
Vice President Kamala Harris will preside over today’s election certification process, which was changed in 2022 to prevent attempts to overturn the results. Even so, those who were severely injured during the attack on the Capitol four years ago say they feel forgotten.
Trump’s FDA Transition Team Staffs Up As Commissioner Pick Awaits Approval
January 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, newly installed Senate Majority Leader John Thune signals the president-elect’s Cabinet nominees might not cruise to confirmation when hearings begin. Also, U.S. ethics director David Huitema has begun the standard practice of looking into conflicts of interest for incoming officials.
Trump Might Consider ‘Most Favored Nation’ Status To Lower Drug Prices
January 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
Forbes explains how the strategy would work. Meanwhile, Aetna has accused several drugmakers of conspiring to overcharge the company, consumers, and the federal government for generic drugs.
Biden Signs Into Law A Social Security Payment Boost For Public Employees
January 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
The AP reports the law affects nearly 3 million people, including those receiving pensions after time spent as teachers, firefighters, and police officers. Also in the news: the “crisis” of potential Medicaid cuts, alcohol labels, digital mental health, and more.
EPA Report: Formaldehyde Presents Unreasonable Human Health Risk
January 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
Yet ProPublica reports that the EPA “downplayed the threat the chemical poses to people living near industrial plants.” Separately, the post-holiday sick season is in full swing, as CDC data show that 40 states are reporting high or very high levels of illness. Also: early physical therapy for concussions; hydration; and more.
Morning Briefing for Monday, January 6, 2025
January 6, 2025
Morning Briefing
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