First Edition: Monday, Feb. 24, 2025
February 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Qué es el Proyecto 2025, una hoja de ruta para las medidas de salud de Trump
By Stephanie Armour
February 24, 2025
KFF Health News Original
La rápida adopción de muchos de los objetivos del Proyecto 2025 indica que los seguidores de Trump han planeado durante años acciones sobre el sistema nacional de salud.
Montana’s Medicaid Expansion Conundrum
By Sue O'Connell
February 24, 2025
KFF Health News Original
State lawmakers appear ready to preserve the state’s Medicaid expansion program without knowing what federal changes might be in store.
Trump Froze Out Project 2025 in His Campaign. Now Its Blueprint Is His Health Care Playbook.
By Stephanie Armour
February 24, 2025
KFF Health News Original
During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump distanced himself from the conservative governing plan after Democratic attacks. But now it’s increasingly viewed as a blueprint for his administration’s plans for federal health programs.
Watch: What Is Medicaid, Again?
By Sam Whitehead Hannah Norman
February 24, 2025
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News correspondent Sam Whitehead discusses Medicaid’s history and role in the U.S. health system.
Journalists Discuss Health Care for Incarcerated Children and the Possibility of a Bird Flu Pandemic
February 22, 2025
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News journalists made the rounds on national and local media recently to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Can Medicaid’s Popularity Shield It From the Budget Ax?
By Renuka Rayasam
February 21, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Republicans in Congress have suggested big cuts to Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program for people with low incomes or disabilities. The complex, multifaceted program touches millions of Americans and has become deeply woven into state budgets and the U.S. health care system.
Texas Measles Outbreak Nears 100 Cases, Raising Concerns About Undetected Spread
By Amy Maxmen
February 21, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Health officials expect a measles outbreak in West Texas to exceed 100 cases because of low vaccination rates and undetected infections. Vaccine misinformation and new laws may make such situations more common and harder to contain.
Missouri Judge Sets 2026 Trial Date To Permanently Remove Abortion Ban
February 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
In other state news, Florida Democrats have filed legislation to reverse the six-week abortion ban; the Colorado House passes a bill to protect patients from forced institutionalization; New York Gov. Kathy Hochul seeks changes to the state’s mental health laws; and more.
Paxlovid Is Less Effective In Older Vaccinated Covid Patients, Study Shows
February 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Covid hospitalizations were not significantly reduced when adults used the antiviral pill, researchers find. Also, a nationwide study suggests estrogen may play a role in long covid, putting women at a higher risk. Also in the news: bird flu, measles, flu, and cholera.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
February 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on viruses, vaccine skepticism, USAID, the history of language, and more.
Trump Halts Vaccine Advisory Panel Meetings, Quashes 2 Other Committees
February 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
The directive comes just as the CDC panel was set to gather next week to weigh guidance on flu and other vaccines. Committees addressing long covid and health equity were scrapped altogether. Meanwhile, a federal judge today will hear arguments regarding NIH research cuts.
On Medicaid, Some In GOP Must Pick: Against Trump Or Against Constituency
February 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
A handful of Republicans represent areas where large parts of the population receive SNAP or Medicaid, NBC News reported. A Trump-endorsed budget plan going through the House right now could result in steep cuts to both programs.
Drug Overdose Death Rate Drops For First Time In Years
February 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Some experts point to the broader availability of naloxone and fentanyl test strips. Even so, Alaska, Oregon, and Washington saw an increase in overdose deaths in 2023. More news is on gene therapy breakthroughs; the link between narcissism and loneliness; and more.
Luigi Mangione Set For First Court Date In UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Slaying Case
February 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Baltimore Sun reports on the unusual defense strategy being mounted by his lawyers. Other industry news includes: a health insurance fraud case; the effect of high specialist fees on health care systems; the toll global warming takes on hospitals; and more.
Morning Briefing for Friday, February 21, 2025
February 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Have you experienced Rx sticker shock? The podcast “An Arm and a Leg ” is collecting stories from listeners about what they’ve done to get the prescription drugs they need when facing sticker shock. If you’re interested in contributing, you can learn more and submit your stories here .
First Edition: Friday, Feb. 21, 2025
February 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
GOP Takes Aim at Medicaid, Putting Enrollees and Providers at Risk
By Phil Galewitz
February 21, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Congressional Republicans are pushing plans that could make deep cuts to Medicaid to finance President Donald Trump’s tax cuts and other priorities. At stake is coverage for millions of low-income Americans, as well as a huge revenue source for hospitals — and every state.
