Nearly 300 Gun Seekers Blocked Since Michigan Passed Red Flag Law
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
It has been one year since Michigan’s law took effect. It is aimed at preventing mass shootings and domestic violence, among other incidents. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Alabama has backed a ban on devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns. Other news includes: prison health care, mobile pharmacies, and more.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Vaccine Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Confirmed As Next HHS Secretary
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Senate voted 52-48 along party lines Thursday to appoint him to lead the Health and Human Services Department. Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the only Republican to vote no. Kennedy, 71, will oversee billions of dollars in health care spending and will have free rein to implement his Make America Healthy Again program.
No. 2 NIH Official Suddenly Resigns As Institutes Face Staff, Funding Cuts
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak did not state why he is abruptly leaving his post. Additional administration news is about the deferred-resignation program, the firing of civil servants, planned protests, an alternate CDC site, and more.
Louisiana Seeks Extradition Of NY Doc Accused Of Shipping Abortion Pills
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill noted that even though New York won’t turn over Dr. Margaret Carpenter to her state, other states to which the doctor travels could comply with the extradition order. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has revised its reproductive health care travel policy.
Flu Season Still To Peak; Experts Say Expect More Illnesses, Deaths To Come
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
California hospitals are struggling to keep up with the influx of flu cases. Meanwhile, it is unclear whether the United States will take part in an international flu vaccine meeting later this month. Other outbreak news is on measles, mpox, and Oropouche virus.
Health Insurance Customers Who Appeal Their Claims Often Win
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Wall Street Journal reports that of the 850 million claims denied annually, less than 1% are appealed. Of that 1%, nearly three-quarters of appeals are approved. Also in the news: Washington Hospital workers avoid a strike; Walgreens explores its options for its health care clinic; and more.
San Francisco Declares Fentanyl State Of Emergency, Plans Crisis Center
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
Mayor Daniel Lurie said the “stabilization center” will open in the Tenderloin neighborhood in April and will offer 24/7 assistance for those with urgent mental health and substance use needs. Other news is on Canada’s newly appointed fentanyl czar and an industrial chemical showing up in the illicit fentanyl supply.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, February 13, 2025
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
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 .
Medicaid And SNAP Might Suffer Deep Budget Cuts If GOP Plan Proceeds
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
The House Republicans’ plan announced Wednesday outlined $4.5 trillion in cuts over 10 years. It doesn’t specify which programs would be cut, Huffpost reported, but analysts suggested it was clear the cuts would come from social programs that help lower-income populations.
First Edition: Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Montana Looks To Regulate Prior Authorization as Patients, Providers Decry Obstacles to Care
By Mike Dennison
February 13, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Patients and providers say health insurers’ preapproval requirements lead to delays and denials of needed medical treatments. Insurers argue that prior authorization keeps costs down.
Republican States Claim Zero Abortions. A Red-State Doctor Calls That ‘Ludicrous.’
By Sarah Varney
Illustration by Oona Zenda
February 13, 2025
KFF Health News Original
In several red states, officials say few or no abortions happened in 2023, raising alarm among researchers about the politicization of vital statistics.
Top California Democrats Clash Over How To Rein In Drug Industry Middlemen
By Christine Mai-Duc
February 13, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Frustrated by spiraling drug costs, California lawmakers want to increase oversight of pharmaceutical industry intermediaries known as pharmacy benefit managers. It’s unclear whether they can persuade Gov. Gavin Newsom to get on board.
Humana Plans Considerable Changes To Medicare Advantage
February 12, 2025
Morning Briefing
According to Modern Healthcare, Humana has a five-step plan to improve its profit margins, including boosting its star ratings, stabilizing membership, and investing in primary care.
Kansas Governor Protects Trans Care For Minors; Georgia Eyes Trans Adults
February 12, 2025
Morning Briefing
It’s the third time in a row that Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has vetoed a bill to ban gender-affirming care for youths. Plus: New England’s second-largest city has passed a resolution to declare itself a sanctuary for transgender people.
South Carolina Supreme Court Set To Review Abortion Ban
February 12, 2025
Morning Briefing
The current ban is around 6 weeks, but some argue the wording of the ban includes alternative definitions of cardiac activity. These definitions would push the ban to 9-10 weeks, AP reported. California and Georgia are also in the news.
Physicians’ Efforts Pay Off As Judge Orders Health Websites Restored
February 12, 2025
Morning Briefing
The CDC, FDA, and HHS have until Tuesday to put back information about HIV, contraception, and other topics that affect “everyday Americans, and most acutely, underprivileged Americans, seeking healthcare,” U.S. District Judge John Bates ruled. A separate federal judge expanded an order blocking the Trump administration from cutting medical research funds.
