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.
Report: Nearly $500 Million In Food Could Go To Waste After USAID Pause
February 12, 2025
Morning Briefing
Monday’s report from USAID’s inspector general says the food remains “at ports, in transit, and in warehouses at risk of spoilage, unanticipated storage needs, and diversion.” The Trump administration fired the inspector general Tuesday. Also: a Republican effort to try to save USAID, what a U.S. exit from the World Health Organization would mean for smallpox defenses, and more.
Medicaid Is Safe, Johnson Assures, As House Whittles Budget Bill
February 12, 2025
Morning Briefing
As Republicans look to shave $2 trillion from a reconciliation bill, the House speaker noted savings are possible “if you eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse.” Other news from Capitol Hill is about telehealth rules, PBM restrictions, and more.
Flu Deaths Might Have Exceeded Covid Deaths Nationwide For First Time
February 12, 2025
Morning Briefing
Preliminary CDC data show that during a week in January, flu-related deaths topped covid deaths by 0.2 percentage points, and data suggest that the difference between the two is growing. In other public health news: whooping cough, measles outbreak, canned tuna recall, and more.
Lung Fridge Innovation Triples Surgeons’ Transplant Window
February 12, 2025
Morning Briefing
Prior to the fridge, lungs would be kept on ice, which could damage them. The fridge allows for more flexibility in scheduling, which in turn can lead to fewer mistakes. Other promising news is on drug approvals for genetic disorders, weight loss surgery for liver disease, and more.
First Edition: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025
February 12, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
An Arm and a Leg: How Do You Deal With Wild Drug Prices?
By Dan Weissmann
February 12, 2025
Podcast
“An Arm and a Leg” is collecting stories for a new series about how Americans get the medicine they need when faced with sticker shock.
Doctor Wanted: Small Town Offers Big Perks To Attract a Physician
By Daniel Chang
February 12, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The town of Havana, Florida, is seeking a family doctor to practice in the rural community. Incentives include rent-free office space with medical equipment owned by the town. With a physician shortage hitting small communities hard, town leaders put want ads in newspapers and on social media.
Se busca médico: estrategias de un pueblito de Florida para atraer a un doctor generalista
By Daniel Chang
February 12, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Se espera que la escasez de médicos en Florida aumente en la próxima década, y un estudio prevé una necesidad de 18.000 médicos en todo el estado.
Un año después del tiroteo en el desfile del Super Bowl, los sobrevivientes suman confusión al trauma
By Bram Sable-Smith Peggy Lowe, KCUR
February 11, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Un año después del tiroteo del 14 de febrero que mató a una persona e hirió al menos a 24, los sobrevivientes y sus familias todavía tratan de rehacer sus vidas.
Colorado Bill Defines Which Mental Health Care Is Medically Necessary
February 11, 2025
Morning Briefing
The bill would make it harder for insurance companies to deny coverage and require them to provide the criteria used to deny coverage based on medical necessity. Other news includes: suicide trends in the military; using Ozempic to curb addiction; and more.
Trump Administration Again Ordered To Unfreeze Federal Grants
February 11, 2025
Morning Briefing
A federal judge initially ruled Jan. 29 that the administration could not “pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate” money that Congress had allocated to the states to pay for Medicaid, low-income housing subsidies, and other essential services. Monday’s ruling orders the administration to comply. Separately, another federal judge has temporarily blocked attempts to limit research funding.
Hegseth Halts Gender-Affirming Care For Trans Service Members
February 11, 2025
Morning Briefing
ABC News also reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed a pause on all new military promotions for those “with a history of gender dysphoria.” News outlets also cover thoughts from the highest-ranking trans elected official in the country, the effects of President Donald Trump’s executive orders on trans identity, and more.
Mass General Brigham Laying Off Hundreds Of Employees
February 11, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Boston Globe reports that the layoff is the largest in the organization’s history and comes amid financial shortfalls and operational challenges. Also in industry and pharma news: the nurse strike in Oregon, Kaiser Permanente’s earnings boost, AI-prescribed drugs, and more.
Nevada Adult Infected With New Bird Flu Strain; Human Risk Still Low
February 11, 2025
Morning Briefing
The D1.1 version of the virus had sickened a Canadian teenager and led to the death of a Louisiana man, The Washington Post reports. In other news, North Carolina lawmakers tackle preauthorization delays; Florida has the lowest passing rate of students taking the nurse licensing exam; and more.
Bill Would Block Abortion In Montana, Despite Results Of November Election
February 11, 2025
Morning Briefing
Voters approved a state constitutional right to abortion, but the new “personhood” bill would confer rights to an embryo at conception, ruling out the use of in vitro fertilization or other methods without risking criminal penalties. Other news: a lawsuit to protect abortion patients’ information; abortion videos in health class; and more.
First Edition: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025
February 11, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: We’d like to speak with personnel from the Department of Health and Human Services or its component agencies about what’s happening within the federal health bureaucracy. Please share your story at https://kffhealthnews.org/hhs-tips/ , or contact reporter Arthur Allen directly by email or Signal at ArthurA@kff.org or 202-365-6116.
