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.
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.
