Morning Briefing for Thursday, January 29, 2026
January 29, 2026
Morning Briefing
We want to see your clever, heartfelt, or hilarious tributes to the policies that shape health care. Submit your poem — whether conventional, free-form, or haiku — by noon ET on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The winning poem will receive a custom comic illustration in the Morning Briefing on Feb. 13. Click here for the rules and to enter!
First Edition: Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026
January 29, 2026
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Medicare Advantage Insurers Face New Curbs on Overcharges in Trump Plan That Reins in Payments
By Fred Schulte
January 29, 2026
KFF Health News Original
Proposed Trump administration changes to federal Medicare Advantage payments would stop health insurers from mining patient data for extra medical diagnoses that generate more bills to taxpayers even without treatment.
This Teen Never Got His Day in Vaccine Court. His Former Lawyer Now Advises RFK on Its Overhaul.
By Maia Rosenfeld
January 29, 2026
KFF Health News Original
The federal government’s Vaccine Injury Compensation Program was supposed to help patients with their medical bills while protecting vaccine supply. But allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are routinely transferring cases from that program to launch lawsuits against drugmakers.
Viewpoints: What Happens When Helping People Puts Doctors And Nurses In Harm’s Way?
January 28, 2026
Morning Briefing
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Storm Death Toll Tops 50; Hundreds Of Thousands Shiver In Powerless Homes
January 28, 2026
Morning Briefing
More record lows are forecast this week as the frigid misery continues across many states. More news is on the immigration crisis in Minneapolis; health-based standards for smoke contamination in California; lingering mental health concerns from the Challenger disaster; and more.
South Carolina Measles Outbreak Hits 789, Largest Outbreak In US In Decades
January 28, 2026
Morning Briefing
The majority of cases are centered in Spartanburg County, and 89 new cases have been confirmed since Friday. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has lost its WHO status of being measles-free. Other news covers flu and covid.
New Format For DSM-5 Psychiatric Manual Planned In Major Overhaul
January 28, 2026
Morning Briefing
The American Psychiatric Association has announced that the next revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders will be “a living document” online. The DSM-5 is used by psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, researchers, and insurance companies.
Trump Admin Wants Mifepristone Case Delayed While It Weighs Future Access
January 28, 2026
Morning Briefing
In its lawsuit against the federal government, Louisiana is requesting restrictions that would wipe out access to the abortion pill across much of the country. The FDA is currently reviewing the safety of the drug and whether to roll back access via telemedicine prescription and mail delivery.
Asian Airports Intensify Health Checks After Nipah Virus Outbreak In India
January 28, 2026
Morning Briefing
Indian authorities say the outbreak of the virus, which can spread via human-to-human contact and for which there is no vaccine, has been contained, AP reports. Other global health news is on social media bans, baby formula contamination, and more.
Cancer, Diabetes Drugs — And Botox — On List For Medicare Price Negotiations
January 28, 2026
Morning Briefing
CMS has identified 15 prescription drugs to target for lower prices in 2028: Anoro Ellipta, Biktarvy, Botox, Cimzia, Cosentyx, Entyvio, Erleada, Kisqali, Lenvima, Orencia, Rexulti, Trulicity, Verzenio, Xeljanz, and Xolair. Plus, the fallout from a largely flat Medicare Advantage reimbursement increase.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, January 28, 2026
January 28, 2026
Morning Briefing
We want to see your clever, heartfelt, or hilarious tributes to the policies that shape health care. Submit your poem — whether conventional, free-form, or haiku — by noon ET on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The winning poem will receive a custom comic illustration in the Morning Briefing on Feb. 13. Click here for the rules and to enter!
First Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026
January 28, 2026
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
When Suicidal Calls Come In, Who Answers? Georgia Crisis Line Response Rates Reveal Gaps
By Andy Miller Rebecca Grapevine, Healthbeat
January 28, 2026
KFF Health News Original
In Georgia, a high number of callers to the 988 crisis line hang up or disconnect before reaching a counselor. Many other calls are transferred out of state.
CMS Proposes 0.1% Average Pay Raise For 2027 Medicare Advantage Plans
January 27, 2026
Morning Briefing
The increase is far below the 4%-6% bumps the industry expected, Stat reports, and comes alongside proposed restrictions on insurers’ coding practices. Other industry news is on a Kaiser Permanente strike in California and Hawaii, health system investments in pulsed field ablation, and more.
NYC Rushes To Shelter Unhoused From Extreme Cold As Death Toll Rises
January 27, 2026
Morning Briefing
Eight people were found dead outside or later died at a hospital, New York City officials said. It wasn’t confirmed if they were homeless. USA Today reported that at least 34 people have died across the U.S. as frigid temperatures are settling in. Plus: News from Colorado, Maryland, Florida, and California.
Feds End Pursuit Of Patient Records Identifying Transgender Minors In LA
January 27, 2026
Morning Briefing
The Justice Department has put on hold until 2029 its request for “documents sufficient to identify each patient (by name, date of birth, social security number, address, and parent/guardian information) who was prescribed puberty blockers or hormone therapy.”
Roche’s Entry Into Weight Loss Game Could Be A Difference-Maker
January 27, 2026
Morning Briefing
In a study, Roche’s experimental shot delivered weight loss that appeared to be better than Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and on par with Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, an analyst said. The results show the shot has the potential to be the best in its class, an official at Roche said.
