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Latest Morning Briefing Stories

Trump Policies at Odds With ‘Make America Healthy Again’ Push

KFF Health News Original

On the surface, President Donald Trump embraced the MAHA movement with a pledge to end the nation’s high rates of chronic disease. But the broader Trump agenda may prove to be the biggest barrier this effort confronts.

As Republicans Eye Sweeping Medicaid Cuts, Missouri Offers a Preview

KFF Health News Original

Congressional Republicans are looking to cut at least $880 billion from a pool of federal funding that includes Medicaid — and the program is likely to take a major hit. A previous budget crunch in Missouri offers a window into how cuts ripple through people’s lives.

Government Watchdog Expects Medicaid Work Requirement Analysis by Fall

KFF Health News Original

This fall, the U.S. Government Accountability Office expects to release a report on how much it costs to run Georgia Pathways to Coverage — the country’s only active Medicaid work requirement program — as other states and Congress consider similar programs.

Covered California Pushes for Better Health Care as Federal Spending Cuts Loom

KFF Health News Original

Monica Soni, Covered California’s chief medical officer, oversees an effort to hold health plans financially accountable for the quality of care they provide, including childhood vaccination rates, which have fallen in California and nationwide. She worries federal spending cuts could soon bring turbulence to the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace.

Preparan análisis sobre el requisito de trabajo para Medicaid

KFF Health News Original

La idea de un mandato nacional que requiera que los beneficiarios de Medicaid trabajen, estudien o realicen otras actividades que cumplan los requisitos para mantener la cobertura está ganando terreno.

Federal Cuts Gut Food Banks as They Face Record Demand

KFF Health News Original

Food banks nationwide are being pinched by record demand, high food prices, and hundreds of millions of dollars in federal budget cuts. As the economy plods onto shaky ground, food bank leaders hope Congress patches the holes by passing a new farm bill.

The Patient Expected a Free Checkup. The Bill Was $1,430.

KFF Health News Original

Carmen Aiken of Chicago thought their medical appointment would be covered because the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to pay for a long list of preventive services. But after the appointment, Aiken received a bill for more than $1,400.

Trump Administration Retreats From 100% Withholding on Social Security Clawbacks

KFF Health News Original

The Social Security Administration will now withhold 50% of many recipients’ monthly benefits to claw back alleged overpayments — down from the 100% it announced in March, but way up from the 10% cap imposed under former President Joe Biden.

Moms in Crisis, Jobs Lost: The Human Cost of Trump’s Addiction Funding Cuts

KFF Health News Original

In many cases, the money flowed to addiction recovery programs that help rebuild lives by driving people to medical appointments and court hearings, crafting résumés and training them for new jobs, finding them housing, and helping them build social connections unrelated to drugs.

Medi-Cal Under Threat: Who’s Covered and What Could Be Cut?

KFF Health News Original

Federal law requires states to offer health insurance to many people with low incomes or disabilities. But some states, including California, are far more generous than what’s required. Budget pressures may force lawmakers to cut benefits that have led to a historic low in the uninsured rate.

The Ranks of Obamacare ‘Fixers’ Axed in Trump’s Reduction of Health Agency Workforce

KFF Health News Original

These fixers, officially known as caseworkers, unraveled complex and arcane health insurance rules to solve people’s coverage issues. They worked in a little-known federal department with which most consumers never interact — until they need help.