Journalists Analyze Issues of the Day: RFK Jr., Bird Flu, L.A. Fires
KFF Health News journalists made the rounds on national and local media recently to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Daily Edition for Friday, January 31, 2025
Possible Weapon In War On Drugs Emerges: Researchers at the University of the Pacific in Stockton have discovered a new way to deliver naloxone, the chemical in Narcan that is used to combat overdoses. The molecule HD-5, in the form of an injection, can distribute naloxone for up to a week in the body, preventing fentanyl overdoses for longer and more often. Read more from CBS News. Scroll down to read about a new type of pain medication approved by the FDA.
Most Insurance Covers IUDs. Hers Cost More Than $14,000.
By Julie Appleby
The Affordable Care Act requires most insurance plans to cover preventive care, including many forms of contraception, without cost to patients — but not if they’re “grandfathered” plans, which predate the law.
Trump’s Order on Gender-Affirming Care Escalates Reversal of Trans Rights
By Julie Appleby
The Jan. 28 executive order directs federal regulators to cut insurance coverage for hormonal or surgical treatments that help in young people’s gender transitions and cut federal funding for medical professionals or institutions that provide such care. It will likely be challenged in court.
Orden de Trump sobre procedimientos de afirmación de género pone en peligro los derechos trans
By Julie Appleby
Aunque está dirigida principalmente a programas de salud del gobierno, la orden también podría tener implicaciones para el sector privado y es probable que enfrente litigios por parte de los estados o grupos de defensa.
KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': RFK Jr. in the Hot Seat
President Donald Trump’s choice to lead the vast Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., faced sharp questioning from senators this week, particularly over his history of vaccine denialism. Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s second week has been even more disruptive than its first, with an on-again, off-again funding freeze that left many around the country scrambling to understand what was going on. Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call and Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Nicholas Bagley, a University of Michigan law professor, who explains how the federal regulatory system is supposed to operate to make health policy.
Recapping the RFK Jr. Hearings: A Live Discussion With KFF Health News Journalists
KFF Health News reporters break down the biggest takeaways from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation hearings for secretary of Health and Human Services.
Daily Edition for Thursday, January 30, 2025
California’s Transgender Protections Tested: President Donald Trump’s order to end federal support for gender-affirming care for minors wouldn’t affect laws like California’s that allow care for transgender youths. But the order, if upheld by the courts, might cut off federal funding for medical care the state has approved. Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Trump Administration’s Halt of CDC’s Weekly Scientific Report Stalls Bird Flu Studies
By Amy Maxmen
An unprecedented freeze on the agency’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report sparks new concerns about political meddling in science.
Readers Offer Their Takes on the Opioid Crisis, Family Doctor Shortage, and Vaccine Policies
KFF Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.
