Morning Briefing: Today's News Summaries Tuesday, Dec 9 2025 ++++++ +

Morning Briefing: Today's News Summaries Tuesday, Dec 9 2025 ACA Sign-Ups Outpacing Last Year's Numbers, Despite Subsidy Uncertainty https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/aca-sign-ups-outpacing-last-years-numbers-despite-subsidy-uncertainty/ As of Friday, nearly 5.8 million Americans had selected a plan, up almost 400,000 enrollments from the same time in 2024. The window to shop for Affordable Care Act plans closes Dec. 15 for people who want coverage starting Jan. 1. Plus, the latest on those expiring tax credits. Hepatitis B Vaccine Rollback Not Based On Data, ACIP Panel Member Claims https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/hepatitis-b-vaccine-rollback-not-based-on-data-acip-panel-member-claims/ “I repeatedly asked for it, and no data of harm was presented," said Joseph Hibbeln, a member of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Meanwhile, a study shows that more parents are refusing vitamin K shots for their newborn babies, equating them to vaccines. FDA Has Delayed Abortion Pill Safety Study Until After Midterms: Report https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/fda-has-delayed-abortion-pill-safety-study-until-after-midterms-report/ A Health and Human Services Department spokesperson said, "FDA’s comprehensive scientific reviews take the time necessary to get the science right.” Also: States are more divided over abortion than ever; IVF expansion is stripped from Congress' annual defense policy bill; and more. HUD Withdraws Homelessness Funding Policy Change To Make Revisions https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/hud-withdraws-homelessness-funding-policy-change-to-make-revisions/ The government's move to temporarily rescind its new policy just ahead of a court hearing drew rebuke from U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy. That policy would have significantly cut the funds available for permanent housing for people who are homeless. Judge Declares Mistrial In Florida Hospitals' Opioid Case https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/judge-declares-mistrial-in-florida-hospitals-opioid-case/ The 16 Florida hospitals had accused Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens of driving up opioid sales. Jurors deliberated for 14 days but could not reach a unanimous verdict. Also: West Virginia sues United Healthcare over the opioid crisis. Has Your Snail Mail Gotten Slower? It Might Be Affecting Your Rx Deliveries https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/has-your-snail-mail-gotten-slower-it-might-be-affecting-your-rx-deliveries/ People who live in rural areas are particularly at risk as the U.S. Postal Service continues to consolidate its mail processing system. But the USPS has denied that its new system will cause delivery delays, Axios reported. Viewpoints: US, Europe Vaccine Schedule Comparison Is A Facade; Why A Health Care Plan Isn't Happening https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-us-europe-vaccine-schedule-comparison-is-a-facade-why-a-health-care-plan-isnt-happening/