Surgeon general pick Casey Means stood by her past claims that birth control has "horrifying health risks" and softened her tone during a confirmation hearing Wednesday.
Medicare Advantage enrollment is declining in seven states this year, an analysis of federal data shows.
Why it matters: The private Medicare program that covers more than half of seniors still is growing nationally, but at a slower rate than in the recent past as rising medical costs and federal policy changes spur a market realignment.
The Trump administration is halting $259 million in Medicaid funding to Minnesota until the state takes steps to root out fraud in the program, Vice President JD Vance and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Mehmet Oz announced Wednesday.
Why it matters: CMS served notice that it plans similar freezes to other states' funding as part of the administration's crackdown on fraud.
Surgeon general nominee Casey Means said during a confirmation hearing Wednesday that she believes vaccines save lives but did not unequivocally urge people to get vaccinated.
Why it matters: The nutrition influencer and ally of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.would have a key role in vaccine messaging as the nation's top doctor and at times tried to avoid being pinned down by senators over how she would handle that responsibility.
Democrats are eyeing aggressive oversight of controversial Trump administration moves on vaccines, Medicaid cuts and drug pricing if they flip control of one or both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections.
Why it matters: If Democrats win the House, they would have much greater ability to investigate the Trump administration and its dealings with the health care industry, including through the use of subpoenas.
President Trump hailed the U.S. intelligence-assisted security operation in Mexico that killed the drug lord known as "El Mencho" during his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, saying: "We've ... taken down one of the most sinister cartel kingpins."
The big picture: Officials working to combat drug trafficking have had a successful week, with prosecutors in Florida announcing charges against a suspected leader of another terrorist-designated Mexican cartel.
President Trump used his State of the Union address to prod Congress to codify his "most favored nation" plan to bring U.S. drug prices in line with what other developed nations pay.
Why it matters: Trump made clear he is comfortable making health care a prominent feature of Republicans' midterm election plans, despite misgivings among some in his party and the GOP's vulnerability on affordability.
