Latest KFF Health News Stories
Hospice, Rehab, Psychiatry Set For Modest 2026 Medicare Rate Increase
The pay increases, which range from 2.5% to 2.6%, go into effect Oct. 1. Today’s health industry news also covers an efficiency effort among hospitals, agentic AI technology, and more.
Trump Intimidated Hospitals To End Trans Youth Care, States’ Suit Alleges
The lawsuit was filed Friday by attorneys general from 15 states and the District of Columbia, plus the governor of Pennsylvania. It comes on the heels of at least eight major hospitals announcing restrictions on gender-affirming care for people under 19. Meanwhile, UI Health in Chicago suspended gender-affirming surgeries for youths.
A Dose Of Good News: FDA Approves Implant For Rheumatoid Arthritis
More inspiring news is on low-dose radiation therapy, diabetes, wearables, dementia, and more.
First Edition: Monday, Aug. 4, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: FDA’s Approach On Fluoride Supplements Is Unwise; GLP-1s Are Too Hard For Many To Access
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Pharma Companies Have 60 Days To Lower Drug Prices In US, Trump Says
In line with President Donald Trump’s “most favored nation” model, letters were sent Thursday to 17 of the world’s biggest drug companies demanding price cuts for Americans and direct-to-consumer sales options. Meanwhile, the administration is testing the efficacy of a rebate system for safety-net providers that participate in 340B rather than discounting prices upfront.
Trump Withholds Millions In Medical Research Funding From UCLA
The administration has accused the University of California, Los Angeles of continuing to engage in race discrimination. Separately, a Senate Appropriations Committee voted in favor of increasing the NIH budget by $400 million.
CDC Tells Outside Experts Their Input On Vaccine Policy Is No Longer Needed
Subcommittee members who offer policy recommendations have been excluded from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ working groups. Other news is about HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s focus on preventive care and vaccine harm, lower kindergarten vaccine rates, and more.
CMS Reportedly Will Allow Voluntary Coverage Of Weight Loss Drugs
The Washington Post says it has obtained documents that detail the five-year experiment involving state Medicaid programs and Medicare Part D plans. Plus: CMS has bumped up Medicare payments for inpatient services and long-term care.
California To Drop Health Insurance Of DACA Recipients Due To Policy Changes
Covered California said it will end coverage of more than 2,300 DACA enrollees by Aug. 31. In other state news: Wildfire smoke wreaks havoc on the Midwest; measles cases grow; and more.
Another Bonus Of Weight Loss Drugs: They May Prevent Erectile Dysfunction
Researchers saw significant increases in testosterone levels for men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes while taking GLP-1 medications, The Hill wrote. Also in the news: vaping, PFAS, junk food, and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on parenting, mental health, nutrition and fitness, the screwworm, and more.
First Edition: Friday, Aug. 1, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Is Essential; Why Autism Diagnoses Have Risen
Editorial writers discuss the following public health topics.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news
Health Officials Warn Of Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak In NYC
The city’s health department is investigating a cluster of cases that has killed one person and sickened more than 20 others. Separately, researchers have noted a surge in pediatric cases of influenza-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy.
California Governor Signs Executive Order To Boost Men’s Mental Health
The order is aimed at improving the mental health struggles of men and boys ranging from loneliness to suicide rates. Other states making news: New Hampshire, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Illinois, North Carolina, West Virginia, and New York.
Type Of HPV On Skin Can Cause Skin Cancer In The Immunocompromised
While HPV can help UV-damaged DNA build up in cells and turn cancerous, the study found that the virus itself could cause cancerous lesions to form. More studies in the news focus on how extreme heat makes us sicker, how SNAP participation is linked to slower cognitive decline, and more.
White House Teams Up With Big Tech On A Consumer Health Records System
Experts raised questions over privacy and security related to a consumer health tracking system following President Donald Trump’s Wednesday announcement. Other administration news is on the FDA, CDC, and more.
Estimated Average Cost Of Health Care For Retirees Sees 4% Rise, Fidelity says
The average cost now sits at $172,500, according to research by Fidelity Investments. The research also shows that a quarter of Gen Xers have not factored in health care costs to their retirement plans. Also in the news: Democrats attempt to repeal health cuts; pharmaceutical costs are expected to rise; and more.