Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: GLP-1s May Help Fight Addiction To Smoking, Alcohol, Opioids
Meanwhile, Eli Lilly has launched an Employer Contract, its direct-to-employer platform for GLP-1s. Plus, researchers find that most patients can keep the weight off with less frequent GLP-1 shots.
A Month After Launch, TrumpRx Faces Lack Of Metrics, Drug Availability
STAT reports that administration officials have declined to offer details on the number of new drugs expected to be added, when that might happen, or how many people have used the site.
First Edition: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Jury Finds Father Of Georgia School Shooting Suspect Guilty Of Murder
Colin Gray, who gave his teenage son a gun for Christmas, was found guilty Tuesday of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. His sentencing will take place at a later date. Other news from around the nation is on drug affordability in Virginia; mental health courts in California; and more.
2 Patient-Assistance Charity Groups Merge To Form $800M Foundation
The merger of the Patient Advocate Foundation and the Patient Access Network Foundation will allow them to better serve low- and middle-income patients facing rising health care costs, leaders say. Also: Insurers react to CMS’ proposed 2027 Medicare Advantage rates.
CVS Warns Tenn. Bill Would ‘Devastate’ Access, Force 134 Pharmacies To Close
Legislation in the state Senate would ban pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) — such as CVS Caremark — from owning or controlling pharmacies in Tennessee.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
HHS Postpones Third Straight Meeting Of US Preventive Services Task Force
The group that makes recommendations on preventive health care services has not met in a year, and this latest meeting has not been rescheduled. Meanwhile, the Camp East Montana immigration facility in Texas is off-limits to outsiders amid a measles outbreak.
Scientists Forge Autism Advisory Panel To Advance Research, Understanding
The group, established as a check on perceived politicization of its federal counterpart by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., includes scientists who previously served on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. Both panels are set to meet March 19.
US Maternal Mortality Rate Dipped Again In 2024, CDC Data Indicate
Black women — with 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births — and those aged 40 and older — with 62.3 deaths per 100,000 live births — had the highest mortality rates, according to CDC data. The 2024 U.S. maternal mortality rate is the lowest it has been since 2018.
First Edition: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: CDC Chaos Strains Local Public Health Departments; It’s Unaffordable To Be Uninsured
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
Nanoparticle mRNA Therapy Could Prevent Type 1 Diabetes
The “nanoparticle” system sends genetic instructions via mRNA directly to the cells that produce insulin, blocking the body’s immune system attack on insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. However, the study was conducted in laboratory and animal models and not in humans, Fox News reported. Plus: The GLP-1 link to osteoporosis and gout; the use of ivermectin to treat cancer; and more.
Supreme Court Gives California Schools Go-Ahead To Out Trans Kids — For Now
A state law and school policies aimed at protecting students’ gender expression have been put on hold while a lawsuit filed by parents proceeds in the lower courts. Meanwhile in New York, NYU Langone Health has been ordered to resume the care it had previously offered to transgender youth.
Noting Measles Prevention Is Critical, Bhattacharya Promotes Vaccine Uptake
The acting CDC director said the agency is taking steps — “surging” resources and fostering outreach — to stem the spread of measles cases in the U.S. Jay Bhattacharya’s support for the vaccine comes as cases are confirmed in Colorado, South Carolina, and California.
High Court Signals That It May Support Gun Rights For Marijuana Users
The argument centers on a federal law that bars people who consume illegal drugs from having firearms. Also in the news: rectal cancer rates, balance in aging, and more.
CMS Suspends Elevance From Medicare Advantage Plans, Cites Noncompliance
Starting March 31, Elevance Health no longer may enroll people in its Medicare Advantage plans after it failed to submit required data about members’ health conditions over a seven-year period. The suspension will not affect the 1.9 million people already enrolled.
Minnesota Sues HHS, CMS In Fight Over $243M In Medicaid Funds
The Trump administration wants to temporarily withhold some Medicaid funding from Minnesota, citing fraud concerns. State officials warn the move could force cuts to health care for low-income families.
First Edition: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.