Latest KFF Health News Stories
Tanning Bed Use Causes Significant Skin Cell Damage, Study Finds
The Northwestern Medicine study showed that tanning bed use not only increases skin cancer risk but also damages skin cell DNA. The study was prompted by recurrent melanoma in a high number of women under 50. Also: cervical, ovarian, and breast cancer; mental health; and gun violence.
With Clock Ticking Down On ACA Subsidies, Congress Is Still Deadlocked
The House will take up health care measures this week, but none of them will offer a straight, multiyear extension on enhanced Obamacare tax credits. Plus, more about the politics of Obamacare subsidies and what that could mean for U.S. health care.
Provision To Withhold Funding For Planned Parenthood Upheld In Court
The provision of the tax law enacted in July requires the government to stop making Medicaid reimbursements to a subset of the nation’s largest abortion providers, which Planned Parenthood says singled them out, The New York Times reports. The lawsuit will now return to a lower court.
Illinois Enacts Medical Aid-In-Dying Law Despite Controversy, Protests
Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, said the legislation will help terminally ill patients “avoid unnecessary pain and suffering at the end of their lives.” More news comes out of California, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
Measles Detected In Connecticut; US On Cusp Of Losing Elimination Status
An unvaccinated child traveler starting showing symptoms of the virus soon after returning home from abroad. As South Carolina becomes the latest hot spot, disease experts criticize the Trump administration — specifically HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — for continued transmission.
GAO Report Indicates FDA Rarely Pulls Defective Medical Devices Off Market
The Government Accountability Office’s new report says the FDA’s understaffing means it has difficulty ensuring companies are taking critical steps to protect patients.
First Edition: Monday, Dec. 15, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Obamacare Dispute Exposes Political Dysfunction; CDC’s New Advisers Are Vaccine Skeptics
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Education Department Hands Out Mental Health Grants Worth $208M
This announcement comes after the Trump administration canceled more than 200 Biden-era mental health grants. The 65 new grant recipients are being encouraged to focus on “evidence-based student services,” with more than half of the grant money going to rural communities.
Report: Top Health Insurers Not So Transparent On Negotiated Prices
An analysis shows that UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Cigna only partially disclosed price data, despite federal rules requiring full disclosure. The worry is that this could harm the nation’s employers when it comes time to choose workplace coverage. Plus: CMS’ new Medicare payment model focuses on digital health, chronic conditions, and prior authorizations.
Oregon Breaks State Record Set In 1950 For Annual Cases Of Whooping Cough
“I worry people may not fully appreciate the risk pertussis poses,” said Dr. Howard Chiou, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division. Oregon has reported 1,475 cases so far in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 1,420.
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 antibiotics, medically assisted death, acromegaly, organ donation, and more.
Senate Blocks Rival Health Care Bills; ACA Premiums Expected To Soar
Neither the Democrats’ proposal — extending Obamacare subsidies for three years — nor the Republicans’ plan — boosting health savings accounts — garnered enough votes to take the pressure off Americans facing higher health care costs. Lawmakers still have until next week to find a fix.
Covid Vaccines Might Soon Come With Cautionary FDA ‘Black Box’ Label
Dr. Vinay Prasad, the FDA’s director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, is said to be making plans to unveil by the end of this year a plan to include the most serious warnings on the inoculations. Moderna and Pfizer have maintained that their shots are safe and effective.
Trump Weighs Reclassifying Pot; Study Cites Scant Benefit In Medical Use
Cannabis is currently a Schedule 1 substance, on par with heroin and LSD. Reclassifying it as a Schedule III drug would put it in the same category as mild prescription painkillers. The change would ease barriers to research, The Washington Post reports.
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
More States Ban SNAP For Junk Food As Trump Admin Pushes MAHA Agenda
Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee have agreed to restrict SNAP recipients from purchasing certain sugary drinks and food. The total number of states with restrictions is now 18.
CDC: Suicide Rate Dropped Slightly In 2024, From Historically High Levels
AP reports that experts aren’t sure why the rate dropped, or whether that trend might continue. Other mental health news is on ChatGPT, social media, antidepressant tapering, and more.