Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Monday, June 23, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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 coal miners, medical research, Michelle Obama, school nurses, ticks, and more.
Private Equity In Dental Care Hits Snag In NC; Similar Reforms In CT Are A Dud
The legislative proposal in North Carolina would let private equity firms operate dental practices not run by licensed dentists. And in Connecticut, the legislative session has ended without any action on reining in private equity ownership of health care facilities.
Addictive Tech Use Linked To Youth Mental Health Issues, Study Finds
Researchers found that kids with a dependency on their devices — not just screen time — are more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Plus, Chatbot therapy for kids in crisis.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
FDA Green-Lights Gilead Sciences’ Groundbreaking HIV Prevention Drug
A twice-yearly injection of lenacapavir would offer near-complete protection against the virus, clinical date indicate. More pharmaceutical news is about Dupixent, GLP-1 results, and more.
Trump Deals Trans Minors Another Hit, Ends LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Hotline
The Trevor Project hotline, which has specially trained counselors for high-risk groups, will end July 17. Counselors stressed that anyone can still get help by calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Plus: The fallout from this week’s Supreme Court ruling against transgender minors.
CDC Advisers To Discuss MMRV Shots, Thimerosal Preservative In Flu Shots
Next week’s meeting of the ACIP will offer the public a glimpse of the HHS secretary’s hand-picked panel’s approach to vaccines. Meanwhile, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, has requested an investigation into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s dismissal of all ACIP members.
Health Insurance Trade Group AHIP Against Medicaid Bill, Vows To Battle It
At the group’s annual conference, one Medicaid expert said during a panel that the bill doesn’t pass the smell test. “I think there is a difference between how folks on the Hill are thinking about this … and [how] they’re writing it. And to me, that perspective is, ‘Yeah, we want people to lose coverage. That’s how we’re saving money,'” Fierce Healthcare reported.
First Edition: Friday, June 20, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
FDA Unveils Voucher Program In Effort To Speed Up Drug Review Time
A new program will let drug developers who are “aligned with U.S. national priorities” submit a portion of their applications at least two months early, allowing the review process to be shaved from 12 months to possibly one or two. Plus, a push for psychedelics for mental health treatment.
About 5% Of People With Measles Had All Or Some Vaccine Protection
Although data from a recent case has not been disclosed, the CDC reports that of the nearly 3% of other infected people who were fully vaccinated, not one was hospitalized. A double dose of the measles vaccine is 97% effective at preventing the disease.
‘Feeling A Pinch’: Tariff Uncertainty Wobbles Hospitals’ Purchasing Plans
Axios points out that the health care supply chain is already difficult to navigate, with some essentials regularly experiencing shortages. Other industry news is on Headspace, Hinge Health, Ascension, and more.
Intercontinental Robotic Telesurgery Treats First Patient In Clinical Trial
The groundbreaking, FDA-approved trial was undertaken by Dr. Vipul Patel, who performed a prostatectomy from Florida on the patient who was in Angola. In other news, a neurosurgical robot; Andembry approval; and more.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Under GOP Tax Plan, Health Sector Would Take $1 Trillion Hit, CBO Says
A comprehensive analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation looked at the broader economic effects of the proposed tax cuts and concluded the cost would outweigh the benefits. More news is on the reaction to the GOP’s Medicaid cuts.
Fatal Overdoses Rise Nationwide After 17 Months Of Declines
Meanwhile, a judge is asked to clear the way for the next steps in Purdue Pharma’s $7 billion opioid settlement. Also: A brain-dead woman at the center of a battle over Georgia’s abortion ban is set to be removed from life support.
First Edition: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KFF Health News’ First Edition will not be published Thursday in observance of Juneteenth. Look for it again in your inbox on Friday.
Must Crisis Pregnancy Centers Abide By State Subpoenas? High Court To Decide
First Choice Women’s Resource Centers argues that the First Amendment allows it to protect donor information from New Jersey officials investigating whether the clinics are misrepresenting themselves to donors and patients. Also, Ohio lawmakers are revisiting abortion ban plans.