Latest KFF Health News Stories
Trump Admin Clawing Back Authority Over States’ Medical Debt Protections
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau contends federal law invalidates state laws that prevent patients’ medical debts from being reported to credit bureaus. Separately, male veterans who have breast cancer will find it harder to get health care coverage. Plus, Texas sues the maker of Tylenol.
First Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Stillbirths In US Occur Far More Often Than Previously Reported, Study Finds
Researchers found that between 2016 and 2022, there was one stillbirth for every 147 births, The Washington Post reported. Worse yet, a significant number of them happened without warning in pregnancies that did not show any previously identified risks.
GLP-1 Drugs Have Rapidly Lowered American Obesity Rates, Survey Shows
According to the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index, the U.S. obesity rate fell from 39.9% in 2022 to 37% in 2025. Plus: Women may need less exercise than men to improve heart health.
In Pivot, Federal Workers’ Union Calls For Immediate End To Shutdown
The president of the American Federation of Government Employees suggested that negotiations over Democrats’ health care demands should continue only after the government is reopened. Separately, news outlets cover the Obamacare price hikes headed for residents in New Jersey, Illinois, Arizona, and Colorado.
As States Prep To Sue Over Food Aid, Some In GOP Seek Separate SNAP Vote
Democrat-led states are petitioning for the government to tap an emergency fund to keep food aid flowing amid the shutdown — after the Trump administration said it would not do that. Meanwhile, a Texas grocer has a plan to help families in need; Connecticut issues emergency relief; and more.
Mental Health Grants For Schools Must Be Restored, Judge Rules
The Trump administration had canceled the grants, claiming they were not awarded based on merit. The judge said the states made a case for real harm from the cuts to the grants meant to help with a shortage of mental health workers in schools. Also, more than 1 million people show suicidal intent each week while talking to chatbots.
Cigna Will Scrub Drug Rebate Models From Some Plans Starting In 2027
As Bloomberg explains, pharmaceutical companies pay the rebates in order to get favorable placement on pharmacy benefit managers’ lists of covered drugs, a practice some have likened to kickbacks. All of Cigna’s Evernorth customers will have access to upfront discounts starting in 2028.
First Edition: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Annual Open Enrollment Is About Making More Money; New Meds Make Dementia Less Scary
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Young People In Corn Belt Are Getting Significantly More Cancer Since 2015
An analysis by The Washington Post found that in the past decade, cancer rates in the six states with the highest corn production are rising more rapidly than in the country as a whole. People aged 15-49 living there have shown a 5% increase in overall cancer rates, with kidney and skin cancer soaring to 35%-65% higher than the national average.
Obamacare Premiums Will Climb 30% On Average Next Year
The news of premium spikes arrives during the prolonged federal government shutdown, which was prompted in part by a fight over the extension of Obamacare subsidies. Higher premiums and a loss of subsidies could mean skyrocketing health care costs for millions. More coverage is on SNAP, WIC, and other impacts of the shutdown.
NIH Installation Of Vance Pal To Lead Environmental Health Sciences Panned
Some fear the elevation of Kyle Walsh to a director’s role — a promotion that didn’t abide by standard procedures — will pave the way for future political appointments. Plus, President Trump issues an all-caps missive about Tylenol, touts his “perfect” MRI findings, and more.
California Ponies Up $140 Million To Preserve Planned Parenthood Clinics
The Golden State is tapping local funds to ensure the organization can maintain reproductive health services after the federal government cut funding. Plus, as Wyoming moves to prevent regulation of crisis pregnancy centers that counsel against abortion, some centers across the states expand medical services.
BJC Health Failed To Alert School District About Shooter, Lawsuit Claims
The family of Jean Kuczka, a teacher slain in the 2022 shooting at CVPA in St. Louis, has filed a wrongful death suit against BJC Health, alleging that it failed to make the school aware of the threat after the shooter told multiple BJC mental health providers that he planned to “shoot up my old high school” in the two months before the attack.
Texas Doctor Gives Up License After Being Sued For Providing Gender Care
Pediatrician May Lau has decided to move her practice from Dallas to Oregon after being sued last year by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and accused of prescribing testosterone to at least 21 patients, which she denies. More news is from Virginia, California, New Mexico, Maryland, Arizona, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Utah, and Florida.
First Edition: Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
NYC Wipes Out $135M In Medical Debt, Easing Burden For 75,000 Residents
Residents who qualify for this one-time debt relief program will be notified by Undue Medical Debt. Separately, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore decries FEMA’s decision to withhold disaster aid.