Latest KFF Health News Stories
Congressional Report Alleges Organ Procurement Numbers Are Miscounted
The bipartisan report alleges that organ procurement organizations use a loophole to boost ratings and stay certified. In other news: UnitedHealth faces whistleblower claims; CVS and Cigna settle lawsuit; many physicians would consider assisted suicide for themselves; and more.
After Staff Layoffs, FDA Says It Will Use AI To Improve Drug Approval Efficiency
Officials at the FDA say they want to speed up approvals for new drugs and devices using tech like the new “Elsa” AI system. More news is on other uses of AI in health care, Eli Lilly refusing to work with telehealth firms over copycat drug sales, and more.
LAPD’s ‘Less Lethal’ Methods Used At Protests Still Cause Harm, Cost State
News outlets break down the health effects rubber bullets and tear gas have on people, and how the use of such methods could open up governments to civil liability claims. Other states making news: Texas, Louisiana, Oregon, Alabama, Florida and South Carolina.
House GOP Alters Portions of Megabill That Jeopardized Quick Senate Passage
SNAP is among the provisions being revised after Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) complained about it. Meanwhile, states are working to cushion the blow the GOP tax bill will have on their budgets.
First Edition: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: RFK Jr.’s Take On Rebuilding Public Trust In Vaccines; MAHA Report Falls Short
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
NIH Halts Anti-DEI Policy That Was Required To Get New Research Grants
It’s unclear what prompted the change, which is effective immediately, Stat reported. In related news, a federal judge on Monday blocked the Trump administration from enforcing anti-DEI and anti-trans policies against groups that provide help for the LGBTQ+ community.
Doctor Shortage Could Grow More Dire With Bill’s Limits On Med School Loans
If a $150,000 cap on direct federal unsubsidized loans stands, some fear fewer students will be able to afford medical school. Graduates carry an average debt of $212,341, the Association of American Medical Colleges found. Plus, Republicans take a swing at changes to the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Montana Supreme Court Declares Abortion Restrictions Unconstitutional
Monday’s ruling concluded a multiyear legal challenge over three reproductive rights restrictions. Also in reproductive health news: Wisconsin now has five abortion clinics; Ohio Republicans want to bring back a 24-hour waiting period for abortions; Texas isn’t budging on abortion bans; and more.
Policy Change Could Allow Abusers To Have Gun Rights Restored More Easily
Lawmakers and gun violence experts voice concern over the Trump administration’s proposed change and what it could mean for domestic violence survivors. Also in the news: forced reset triggers; a rise in firearm deaths of children and teenagers in states that loosened gun laws; and more.
New York Lawmakers Pass Bill Opening Door For Medically Assisted Suicide
The bill will allow terminally ill New Yorkers to end their life on their own terms, and it now heads to Gov. Kathy Hochul. “It’s not about hastening death, but ending suffering,” Democratic state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal said. Plus: 27 states and the District of Columbia have sued to block their citizens’ 23andMe data from being sold.
Although Rare, Appendix Cancer More Prevalent In Under-50s, Study Shows
As many as one-third of cases are among young adults. Meanwhile, the number of fentanyl and other drug overdose deaths in those under 35 dropped by nearly 47% between 2021 and 2024. Other news is on treatment for OCD, a study on dementia risk, and more.
RFK Jr. Ousts Panel Of CDC Vaccine Advisers, Presumably Picks Successors
New members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have not yet been identified, but they are expected to meet later this month. Separately, the FDA has approved Merck’s monoclonal antibody clesrovimab to protect infants from RSV.
3 Health Care Companies To Lay Off Hundreds Of Workers
The cuts are coming to Virginia Mason Franciscan (based in Tacoma, Washington), Prime Healthcare (based in Ontario, California), and Bayada Home Health Care (based in Moorestown, New Jersey). Plus: Affinia Healthcare is now fully accredited for its new family medicine residency program.
First Edition: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Medicaid Work Requirements Will Create Chaos, And Cuts Will Lead To Excess Deaths
Opinion writers discuss Medicaid and other topics.
As Measles Cases Close In On 30-Year High, WHO Warns US Must Act Now
With 1,168 confirmed cases across 33 states — more than four times as many cases as last year — the country is at risk of losing its disease-elimination status. U.S. leaders must focus on vaccine efforts to prevent it from becoming endemic, the WHO’s vaccine director says.
Doctors Implore AMA To Challenge Trump’s Health Agenda More Strongly
Cuts to Medicaid and NIH, along with trade tariffs, will make it harder to give Americans the kind and quality of care they need, doctors argue. “Quiet advocacy is insufficient,” one AMA member said.
Emergency Officials Unclear How — Or Even If — They Can Help In Disasters
Summer is approaching, bringing potentially deadly floods, tornadoes, and wildfires along with it. But recent staffing changes and policy directives at FEMA have left local emergency officials unsure what kind of help — medical, financial, or otherwise — they’ll be able to offer.
Depressed? You Are Not Alone: Health Workers Report High Rate Of The Blues
Over one-fifth of health care and other service workers say they have been diagnosed with depression, a study had found. Also in the news: the Federation of American Hospitals; Adventist HealthCare; BayCare; and more.