Latest KFF Health News Stories
Texas Revamps Anti-Abortion Program, Requires Nonprofits To Detail Spending
Thriving Texas Families, a network that supports parenting and adoption as alternatives to abortion and has had little oversight, will take in $100 million a year starting Sept. 1. More news from across the nation comes from Ohio, Minnesota, Maryland, California, and New Jersey.
First Edition: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
UC Health, Blue Shield Of California Reach Deal, Assuring Access To Care
The deal means tens of thousands of Californians can continue accessing services at in-network rates. Other industry news covers a health care worker strike; a Medicare rating recalculation for Alignment Healthcare; and more.
Court Ruling Brings Wisconsin Closer To Banning Conversion Therapy
AP notes that the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling has a broader impact, taking some power away from the Legislature and giving it to the governor’s office. Other news from across the nation comes from California, Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, Louisiana, Texas, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Colorado.
Usually Harmless Virus May Trigger Parkinson’s Disease, Study Finds
Northwestern Medicine researchers discovered the Human Pegivirus in 50% of Parkinson’s cases they looked at. There is currently no test for the virus, but the study opens up avenues for more research. Other public health news is on autism, Alzheimer’s, prediabetes, and more.
Supreme Court Gives The Go-Ahead To Fire Federal Workers
A court-ordered pause on mass layoffs left workers at federal agencies in limbo. On Tuesday, that pause was lifted. In other news: Growth in mental health careers faces uncertainty from budget cuts; Boston University, a leading research facility, announces major budget cuts and layoffs; and more.
Medicaid Cuts, Take 2: Senate Floats Second Bill To Pursue Policy Priorities
Republican party leaders are eyeing fall for passage of legislation that would include provisions cut from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. One such provision is rolling back the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion. Plus, news outlets unpack the megabill’s effects.
Retired Doctor With No Public Health Background Becomes Top CDC Adviser
Retired urologist Dr. Barry Zisholtz, a supporter of President Donald Trump, is the first doctor who’s been named to the agency as a political appointee under the Trump administration, Bloomberg reported. Meanwhile, the Senate is set to vote today on Trump’s nominee for CDC director.
Experts: Extreme Weather Is Now The Norm, People Need To Shift Mindsets
The psychological concept that a disaster “can’t happen to me” or that it can’t happen to a person twice helps people cope emotionally but prevents them from adequately preparing, health experts told AP. In other news: President Donald Trump has hired at least three scientists well-known for their rejection of climate change.
First Edition: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers dissect these public health issues.
Medical Groups Sue To Restore Access To Covid Jabs For Kids, Pregnant People
The medical organizations contend Health and Human Services and its chief, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are trying to undermine vaccines by limiting access. In other vaccine news: Nervous parents are asking about an accelerated vaccine schedule; a look at thimerosal in vaccines; and more.
Medicaid Funding Cuts For Planned Parenthood Put On Hold — For Now
A provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law Friday, imposes a one-year ban on state Medicaid payments to health care nonprofits that received more than $800,000 in federal funding in 2023 and also offer abortions. A judge on Monday halted cuts to Planned Parenthood; the provision can still be enforced against other providers.
Study Shows US Kids’ Physical, Mental Health Deteriorated Over Past 17 Years
The study, published Monday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed a generalized decline in kids’ health, with more obesity, chronic diseases, and mental health problems like depression. Plus: A link between glucose and Alzheimer’s.
CDC Curtails Bird Flu Updates, Making It Harder To Spot State Outbreaks
The U.S. ended its emergency designation for bird flu last week, a person familiar with the situation told Bloomberg. Starting this week, bird flu stats will be updated monthly and won’t include infection rates for animals. “We are letting our guard down,” said one infectious-disease expert.
Centene Withdraws Earnings Forecast, Triggering Possible Credit Downgrade
S&P Global Ratings is considering whether to reclassify Centene Corp.’s credit ratings to junk, which would strongly impact its borrowing power. Centene, the top seller of ACA health plans, is suffering from financial uncertainty due to federal crackdowns on Affordable Care Act enrollments.
HHS’ Order To Remove Health Websites Was Illegal, Judge Rules
U.S. District Judge John Bates vacated directives from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Personnel and Management. However, he denied a broader request to prevent HHS from blocking references to gender. The government is “free to say what it wants,” he said, “including about ‘gender ideology.’ But … it must abide by the bounds of authority and the procedures that Congress has prescribed.”
First Edition: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Trump Signs Megabill Into Law, Setting Up Historic Medicaid Cuts
The $4.5 trillion tax and immigration bill cleared the House Thursday after a chaotic overnight and morning in Congress. The legislation contains $1.2 trillion in cutbacks to Medicaid and food stamps. The CBO forecasts that 11.8 million Americans would become uninsured by 2034 under the bill’s provisions. Check back with KFF Health News for more coverage of this breaking news.