Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Doctors Find Good Diet, Exercise Can Help Patients In Cancer Treatment

Morning Briefing

It might sound basic, but data shows that focusing on healthy food and structured exercise might help patients with cancer live longer or respond to therapy. Other cancer news reports on immunotherapy, faltering drugs, liquid biopsies, and more.

Johnson Says People Will Only Lose Medicaid If ‘They Choose To Do So’

Morning Briefing

House Speaker Mike Johnson defends the House tax bill changes to Medicaid as “common sense,” while the OMB director says the White House is working with Senate Republicans on a version of the legislation.

New Report Shows The True Cost Of Violence In Hospitals

Morning Briefing

In 2023, providers spent $18.3 billion to prevent and prepare for violence and its fallout, according to estimates from the University of Washington. Other news is on the rise of “femtech;” staff cuts at Hims & Hers Health; and more.

Minnesota’s Pioneering Youth Mental Health Corps In Danger Of DOGE Cuts

Morning Briefing

Despite seeing positive results, the program could be at risk after DOGE slashed national grant funding for AmeriCorps. Other states making news include Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and California.

CDC Reports Measles Cases Are Nearing 1,100 As It Extends Air Travel Warning

Morning Briefing

The CDC has received reports of at least 62 travelers who were contagious while flying. Other news covers a salmonella outbreak, objections to a clause in the Natural Death Act law in Kansas, a challenge to Kentucky’s abortion ban dropped, and more.

CDC Keeps Covid Shot Option Available For Healthy Children

Morning Briefing

The government abruptly reversed course after stating covid vaccines would no longer be recommended for healthy young ones. Now, caregivers will need to discuss inoculations with doctors in a “shared decision-making.” Also, Moderna gets FDA approval for its low-dose covid vaccine.

Doctors Warn New Covid Strain Could Cause Surge Due To Waning Immunity

Morning Briefing

Also, a study shows that receiving the covid vaccine provides long-term protection and does not inhibit immune response to other variants. Additional coverage is on measles, climate change’s effect on health, food safety, and more.

Doctors Working In Private Practice At Lowest Level Since 2012, Survey Finds

Morning Briefing

Health care industry news also covers American doctors moving to Canada; Penn Medicine’s pause on gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 19; Cleveland Clinic’s pivot on its “pay now” copay policy; and more.

With PBM Law Set For 2026, Express Scripts And CVS Health Sue Arkansas

Morning Briefing

The companies contend the law will close pharmacies, confuse residents, and raise drug prices, among other effects. Other news from around the nation comes from Colorado, Texas, Connecticut, Iowa, Louisiana, and Florida.

Adult Autism Diagnoses Are On The Rise Due To Increased Awareness

Morning Briefing

From 2011 to 2022, diagnoses rose 450% for adults ages 26 to 34. This has shown to be a relief to those who never understood their lifelong symptoms. In other news: AI can be used to determine the efficacy of a cancer drug in patients; candidemia incidence remained steady while death rates rose during covid; and more.

Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed

Morning Briefing

KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to spend some time with over the long weekend. Today’s selections are on childhood cancer, adult autism, mifepristone, RFK Jr.’s inner circle, and climate denial.

Overshadowed By Medicaid Cuts, Tax Bill Proposes Significant ACA Reforms

Morning Briefing

Like Medicaid, a large portion of those enrolled in an Affordable Care Act insurance plan voted for President Donald Trump. Changes to the program proposed in Republicans’ tax bill could create a backlash in the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, senators say they will be taking a second look at the changes to Medicaid in the legislation.

MAHA Report Review Finds Erroneous, Made Up References; AI Use Suspected

Morning Briefing

NOTUS, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet, was the first to report the citation errors. The White House has not confirmed the use of artificial intelligence and instead referred to the errors as “formatting issues.” It said it will fix the mistakes.