Latest KFF Health News Stories
Thousands Of Kaiser Permanente Health Workers Walk Off Jobs
In Los Angeles, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and more marched in a downpour for better pay and staffing. The five-day strike affects workers in several states.
FDA Cracks Down On Unapproved Weight Loss Drug Popular Online
The compounded retatrutide, developed by Eli Lilly but still in the testing phase, has become popular among fitness influencers on social media. The FDA has sent warning letters to six online companies. Also: funding for specialty drugs; the effectiveness of the recombinant shingles vaccine; and more.
Colorado School Shooting Victim Leaves Hospital After Critical Injuries
Michael Silverstone, an Evergreen High student, was shot in the head and chest on Sept. 10, and has been released after five weeks in the hospital. The other student critically injured in the shooting has been released and is recovering. Also in the news: Minnesota, California, New York, and more.
After Second Loss In Court, Humana’s Contested MA Star Rating Will Stick
Humana had disputed its 2025 Medicare Advantage rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which gave it a 3.5 out of five. A federal court ruled Tuesday that CMS doesn’t have to recalculate it.
Senate GOP Reportedly Working On Legislation To Fund FDA, VA, More
Meanwhile, Republicans are mulling proposals that address the ACA subsidies that Democrats want, though they still say negotiations won’t happen unless the government reopens.
First Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
North Carolina Initiative Eliminates $6.5B In Medical Debt For Residents
In a first-of-its-kind effort, North Carolina officials have helped to erase medical debt for more than 2.5 million residents through a program that offered hospitals more Medicaid funds in exchange for financial relief for low- and middle-income patients.
Meta Says It Will Use PG-13 Standard To Limit Teen Content On Instagram
The policy will roll out by the end of the year, The New York Times reported. Plus: A study in JAMA suggests a link between preteen use of social media and poorer cognition.
Trump Fires Health Workers, Brings Back Some, As Shutdown Grows Longer
Although the CDC’s “disease detectives” have been reinstated, those who work on mental illness and addiction, and in biodefense, have been let go. Plus, House Speaker Mike Johnson, who refuses to negotiate unless Democrats capitulate, said, “We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history.”
Some Pregnant Women Slam ‘Fearmongering’ Over Tylenol
Several expectant moms who spoke to The Wall Street Journal said they are confident that using Tylenol is safe during pregnancy. However, the Trump administration’s push against it has now left some with “that little question mark.”
Kaiser Criticizes 5-Day Strike As Money Grab. Unions Say It’s Not That Simple.
The historic walkout, which begins today, will include tens of thousands of health care workers and nurses. Kaiser’s latest proposal on the table would lift wages 21.5% over four years but remains shy of the 25% the unions are seeking. Union leaders say wages are only part of the story, citing unsafe staffing, scheduling pressures, and burnout.
AstraZeneca Agrees To Lower Drug Prices For Three-Year Tariff Reprieve
AstraZeneca will sell its drugs to Medicaid at prices comparable to what some European countries pay. But in many cases, experts say, those prices are already similar, The New York Times reports. Plus, Novo Nordisk’s new manufacturing plant in Indiana fails to meet FDA standards.
First Edition: Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Reforms Could Keep Obamacare Affordable; Vaccines Improve Life Span And Save Money
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Missouri Health Officials Sound Alarm As Deaths Climb From West Nile Virus
At least three people have died this year as the state sees a big rise in cases of the virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and has no specific treatment or cure.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to read. Today’s selections are on Alzheimer’s, teen mental health, the effects of U.S. foreign aid cuts, and more.
With No Evidence, RFK Jr. Ties Tylenol Use After Circumcision To Autism
The health secretary doubled down on his assertion that the over-the-counter pain reliever is problematic, noting, “We’re doing the studies to make the proof.” His claims are resonating with Republican women, a survey has found. Plus, more upheaval at the CDC.
More Military Families Seek Help From Food Pantries As Shutdown Drags On
The Armed Services YMCA says its food pantries are busy and running out of food more quickly than normal. Operations in Killeen, Texas, had about a 34% increase in demand, an ASYMCA official said. Making things worse, some U.S. troops won’t get paid next week unless the government intervenes.
High Court’s Medical Malpractice Case Pits State Laws Against Federal Laws
The lawsuit now in front of the Supreme Court was previously thrown out in Delaware for failure to comply with affidavit filing rules. The question now is what to do when state laws conflict with federal rules. Also in the news: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Humana, Aetna, and more.