Latest KFF Health News Stories
Kaiser Permanente Lays Off Employees Across California Ahead Of Mass Strike
The health care provider is eliminating more than 200 positions, mostly in IT and food services, across 15 hospitals and clinics in this latest round of layoffs. Over 30,000 nurses and health professionals will go on strike Tuesday.
In Another Setback For Rural Health, Montana Hospital Halts Maternity Care
The Family Maternity Center at Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Montana, will close today. There is only one other hospital in the city. Plus: A judge upholds North Dakota’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors.
First Edition: Friday, Oct. 10, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KFF Health News’ First Edition will not be published Monday in observance of the federal holiday. Look for it again in your inbox Tuesday.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Fast-Growing HIV Epidemic Linked To Trend Of Injecting Drug-Laced Blood
The practice of “bluetoothing” or “flashblooding” has alarmed global public health experts who note that injecting a drug user’s blood for a quick high is risky on many levels. Plus, surgeons perform groundbreaking liver transplants, one in China and another in Atlanta.
CDC Reverses RFK Jr.’s Restrictions On Covid Vaccine For Pregnant Women
The independent panel of vaccine advisers have softened the previous recommendation, allowing pharmacies to administer the shot to pregnant women and ensuring most insurers cover it. Also, the CDC has postponed this month’s meeting of the Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices.
In Possibly Capping ACA Subsidies, Lawmakers Find Some Wiggle Room
Some Democrats indicate they are willing to limit Obamacare tax credits, but Republicans remain unwilling to negotiate until the government reopens. Also: tense moments on the Hill between New York lawmakers.
Amazon To Launch ‘Pharmacy Kiosks’ For One Medical Patients In December
In other news on prescription drugs, the White House says it won’t put tariffs on generic drugs, and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz tries to reassure MAHA supporters in the wake of the Trump administration’s Pfizer deal.
Sen. Cassidy Accuses Doc Association Of ‘Abusing’ CPT Coding System
Complaints from HELP Committee chair Bill Cassidy (R-La.) center around the “exorbitant” fees that the American Medical Association charges to anyone using the CPT code set. Other health industry news is on Aetna and Cigna’s downcoding policies; unnecessary back surgeries; private equity’s investment in outpatient surgery; and more.
California Is First State To Ban Ultra-Processed Food From School Menus
On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law AB1264, which calls for eliminating soda, energy drinks, low-nutrient foods, and items high in salt and sugar from school meals. The multistep plan will be complete by 2035.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Jury Finds J&J Liable In Baby Powder Cancer Case, Awards $966M
Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal the verdict. Other pharma and tech news is on Peter Marks joining Eli Lilly; the first “accurate blood test” to detect chronic fatigue syndrome; the effectiveness of tramadol; and more.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
White House Turns To Tariff Revenue To Keep WIC Funding Flowing
The food aid program for mothers and young children was set to run dry soon. It’s not clear whether the Trump administration has the authority to redirect funds without Congress. Plus, the United Network for Organ Sharing has had to limit activities because of the government shutdown.
Medicare May Group Drugs With Same Ingredients For Price Talks, Court Rules
Novo Nordisk argued in a lawsuit that each of its medications should be considered separately. By lumping together meds, Medicare is able to negotiate lower prices for more than the Inflation Reduction Act cap allows. In Novo Nordisk’s case, six insulin drugs were counted as one.
Judge Thwarts Trump’s Changes To Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program
In her ruling Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell said the policy change was “motivated solely by political concerns, devoid of any considered process or analysis.” Meanwhile in the courts, Missouri’s attorney general tries to access medical records for patients who have had abortions.
Kaiser Permanente Faces Company’s Largest Health Care Union Strike
The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, which issued the strike notice on Friday, represents 31,000 workers. Key issues cited are stagnant wages, unsafe staffing levels, and limited retirement benefits. Meanwhile, according to researchers, California’s nurse shortage is expected to grow from 3.7% in 2024 to 16.7% by 2033.
High Court Justices Appear Skeptical Of Colorado’s Ban On Conversion Therapy
The law says mental health practitioners cannot claim or attempt to change a person’s sexuality or gender identity. On Tuesday, multiple conservative Supreme Court justices questioned the medical consensus around decades of research that showed conversion therapy is linked to depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts, Stat reported.
A Hard-To-Detect Breast Cancer Type Is Rising At Triple The Rate Of Others
Invasive lobular carcinoma is increasing about 3% each year, according to a report from the American Cancer Society. Other cancer-related news is on GLP-1 drugs, intraoperative radiation therapy, immune therapy, and more. Also: the benefit of “exercise snacks”; the Nobel Prize in chemistry; and more.