Latest KFF Health News Stories
HHS Declares Coalition For Health AI Won’t Squeeze Out The Startups
Health and tech giants involved in the group evaluate artificial intelligence tools and then advise physicians and hospitals on how they work. The administration claims CHAI could become a “cartel,” but CEO Brian Anderson says the coalition’s 3,000 members include startups and smaller providers.
Health Agencies Stymied As Congress Remains Deadlocked On Funding Deal
The Department of Health and Human Services — particularly the National Institutes of Health — is seeing significant staff reductions as lawmakers continue the shutdown showdown largely over whether ACA subsidies should be extended. Plus, hospitals already filled to the brim are receiving an influx of patients now that CMS reimbursements for hospital at home care have been halted.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Trump Directs Use Of AI For Pioneering Pediatric Cancer Research
The administration also announced that it is doubling the funding for the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative. Separately, the administration has restored most of the research grants it had stripped from UCLA. It also says it’s close to a deal with Harvard University.
Louisiana Becomes Fourth State With No Planned Parenthood Locations
Growing financial and political pressure led to the closures of its Baton Rouge and New Orleans clinics. No abortions were performed at the clinics, which provided other medical care services to nearly 11,000 patients last year, AP reported. Meanwhile, Pope Leo said Tuesday that people who support the death penalty are “not really pro-life.”
Hospital At Home Programs Grind To A Halt Amid Government Shutdown
A pandemic-era program that allowed hospitals like UMass Memorial to deliver inpatient care in people’s homes comes to an end, putting extra strain on hospitals. Plus, Modern Healthcare looks at why some providers are betting on home health units, even now.
In Boon For Rural Health, Hospital In Rolla, Missouri, Will Double Size Of ER
The expansion at Phelps Health comes as 21 other hospitals, many of them in rural areas, have closed in the state in the past decade. Other states making news: Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Maryland, Minnesota, Maine, and New Hampshire.
Scientists Find Twofold Rise In Long Covid Risk In Kids After Reinfection
Evidence indicates that over a six-month period, 1,884 per million young people developed long covid after two infections, twice the rate of 904 per million for young people with one infection, The New York Times reports. Plus, states have not been able to order updated covid shots for low-income children.
Federal Health Workers Await Their Fates As Government Comes To A Halt
The impasse over Affordable Care Act subsidies continues, and there is no sign the shutdown will be over quickly, Politico reported. Two labor unions have sued the Trump administration over its threats to cut thousands of federal workers during the closure.
President Unveils ‘TrumpRx’ Site For Discounted Drugs And Deal With Pfizer
Pfizer has agreed to sell its drugs at lower prices to Medicaid patients and also to sell some of its meds on a “TrumpRx” website. The Wall Street Journal looks at how “TrumpRx” might work, while Mark Cuban gives the site a “B.”
First Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Impasse Over ACA Subsidies Unresolved As Clock Ticks Down Toward Shutdown
A meeting between President Donald Trump and congressional leaders did not bring the sides closer to a deal on funding the federal government. Meanwhile, Republicans have upped the rhetoric, saying Democrats want free health care for unauthorized immigrants, a claim that is not part of the proposal Democrats put forward. Plus, Trump posts a vulgar, AI-generated deepfake on Truth Social.
HHS Moves To Bar Harvard From Receiving Federal Funding, Contracts
The university has 20 days to request a hearing to appeal the decision. Plus, the Trump administration says it will defund a federal government watchdog group. In other news: Trump shared a video promoting cannabis use for seniors.
New Report Shows Notable Decline In Clinical Abortions In First Half Of Year
According to Guttmacher Institute data, the decline is greatest in states with six-week bans as well as states bordering those with full bans. An 8% decline in out-of-state travel for care also was reported.
Opioid Use Disorder Diagnoses Surged Nationwide Between 2021 And 2024
Tennessee had the highest rate, with 1,447 patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder per 100,000, Axios reports. Also in the news: Gabapentin use rises, GLP-1 meds are tied to lower cancer risk, and more.
West Nile Cases Up; Many People Don’t Know The Right Way To Use Bug Spray
Colorado has more than double the cases of West Nile virus of any other state, the CDC says. But the virus — spread by mosquitoes — is also on the rise in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and elsewhere. Concerningly, most Americans don’t know how to properly apply mosquito repellant, a poll shows.
Many States Brace For Grim Aftermath If Congress Can’t Make A Deal On ACA
Millions of Americans who buy Obamacare would see their monthly premiums skyrocket. In Georgia, expiring subsidies could cause a loss of $3.7 billion in health sector revenue next year.
First Edition: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.