Latest KFF Health News Stories
Different Takes: People With Autism Are Not Damaged; Vaccine Panel Puts Ideology Over Evidence
Opinion writers examine these public health topics.
Doctors Voice Concern Over Change To Cigna, Aetna Reimbursement Policies
Physicians say the changes, aimed at office visits billed at the highest reimbursement rates of level 4 and level 5, will exacerbate the already heavy administrative burdens on them. Other industry news is on gaps in hospital charity care, Eli Lilly’s plans in Houston, and more.
Filtered Cigarettes, Cigars Headed For Ban In Parts Of One California County
The ban will begin in 2027 in unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County and in the cities of Santa Cruz and Capitola in what officials say is the first ban of its kind in the nation. Other news from across the country comes from Connecticut, North Carolina, Colorado, Washington, and Minnesota.
Drug-Resistant ‘Nightmare Bacteria’ Cases Are Rising, CDC Says
Infection rates from the bacteria, which are treatment-resistant because of the NDM gene, increased nearly 70% between 2019 and 2023, according to CDC researchers. It is resistant to all but two antibiotics, and those are expensive and must be administered by IV.
Researchers Studying Cancer In Young People Look To Environmental Factors
According to The Washington Post, the increased rate of cancers in people ages 15-49 may be less linked to genetic factors and have more to do with “exposome” — the range of environmental exposures one experiences throughout their lives.
Medical Community Stands United: Consult With Docs, Don’t ‘Tough It Out’
Despite President Donald Trump and his health officials advising pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen, experts in the field maintain the over-the-counter medication is safe. Medical groups also pushed back on claims that leucovorin is a treatment option for children with autism.
Furloughed Federal Workers Reinstated Months After DOGE Cost-Cutting Blitz
The General Services Administration says hundreds of employees have until Friday to accept return-to-work offers. Separately, University of California schools should have more than $500 million in research grants restored, a U.S. District judge in San Francisco has ruled. Plus, ACA subsidy talks.
First Edition: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
After Cutting Billions In Aid, Trump To Spell Out His World Vision Today At UN
The president has made it clear he wants little to do with much of the United Nations mandate, The New York Times reports. More administration news is on the FTC, “forever chemicals,” medical research, data sharing, and more.
Doctors May Qualify For Exemption From $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
An executive order released Friday stated that an application fee waiver may be approved by the Homeland Security secretary if hiring a specific worker would be deemed “in the national interest.” This comes after medical groups called out the potential risk to rural health care.
CVS’ Omnicare Seeks Chapter 11 Bankruptcy After Whistleblower Case
CVS Health subsidiary Omnicare, a pharmacy services provider for long-term care businesses, may explore a restructuring or sale. Also: the fight over who pays for GLP-1 weight loss drugs, AI device manufacturers’ payments to doctors, and more.
Minneapolis School Shooting Victim, 12, Improving After Being Shot In Head
Seventh grader Sophia Forchas will soon leave an acute care ward and join an inpatient rehab program in what her family has called a “miraculous” recovery. Other news from around the nation comes from Florida, Illinois, Michigan, and Virginia.
2nd Death Reported In Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak In Iowa
Health officials are urging Marshall County residents to maintain clean water systems and seek medical attention if they show signs of infection. Health officials also are monitoring the New World screwworm nearing the U.S. border, a measles outbreak in Utah and Arizona, and valley fever in the Southwest.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on psychedelic mushrooms, robots, a new way to fix broken legs, and more.
Trump Ties Acetaminophen To Autism, A Link Roundly Panned By Health Pros
The president advises that pregnant women should avoid Tylenol unless they cannot “tough it out.” The notion that the widely used pain reliever and fever reducer is harmful to developing fetuses is not based on science, say medical experts, autism groups, and the makers of Tylenol.
First Edition: Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Trump Administration Set to Link Acetaminophen To Autism: Report
The Washington Post reports that the Trump administration will highlight research showing a possible autism link to ingestion of common drugs like Tylenol during pregnancy. Officials will also tout the drug leucovorin as a potential treatment for autism. Other federal government news reports on hunger, drug costs, geriatrics, and more.
Judge Orders Missouri To Recast Ballot Summary For Anti-Abortion Measure
Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green rejected the GOP-written summary, reasoning that the description is insufficient and would be confusing to voters. Abortion rights activists’ requests to block the amendment were denied.