Latest KFF Health News Stories
Autism Council Stacked With Panelists Who Question Vaccine Safety
The makeup of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee has raised alarms among advocates over the imbalance of the committee, specifically the lack of scientists. Plus, the U.S. is imploring Gavi, the vaccine alliance, to stop including thimerosal in multidose shots used in other countries.
First Edition: Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: What Happens When Helping People Puts Doctors And Nurses In Harm’s Way?
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
New Format For DSM-5 Psychiatric Manual Planned In Major Overhaul
The American Psychiatric Association has announced that the next revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders will be “a living document” online. The DSM-5 is used by psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, researchers, and insurance companies.
Trump Admin Wants Mifepristone Case Delayed While It Weighs Future Access
In its lawsuit against the federal government, Louisiana is requesting restrictions that would wipe out access to the abortion pill across much of the country. The FDA is currently reviewing the safety of the drug and whether to roll back access via telemedicine prescription and mail delivery.
Storm Death Toll Tops 50; Hundreds Of Thousands Shiver In Powerless Homes
More record lows are forecast this week as the frigid misery continues across many states. More news is on the immigration crisis in Minneapolis; health-based standards for smoke contamination in California; lingering mental health concerns from the Challenger disaster; and more.
South Carolina Measles Outbreak Hits 789, Largest Outbreak In US In Decades
The majority of cases are centered in Spartanburg County, and 89 new cases have been confirmed since Friday. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has lost its WHO status of being measles-free. Other news covers flu and covid.
Asian Airports Intensify Health Checks After Nipah Virus Outbreak In India
Indian authorities say the outbreak of the virus, which can spread via human-to-human contact and for which there is no vaccine, has been contained, AP reports. Other global health news is on social media bans, baby formula contamination, and more.
Cancer, Diabetes Drugs — And Botox — On List For Medicare Price Negotiations
CMS has identified 15 prescription drugs to target for lower prices in 2028: Anoro Ellipta, Biktarvy, Botox, Cimzia, Cosentyx, Entyvio, Erleada, Kisqali, Lenvima, Orencia, Rexulti, Trulicity, Verzenio, Xeljanz, and Xolair. Plus, the fallout from a largely flat Medicare Advantage reimbursement increase.
First Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
CMS Proposes 0.1% Average Pay Raise For 2027 Medicare Advantage Plans
The increase is far below the 4%-6% bumps the industry expected, Stat reports, and comes alongside proposed restrictions on insurers’ coding practices. Other industry news is on a Kaiser Permanente strike in California and Hawaii, health system investments in pulsed field ablation, and more.
Roche’s Entry Into Weight Loss Game Could Be A Difference-Maker
In a study, Roche’s experimental shot delivered weight loss that appeared to be better than Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and on par with Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, an analyst said. The results show the shot has the potential to be the best in its class, an official at Roche said.
NYC Rushes To Shelter Unhoused From Extreme Cold As Death Toll Rises
Eight people were found dead outside or later died at a hospital, New York City officials said. It wasn’t confirmed if they were homeless. USA Today reported that at least 34 people have died across the U.S. as frigid temperatures are settling in. Plus: News from Colorado, Maryland, Florida, and California.
Feds End Pursuit Of Patient Records Identifying Transgender Minors In LA
The Justice Department has put on hold until 2029 its request for “documents sufficient to identify each patient (by name, date of birth, social security number, address, and parent/guardian information) who was prescribed puberty blockers or hormone therapy.”
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Sources: Patrol Chief, Some Agents To Exit Minneapolis After Nurse’s Killing
President Donald Trump will send border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to take over, AP reports. News outlets also cover the life and death of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, as well as the impact that immigration enforcement activity is having on those who need medical care.
CDC Vaccine Databases, Crucial For Managing Outbreaks, Are Out Of Date
Researchers found that nearly 90% of the databases that are no longer being updated are related to vaccinations and that updates largely stopped in March and April, after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took the helm at the Department of Health and Human Services.
First Edition: Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Not Just The Influencers: YouTube Clips From Doctors Also Lack Medical Proof
A study of 309 physician-generated videos — all relating to diabetes or cancer — found that two-thirds of them had low, very low, or no evidence to support their health claims.