Latest KFF Health News Stories
FTC To Health Care Employers: Review Your Noncompete Agreements
The Federal Trade Commission sent letters warning large employers and firms to make sure any noncompetes are not overly broad or anticompetitive. Other industry news covers the rising share of doctors who belong to unions, CMS’ Medicare Plan Finder tool, robotic intubation, and more.
Supreme Court Rejects South Carolina’s Plea To Enforce Trans Bathroom Ban
A lower court ruling was left in place, allowing a 14-year-old student to use the school bathroom that best aligned with their gender identity while his lawsuit winds through the courts. The high court determined South Carolina did not meet the standards for obtaining an emergency injunction.
US Has Worst Chronic Disease Death Data Among High-Income Countries
According to a study published Wednesday in The Lancet, the U.S. performed the worst in reducing deaths caused by chronic diseases. Germany wasn’t far behind, while Denmark showed the largest improvement. Also: Insomnia ages the brain; beta-glucan fiber increases weight loss: and more.
Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, And Connecticut Preserve Covid Vax Access
Bucking HHS, several more states issued orders allowing their residents to get shots without a doctor’s prescription. Meanwhile in Oregon, CVS rescinded its policy allowing anyone to get a shot.
Partisan Division Over Gun Control Erupts In US House After Kirk Slaying
Leaders across the political spectrum have decried Wednesday’s fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, at a political event in Utah. But in the House, a moment of silence led to a shouting match, with at least one conservative blaming liberals for the shooting and Democrats demanding that Republicans “pass some gun laws!”
FDNY Honors 39 Who Died This Year From 9/11-Related Illnesses; HHS ‘Chaos’ Delays WTC Health Program
Plus, three more victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were recently identified using DNA. The New York City medical examiner’s office is still working to identify about 1,100 victims.
First Edition: Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Medical Debt Is A Full-On Health Emergency; Ultraprocessed Foods Have Sickened Americans
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
CMS Delays Medicare Advantage Rule Requiring Reminders Of Unused Perks
The agency says it needs time “to address logistical concerns and reevaluate current requirements” regarding a notification policy about unused benefits. Plus, UnitedHealth’s intentions for Medicare Advantage plans.
HHS Report Lays Out Health Priorities For Kids, Omits Biggest Cause Of Death
HHS Chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday released the “Make Our Children Healthy Again” plan, which mentioned several dozen issues that the federal government aims to tackle, such as poor diet, chemical exposures, and excess prescription medications. But the report didn’t mention gun violence, which is the leading cause of death for people younger than 18.
White House Steps Up Enforcement Of Rules For Pharma Ads On TV, Online
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive action to crack down on misleading ads. Separately, 340B Drug Pricing Program spending grew 565% from 2010 to 2021, according to a new report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Also: Novo Nordisk is cutting 9,000 jobs.
CDC Infectious-Disease Data Project Put On Hold Indefinitely
The user-friendly website would have made access to information on numerous diseases readily accessible. Also: Ex-CDC Chief Susan Monarez will testify at a Senate committee hearing on Sept. 17.
US Death Rate Fell 4% In 2024; Covid No Longer A Top 10 Cause, CDC Says
Heart disease and cancer remain the leading causes of death, a report indicates, but overdoses and other unintentional injuries along with suicides ticked up last year. Plus: Another group recommends covid vaccines; HHS officials want to scour health data for ill effects of covid shots; and more.
Wildfire Fighters Will Now Be Provided With Masks For Smoke Protection
The move, which reverses a decades-long ban, comes after a series of articles in The New York Times describing health crises among wildfire fighters. Also in the news: California, Ohio, New York, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, Rhode Island, Maine, Alaska, and elsewhere.
Marijuana Use May Be Linked To Birth Defects, Miscarriages, Study Finds
The study, published Tuesday, links high levels of THC with changes in how eggs mature and a possible increase in chromosome malformations. Plus: a new test for HPV-linked head and neck cancer; brain iron levels linked to cognitive impairments; and more.
First Edition: Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
FDA OKs Trial For Gene-Edited Pig Kidney Transplants
Stat reports that Boston-based eGenesis will likely begin the study early next year, aimed at helping patients with end-stage kidney disease. Other pharma and tech news is on Novartis, Summit Therapeutics, “smart cartilage,” and more.
Shield Laws Likely To Go To High Court As NY Steps Into Texas Abortion Case
As The New York Times explains, shield laws in at least eight states protect health care providers who prescribe abortion pills by telemedicine and send them to patients in states with bans. Other states making news: Louisiana, Texas, Wyoming, South Carolina, Utah, Maine, and others.
Poison Centers See Big Rise In Calls Related To Self-Harm From Preteens
Meanwhile, a data analysis shows that nearly half of people age 15 and older living with diabetes are undiagnosed. Other public health news is on life expectancy, the effect of the pandemic on toddlers, remembering AIDS activist Michael Seltzer, and more.