Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Friday, April 18, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: What Autism Families Actually Need; Encouraging Results With Stem Cells And Parkinson’s
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Trump Administration May Cut A Third Of HHS’ Discretionary Budget
The Washington Post reports on the release of a preliminary document for the 2026 fiscal year budget, which outlines the plan to reshape federal health agencies. Other news is on NIH staff purges’ effect on minorities; accusations of censorship in the NIH; and more.
Facing Tariffs, Abbott To Invest $500 Million In US Manufacturing Facilities
The facilities will be in Illinois and Texas. The threat of tariffs is affecting nonprofit hospitals, as well, Fierce Healthcare reports. Also in the news: Medicare data on immigrants; President Donald Trump’s trans health care policies; and more.
RFK Jr. Leans Into ‘Environmental Toxins’ As Source Of Increased Autism
The HHS chief, who has long argued that vaccines cause autism, dismissed the notion that “better diagnoses, better recognition, or changing diagnostic criteria” are driving up figures. Also, the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel has recommended that the RSV shot be available to adults 50 and older.
ACA Case At Supreme Court Next Week Likely To Profoundly Affect Health Care
Justices on Monday will hear arguments in the case of Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, which questions whether the structure of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force — which makes recommendations for preventive services that nearly all private insurances must cover without cost-sharing — violates the U.S. Constitution’s Appointments Clause.
FDA Directs Knockoff Weight Loss Drugmakers To Halt Operations
Patients will lose access to cheaper versions of the blockbuster drugs after the agency shuts down the multibillion-dollar industry now that the drug shortage has ended. Also in the news: Eli Lilly’s weight loss pill, a Semler Scientific settlement, breast cancer AI, and more.
Arkansas Companies Now Must Choose Between PBMs And Pharmacies
In an attempt to eliminate conflicts of interest and drug price hikes, the first-in-the-nation law will prohibit pharmacy benefit managers from operating pharmacies. More news comes out of California, Missouri, Michigan, and Texas.
First Edition: Thursday, April 17, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Confusion Over PACT Act Has Led To $6.8M In Improper Disability Claims
In a report released Tuesday, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ internal watchdog found the wrong “effective date” on about 26,000 claims, resulting in overpayment by the government, Military.com reported. In other administration news: President Trump threatens to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, but it’s up to the IRS.
The newest CDC data show that 1 in 31 children — specifically 8-year-olds — were on the autism spectrum in 2022. That’s up from 1 in 36 in 2020. In other public health news: Paper receipts from major U.S. retailers have high levels of toxic chemicals.
Bankrupt Crozer Health Begins Employee Layoffs As Closure Looms
The search for a buyer for the Pennsylvania health system is still underway. Also in the news, Ascension Health, Community Health System, Mass General Brigham, MedStar Health, and more.
Number Of Abortions In Florida Fell More Than Any Other State In 2024
The study shows a significant decrease in clinical abortions after the six-week ban was enacted. Virginia — the closest state to Florida providing abortions after six weeks and without a waiting period — saw an increase in abortions over the same time period.
Trump Issues Order Aimed At Medicare Drug Price Talks, Hospital Payments
As Stat reports, though, much of President Donald Trump’s executive order would need further rulemaking or other actions to have any effect. Other Medicare news is on anti-obesity drugs, Humana, Cone Health, and more.
At Meeting, Vaccine Advisers Discuss Disease Data, Need For Measles Shots
Public health professionals were encouraged by the business-as-usual meeting, but it’s uncertain what the talks means for vaccine policy more broadly, Stat reports. Also Tuesday, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. indicated he intends to change the vaccine injury reporting system, and he criticized the measles vaccine as well as “perverse incentives” in the medical system.
CDC Might Switch To Risk-Based Recommendation For Yearly Covid Shot
Under the proposed guidance, Americans 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions — and possibly “anyone wanting protection from covid-19” — would receive an annual shot or two. Separately, health officials fear many measles cases aren’t being reported.
First Edition: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.