Latest KFF Health News Stories
NIH Scours Papers Tied To ‘Fighting Misinformation Or Disinformation’
Staffers were given hours Wednesday to identify contracts and grants that directed “people to believe one idea over another related to health outcomes.” The initiative came as no surprise to public health researchers, Stat reports. Meanwhile, the National Institutes of Health let go of another top director.
Health Insurers Received Double Payment For Some Medicaid Patients
Insurers collected at least $4.3 billion over three years for patients who were enrolled in two states at once, in many cases after moving from one state to the other, according to an analysis by The Wall Street Journal. Other news is on the House budget, a federal ban on “ghost guns,” and more.
Prosecutors Object To Notes Slipped To Suspect In UnitedHealthcare Shooting
It’s not clear whether Luigi Mangione read the heart-shaped messages that told him: “Know there are thousands of people wishing you luck.” He is awaiting trial in the slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Meanwhile, the FBI has found no credible terrorist threat directed at hospitals.
US Could Lose Measles ‘Elimination Status’ Faster Than Thought
A study suggests that the vaccination rate of kids in the United States is lower than previously reported by the CDC. The author argues that the pandemic may have exacerbated vaccine hesitancy and lack of access to the MMR vaccine.
First Edition: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Exits Of 5 High-Level Officials Are Latest Moves To Rock CDC
With these new departures — described as retirements — it means close to a third of the CDC’s top management is leaving or has left recently. In other news from the agency, $11 billion in covid funding sent to state health departments is being clawed back.
Facing Funding Gap, New York’s Child Care Voucher Program May Soon Cave
The city’s Administration for Children’s Services subsidizes more than 60,000 vouchers, but The New York Times reports the “lifeline” program may begin disappearing within weeks if it’s not funded. Other news from around the nation comes from Florida, New Hampshire, California, Montana, Connecticut, Wyoming, and Kentucky.
Mayo Clinic Cuts Off Some 9/11 Cancer Patients In Exit Of Federal Program
Two 9/11 responders with cancer who are patients of Mayo cancer facilities have been alerted that The Mayo Clinic is exiting a federal program that covers their care. CDC and its National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which oversees the 9/11 health program, are looking into it, a spokesperson tells Modern Healthcare.
FDA Approves New Antibiotic To Fight Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs affect about half of all women, with about 30% suffering from recurring UTIs as the bacteria becomes more resistant to available antibiotics. Other research is on robot-assisted prostatectomies and erectile function; the link between marriage and dementia; and more.
Difficulty Deleting Genetic Data From 23AndMe Has Been Resolved
A 23AndMe spokesperson told Bloomberg that the website delays were due to heavy site traffic. This comes in the wake of the company’s weekend bankruptcy filing. In other news: McCormick begins reformulating products to remove dyes; Fluoride has been eliminated from the drinking water in some rural areas already short on dentists; and more.
Health Systems Grapple As Measles Cases Spread Beyond Outbreak States
As isolated reports of measles spread beyond the Texas-centric hotspot, health officials gear up for new cases while others report an uptick in vaccinations. In West Texas, where cases top 327, some patients have found a vitamin A “remedy” supported by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. can leave them more sick.
Senate Finance Committee Clears Dr. Oz To Run Medicare, Medicaid
Dr. Mehmet Oz will face a full Senate confirmation vote to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In other Senate news, Dr. Martin A. Makary has been confirmed as the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya will be the director of the National Institutes of Health.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
First Edition: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Bayer Directed To Pay Cancer Patient Nearly $2.1 Billion In Roundup Case
A Georgia man maintains two decades of using the weedkiller caused his cancer. Also in the news: prostate cancer, breast cancer, and cancer research funding cuts.
More Health Care Leaders Plan To Leave Jobs This Year, Survey Shows
The number of people in leadership positions willing to leave within the next 12 months rose by five percentage points when compared with last year’s figures. Other industry news includes management cuts at Yale New Haven Health; health systems responding to anti-DEI efforts; and more.
Tennessee Logs First Measles Case Of 2025
It is unclear how the person was exposed to the virus, officials say. Meanwhile, experts warn air travel may lead to more imported cases. Other news is on dengue fever outbreaks in popular spring break destinations; New York City’s mental health programs; and more.
West Virginia Becomes First State To Ban Virtually All Artificial Food Dyes
Although the legislation will go into effect in 2028, school meals will not be allowed to have the dyes beginning in August. In other news: HHS Chief RFK Jr. lays out his plan to ensure the safety of baby formula; soda companies push to remain covered by food stamps; and more.
Acting Chief Susan Monarez, Who Is Not A Physician, Tapped To Lead CDC
The biosecurity expert has degrees in microbiology and previously served as deputy director of ARPA-H. For the first time, the post will require Senate confirmation, following a law change in 2022.