Latest KFF Health News Stories
Makers Of Lyme Disease Vaccine Say It Has 70% Efficacy, Will Seek FDA’s OK
There are currently no Lyme disease vaccines approved for people; a previous vaccine from 1998 was pulled from the market after reports of adverse events and poor sales, The Washington Post reported. Plus: Leaders of Jehovah’s Witnesses announced Friday that they will allow church members to receive blood transfusions — with one caveat.
First Edition: Monday, March 23, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on ICE detention, pacemakers, Candy Land, and more.
Using A Weight Loss Drug? Get Ready For A Wave Of New Options
About 10 weeks after the FDA approved a groundbreaking weight loss pill, federal regulators are now reviewing a second pill, CNN says. Meanwhile, the FDA says yes to a higher-dose Wegovy shot; results from Eli Lilly’s newest medication show it reportedly helped diabetic patients lose more weight than any drug on the market; and Ozempic and Wegovy are going generic in Canada, India, and China.
Type 1 Diabetes Tied To Higher Dementia Risk As Patients Live Longer
Plus: A study found that higher meat intake was tied to better cognitive outcomes in people with a certain genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease, MedPage Today reported.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
9% Of ACA Marketplace Enrollees Drop Coverage, Cite Rising Health Care Costs
In a KFF poll, 80% of respondents said that all health care costs are higher than last year, and 55% said they will have to reduce spending on food and basic household expenses to afford care. Meanwhile, 9% have had to drop coverage altogether and are now uninsured.
RFK Jr. Improperly Reshaped US Policy On Trans Health Care, Judge Rules
The judge agreed with states that the government didn’t follow long-standing procedures when it altered policy, noting, “The notion that ‘I will go forward and issue a declaration and see if we can get away with it’ is not a principle of governance.” Plus, the uncertainty of ACIP.
Georgia Woman, Suspected Of Taking Abortion Pill, Is Charged With Murder
Georgia bans abortion after embryonic cardiac activity can be detected, usually about six weeks into a pregnancy. Medical records estimated the woman had been pregnant for 22 to 24 weeks, AP reported. Plus: Mississippi and Ohio lawmakers weigh abortion restrictions; Wyoming and Massachusetts note patient counts at clinics; and more.
Fluoride Bans Will Increase Cavities In Kids, Medicaid Costs By Millions: Study
The data analysis by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health shows that a significant increase in kids’ cavities could raise Medicaid costs by over $40 million within three years. Florida banned community water fluoridation last year and is seeing an additional 52,131 children needing dental care. Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, and Oklahoma are all working on legislation to ban it or make it optional.
First Edition: Friday, March 20, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Menopause Before 40 Leads To 40% Higher Risk Of Heart Attacks: Study
The study shows that women who undergo premature menopause have a higher risk of fatal and nonfatal heart attacks. Black women were found to be three times as likely as white women to experience premature menopause.
Wisconsin Expands Postpartum Medicaid Coverage To 12 Months
The expanded coverage for new moms will begin July 1. Plus, looks at health care proposals that leaders and lawmakers are considering in Maine, Delaware, and Maryland.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Senate Dems Unveil Framework To Try To Make Health Insurance Affordable
The three goals of the Democrats’ plan, Stat reports, are to make insurance affordable, make it simple, and end “corporate greed.” Meanwhile, a new survey finds that almost 1 in 10 Americans who had ACA plans last year dropped health insurance entirely, after federal subsidies expired and costs spiked.
363 Pregnant, Postpartum Immigrants Deported In 13 Months Of Crackdown
The 19th breaks down the data from the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration from January 1, 2025, through Feb. 16, 2026, noting an uptick from previous years of immigrants who were deported. It also offers a picture of what is happening with prenatal care in immigration facilities.
Covid Killed 155,000 More Americans In 2020-21 Than Thought, Study Finds
Scientists dug into the death certificates of people who died of the virus in hospitals and compared the symptomology with those who died outside of care. They estimate the U.S. death toll was undercounted by 16%. Plus, “medical freedom” is putting public health at risk.
Medicare Issues Nationwide Enrollment Moratorium On New Medical Suppliers
As part of an ongoing Texas Medicare fraud case, the federal government has imposed a six‑month nationwide block for most new medical supply companies to prevent high‑risk suppliers from entering the system. Plus: AI delays care for some seniors; Stryker cyberattack disrupts surgery schedule; and more.
First Edition: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.