Latest KFF Health News Stories
Senate Official Halts GOP’s Plan To Make States Share Cost Of SNAP
The Republicans’ megabill became much clearer over the weekend after the Senate parliamentarian — the rules referee — clarified which parts of the bill could stay or had to go. A 10-year moratorium on enforcing state and local AI laws was retained; the moratorium is a condition for receiving billions in federal funds for broadband expansion, a critical need in rural areas lacking telehealth services.
Medical Groups Mobilize As A Check On RFK Jr.’s New Vaccine Advisers
Medical organizations and experts are collaborating on ways to protect vaccine integrity and ensure insurance coverage should ACIP’s recommendations deviate from long-standing public health practice. Plus, a look at the conundrum facing insurance companies.
Despite Healthy Status, Georgia Man Dies Within 30 Days Of ICE Arrest
The Guardian tracks the case of a Mexican-born detainee whose family has raised concerns about the baffling circumstances surrounding the father’s death. Plus, news outlets examine the repercussions of federal funding and research cuts.
Health Insurers Pledge To Trim Prior Authorization Process Over 18 Months
They aren’t ending prior authorization, but they are vowing to take half-a-dozen steps they say will make it less onerous, including setting up a standard electronic request form for doctors and reducing the scope of services for which it is needed, The Washington Post reported.
Once there, they didn’t receive the services they needed because they weren’t adequately screened, and many couldn’t argue for their transfer, disability advocates told The Texas Tribune. The ruling stems from a class-action lawsuit filed in 2010.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on type 1 diabetes, lupus, breast cancer, hearing aids, and more.
White House Shortens ACA Sign-Up Period, Boots Dreamers From Rolls
Also, the administration will scrap “sex-trait modification” as an essential health benefit, require income verifications, and end a monthly special enrollment period for poverty-stricken people.
First Edition: Monday, June 23, 2025
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 coal miners, medical research, Michelle Obama, school nurses, ticks, and more.
Private Equity In Dental Care Hits Snag In NC; Similar Reforms In CT Are A Dud
The legislative proposal in North Carolina would let private equity firms operate dental practices not run by licensed dentists. And in Connecticut, the legislative session has ended without any action on reining in private equity ownership of health care facilities.
Addictive Tech Use Linked To Youth Mental Health Issues, Study Finds
Researchers found that kids with a dependency on their devices — not just screen time — are more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Plus, Chatbot therapy for kids in crisis.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
FDA Green-Lights Gilead Sciences’ Groundbreaking HIV Prevention Drug
A twice-yearly injection of lenacapavir would offer near-complete protection against the virus, clinical date indicate. More pharmaceutical news is about Dupixent, GLP-1 results, and more.
Trump Deals Trans Minors Another Hit, Ends LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Hotline
The Trevor Project hotline, which has specially trained counselors for high-risk groups, will end July 17. Counselors stressed that anyone can still get help by calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Plus: The fallout from this week’s Supreme Court ruling against transgender minors.
CDC Advisers To Discuss MMRV Shots, Thimerosal Preservative In Flu Shots
Next week’s meeting of the ACIP will offer the public a glimpse of the HHS secretary’s hand-picked panel’s approach to vaccines. Meanwhile, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, has requested an investigation into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s dismissal of all ACIP members.
Health Insurance Trade Group AHIP Against Medicaid Bill, Vows To Battle It
At the group’s annual conference, one Medicaid expert said during a panel that the bill doesn’t pass the smell test. “I think there is a difference between how folks on the Hill are thinking about this … and [how] they’re writing it. And to me, that perspective is, ‘Yeah, we want people to lose coverage. That’s how we’re saving money,'” Fierce Healthcare reported.
First Edition: Friday, June 20, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
FDA Unveils Voucher Program In Effort To Speed Up Drug Review Time
A new program will let drug developers who are “aligned with U.S. national priorities” submit a portion of their applications at least two months early, allowing the review process to be shaved from 12 months to possibly one or two. Plus, a push for psychedelics for mental health treatment.
About 5% Of People With Measles Had All Or Some Vaccine Protection
Although data from a recent case has not been disclosed, the CDC reports that of the nearly 3% of other infected people who were fully vaccinated, not one was hospitalized. A double dose of the measles vaccine is 97% effective at preventing the disease.