Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Brain-Implantable Device Companies Vie For FDA Approval

Morning Briefing

Paradromics’ Brain-Computer Interface has been tested briefly in a patient with epilepsy. Neuralink, Precision Neuroscience, and Synchron also have devices in the works. Other news looks at a combination drug to treat extensive-stage small cell lung cancer; the MIND diet to protect against Alzheimer’s; and more.

FBI Solicits Info On Those Providing Gender-Affirming Care For Minors

Morning Briefing

Meanwhile, other news reports focus on the difficulty faced by veterans in getting mental health care outside the VA; a GAO report on how the NIH tracks unused funds; the FDA’s launch of an AI tool agencywide; and more.

Republicans Are Quietly Working To Undermine Key Parts Of Obamacare

Morning Briefing

They’re avoiding the “repeal-and-replace” branding that riled up opponents last time around, but congressional Republicans are looking to make changes to the Affordable Care Act that could leave 10.7 million fewer people with health insurance, The Washington Post reports.

Health Experts Warn Proposed Budget Cuts Will Unravel Decades Of Progress

Morning Briefing

MedPage Today and Fierce Healthcare examine the Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal, released Friday. Proposed funding cuts will affect public health programs, research initiatives, cancer, HIV, hepatitis, and more.

Doctors Find Good Diet, Exercise Can Help Patients In Cancer Treatment

Morning Briefing

It might sound basic, but data shows that focusing on healthy food and structured exercise might help patients with cancer live longer or respond to therapy. Other cancer news reports on immunotherapy, faltering drugs, liquid biopsies, and more.

Johnson Says People Will Only Lose Medicaid If ‘They Choose To Do So’

Morning Briefing

House Speaker Mike Johnson defends the House tax bill changes to Medicaid as “common sense,” while the OMB director says the White House is working with Senate Republicans on a version of the legislation.

New Report Shows The True Cost Of Violence In Hospitals

Morning Briefing

In 2023, providers spent $18.3 billion to prevent and prepare for violence and its fallout, according to estimates from the University of Washington. Other news is on the rise of “femtech;” staff cuts at Hims & Hers Health; and more.

Minnesota’s Pioneering Youth Mental Health Corps In Danger Of DOGE Cuts

Morning Briefing

Despite seeing positive results, the program could be at risk after DOGE slashed national grant funding for AmeriCorps. Other states making news include Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and California.

CDC Reports Measles Cases Are Nearing 1,100 As It Extends Air Travel Warning

Morning Briefing

The CDC has received reports of at least 62 travelers who were contagious while flying. Other news covers a salmonella outbreak, objections to a clause in the Natural Death Act law in Kansas, a challenge to Kentucky’s abortion ban dropped, and more.

CDC Keeps Covid Shot Option Available For Healthy Children

Morning Briefing

The government abruptly reversed course after stating covid vaccines would no longer be recommended for healthy young ones. Now, caregivers will need to discuss inoculations with doctors in a “shared decision-making.” Also, Moderna gets FDA approval for its low-dose covid vaccine.

Doctors Warn New Covid Strain Could Cause Surge Due To Waning Immunity

Morning Briefing

Also, a study shows that receiving the covid vaccine provides long-term protection and does not inhibit immune response to other variants. Additional coverage is on measles, climate change’s effect on health, food safety, and more.

Doctors Working In Private Practice At Lowest Level Since 2012, Survey Finds

Morning Briefing

Health care industry news also covers American doctors moving to Canada; Penn Medicine’s pause on gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 19; Cleveland Clinic’s pivot on its “pay now” copay policy; and more.

With PBM Law Set For 2026, Express Scripts And CVS Health Sue Arkansas

Morning Briefing

The companies contend the law will close pharmacies, confuse residents, and raise drug prices, among other effects. Other news from around the nation comes from Colorado, Texas, Connecticut, Iowa, Louisiana, and Florida.