Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA OKs Pig Organ Transplant Studies For Those With Kidney Failure
The organs will come from genetically modified pigs in the hopes of helping the thousands of Americans waiting for transplants. Also in the news: the world’s smallest heart pump, nanoplastics in the brain, rising lung cancer diagnoses, and more.
Rubio Takes The Helm At USAID In Apparent State Department Takeover
As Democrats and public health leaders denounce the White House’s moves against the humanitarian agency, one senator vows to stall State Department nominees until the attack ends. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s tariffs on China went into effect today.
Some CDC Webpages Reinstated, But Not All Health Care Info Is Back
News outlets report on the purge of DEI content from health and science agencies after Trump’s executive order last week. Meanwhile, the EPA is planning to sideline career staffers overseeing scientific research and public health matters and replace them with political appointees.
Democratic Senators Urge RFK Jr. To Avoid Vaccine Decisions If Confirmed
Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Ron Wyden of Oregon are concerned his family could benefit from anti-vaccine litigation, Bloomberg reported.
Cigna Makes Plans To Link Executive Pay With Customer Satisfaction
The move comes amid a public outcry over the health insurance industry’s denials of care and the slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Other news is on antisemitism investigations at four medical schools; an acquisition of Texas nursing homes; Molina Healthcare; Baxter; and more.
First Edition: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Tax Cuts Would Have A Negative Impact On Our Health
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Lawmakers Unveil New Bipartisan Bill To Boost Medicare Doctors’ Pay
At the end of last year, CMS proposed a cut to Medicare physician reimbursements by 2.9% for 2025, but the new bill would boost physician pay by 6.6% retroactive to the beginning of the year. Other news covers Colorado School of Medicine unionization; public health workforce shortages; and more.
NYC Hospital Reportedly Cancels Kids’ Gender Treatments After Trump Order
NYU Langone Health has not made any announcements, The New York Times reported, but the dad of one of the children said a doctor told him that the hospital could not do the procedure because of “the new administration.” Other news is from Wyoming, Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, and elsewhere.
44 States See High Flu Activity Level; Pediatric Deaths Reach 47 This Season
Also: It’s been five years since covid-19 was declared a public health emergency by the United States, yet it continues to take thousands of lives. Separately, H5N1 avian flu, the Uganda Ebola outbreak, gluten-free ultra-processed foods, and more are in the news.
Trump’s Tariffs Could Bump Up Costs For Health Care-Related Items
Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and personal protective equipment such as gowns and gloves could be affected by tariffs, which the president has said will stay in place “until those countries stop the flow of fentanyl and undocumented immigrants into the United States,” Stat reports.
More Public Health Webpages Are Scrubbed, Federal Databases Removed
Sites pertaining to HIV, reproductive care, and gender identity are among the areas up for review as the administration seeks to purge certain language from government reports. Meanwhile, health organizations around the world are reeling after the White House halted humanitarian aid.
Dems Tap Brakes On RFK Jr.’s HHS Nomination; Panel Preps Tuesday Vote
The Cabinet nominee is revising his ethics form and divesting his financial stake in vaccine litigation, but concerns linger, and Senate Democrats would like time to review the matter. Meanwhile, AP raises questions over the credibility of a letter in support of Kennedy.
Louisiana Indicts NY Doctor Over Telemedicine Abortion Shield Law
Dr. Margaret Carpenter is accused of providing abortion pills to a resident of Louisiana, which has a near-total ban on the procedure. Health care providers in states with shield laws have been sending thousands of abortion pills per month to states with abortion restrictions, The New York Times says.
First Edition: Monday, Feb. 3, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
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 drug trials, cancer, Alzheimer’s, polar bears, and more.
FDA Green Lights New, Nonaddictive Pain Pill Journavx — But It’s Pricey
The drug, known as suzetrigine, is the first new painkiller approved in the U.S. since 1998. It can be used to relieve pain after surgery or injury, and some researchers say it might be the start of a new generation of painkillers. However, each pill costs $15.50.
Law Banning Gun Sales To Americans 18 To 20 Ruled Unconstitutional
An appeals court determined that the federal law requiring adults to be 21 or older to purchase firearms went against the Second Amendment. Meanwhile, gun violence researchers sound warning bells as the Office of Gun Violence Prevention is emptied and the safety board created to prevent school shootings is disbanded by the Trump administration.
Biden’s Parting Panacea: 8 Members Added To Vaccine Advisory Panel
The Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices reviews the safety and efficacy data of proposed vaccines and those already in use. The appointments, however, are at-will.