Latest KFF Health News Stories
More High Schoolers Are Using Nicotine Pouches
Also: Fungus-contaminated marijuana is recalled in Arizona; the FDA is warning against tianeptine, aka “gas station heroin”; coolers are recalled after handles cause finger amputations; and more.
House Republicans Unveil Plan To Cut Medicaid Funding
As Politico reports, states will bear the burden of the plan, which includes new work requirements and curbs states’ ability to levy taxes on providers. The House Energy and Commerce Committee will meet 2 p.m. Tuesday to debate and advance the bill.
FDA OKs New Natural Food Dyes As HHS Aims To Remove Artificial Ones
Meanwhile, Axios reports the FDA is making plans to use AI in its decision-making. Also: President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order to bring down the cost of meds.
Judge Halts Federal Layoffs, Says Congress Must Be Involved
San Francisco Judge Susan Illston, a Clinton appointee, did not order workers to be rehired, however. She said the president can make changes but “must do so with the cooperation of Congress; the Constitution is structured that way.” Plus: more updates on how the cuts have affected health care.
First At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening Test Wins FDA Approval
Teal Health’s test would give an alternative to in-office pap smears. Other pharma and health industry news covers a new CEO at the American Medical Association; robots at Walgreens; a startup from Elizabeth Holmes’ partner; and more.
First Edition: Monday, May 12, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
As House Eases Up On Medicaid Cuts, Trump Tells Congress To Tax The Rich
Meanwhile, the GOP is looking to nix a Trump-backed Medicaid drug-pricing plan, and Democrats are urging cuts to excess spending in Medicare Advantage.
US Infant Mortality Fell In 2024; Vaccines May Have Played A Role
Experts have pointed to RSV vaccine campaigns as a possible reason why. A separate CDC report shows that infant hospitalizations in the 2024-25 respiratory virus season were more than 40% lower than past averages. Also: the uptick in cancer in people under 50; avian flu in cats; and more.
Abu Dhabi Grows Health Care Presence In San Francisco To Lure More Startups
This is part of Abu Dhabi Investment Office’s project to expand its health care cluster in the UAE. Other industry news is on NeueHealth going private; layoffs at New York-Presbyterian Health System; Mass General Brigham’s AI to detect cancer; and more.
Thousands Line Up For Free Care At Mega Health Clinic In St. Louis
The downtown event brought in more than 1,800 providers and served more than 7,000 people. Other states making news include Montana, Hawaii, California, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, New York, and Florida.
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 Pope Leo XIV’s health care stances, measles vaccination efforts, the WHO, ethics in AI, and loneliness.
Senators Grill Pick For HHS Deputy Chief On Vaccines, Transparency, More
At his confirmation hearing, James O’Neill reiterated his pro-vaccine stance and noted he would “commit to prioritizing real transparency and sharing information with Congress and the American public.” Meanwhile, President Trump’s surgeon general pick has rankled the MAGA base.
Anxiety, Fear Keeping Migrants From The Medical Care They Need
Health care professionals worry about the risks posed to immigrants when people forego medical treatment out of fear that ICE will come for them, The New York Times reports. Plus, news about family separations, deportation plans, foreign aid cuts, and more.
First Edition: Friday, May 9, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Missouri Planned Parenthood Ordered To Turn Over Patient Records
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has been investigating the use of gender-affirming care since March 2023. Other news is on mifepristone, sepsis, puberty, and more.
Judge Sides With FDA Over Removing Zepbound From Shortage List
As Stat reports, the federal judge’s ruling means patients will lose access to less-expensive versions of Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug, as well as diabetes treatment Mounjaro, from compounding pharmacies. Also in industry news: Hims & Hers Health, the Lorna Breen Act, medtech innovations, and more.
Michigan Children Under 2 Must Undergo Blood Testing For Lead Levels
The law aims to mitigate health risks caused by lead poisoning. All kids will need to get two tests, at ages 1 and 2. Meanwhile, Milwaukee officials are offering free blood tests after lead was detected in schools.