Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Health Records System Epic Launches Lawsuit Over Illegally Accessed Files
The lawsuit alleges fraud and breach of contract by health information network Health Gorilla and its customers over improperly accessing nearly 300,000 patient records managed by Epic. Plus: The second day of the New York City nursing strike sees no negotiations; providers are flummoxed by CMS’ new payment models; and more.
RFK Jr. Adds, Removes Vaccine Advisers
The Health and Human Services secretary has appointed to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices two doctors with histories of publicly questioning the safety of vaccines. HHS also told a member of the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccinations that her term is ending early.
On Eve Of Sign-Up Deadline, Deal To Extend ACA Subsidies Looks Unlikely
In most states, tomorrow is the deadline to enroll in an Obamacare plan, although a handful of states have delayed it until later in January. Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio told The Hill that the issue of abortion funding remains the main sticking point.
Trump Administration Reinstates Hundreds Of NIOSH Employees
Bloomberg reports that employees of the agency — which conducts and supports research on workplace safety and health — were informed that their layoff notices were “hereby revoked.” Other administration news is on Planned Parenthood funding, the continuing wake of USAID, and more.
Missouri Supreme Court Permits Ban On Gender-Affirming Care For Minors
Parents do not have a right to secure treatment for a child that “the state legislature deems inappropriate for minors,” the court ruled. The ban, known as the SAFE Act, is set to expire in 2027. Also in the news: New York, West Virginia, Idaho, Minnesota, Louisiana, and Connecticut.
Thanks To New Treatments, 7 In 10 Cancer Patients Survive Over 5 Years
The milestone was reported Tuesday in a report from the American Cancer Society. The report estimated 4.8 million cancer deaths were prevented from 1991 to 2023, and many cancers have gone from death sentences to chronic diseases.
First Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
New Way To Fight Alzheimer’s Uses Protein Found In Garlic
Johns Hopkins is exploring an Alzheimer’s treatment that focuses on increasing hydrogen sulfide production at the cellular level. Meanwhile, researchers at Brown University have discovered a noninvasive way to predict the likelihood of people with mild cognitive impairment developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Science, Not Politics, Guided FDA’s Decisions On Abortion Pill: Analysis
One noted exception to the finding that agency leaders largely adhered to the evidence-based recommendations of scientists happened during the first Trump term, while covid restrictions were in place, when agency brass declined to lift a required in-person visit to acquire mifepristone.
UnitedHealth’s Extreme Tactics Upped Medicare Payouts, Senate Inquiry Finds
The Senate report does not accuse UnitedHealth of wrongdoing, but it describes in detail how the company used artificial intelligence and other data-mining techniques to scan patient medical records for new diagnoses and “appears to use all of these mechanisms to the utmost degree.” A UnitedHealth spokesman said the company disagreed with the Senate report’s characterizations.
More Than 230 Groups Demand That Congress Investigate Vaccine Overhaul
The letter from medical groups and public health organizations urged lawmakers to prove “why the schedule was changed, why credible scientific evidence was ignored, and why the committee charged with advising the HHS secretary on immunizations did not discuss the schedule changes as a part of their public meeting process.”
AbbVie Secures Tariff Exemption With Deal To Lower Drug Costs, Invest In US
AbbVie has pledged to put $100 billion toward research, development, and capital investments. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is the only one of 17 drugmakers that hasn’t reached a deal with the government to avoid tariffs. Other news looks at FDA vouchers, ACA enrollment, and more.
American Academy Of Pediatrics Wins Back $12 Million In Grants — For Now
The Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to cut off funding to the group was likely retaliatory in nature, a federal judge ruled. The grants will be restored while the academy’s lawsuit plays out in court. Also, the Trevor Project receives a $45 million lifeline.
First Edition: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Courts, Congress Thwarting Trump’s Cuts On Safety Net Programs, Science
A federal judge suspended the administration’s block on federal aid to five Democratic states while their lawsuit winds through the courts. Meanwhile, lawmakers are working together to advance legislation to rescind funding cuts for scientific research. Plus, news outlets unpack health guidance.
Results From Study On Pulse Oximeters And Skin Tone Add To Confusion
The long-awaited study, which was commissioned by the FDA in hopes of reducing racial bias, found results that contradict past research findings, leaving clinicians confused. Also: FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s effort to speed drug reviews faces scrutiny; researchers look to LSD as an anxiety treatment; and more.
Missouri Abortion Restrictions Face Trial in High-Profile Case
Over a year ago, Planned Parenthood sued to overturn Missouri’s abortion ban, stating the restrictions were unconstitutional. Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang will hear the case this week.