Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Herbal Supplement Recalled After Tests Find Erectile Dysfunction Drug In It

Morning Briefing

A product named “Volume” from Primal Supplements Group has been pulled off the shelves after it was found to contain sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. The ingredient was not listed on the supplement’s label.

Eye Doctor Tapped As EPA Adviser, Despite No Air Pollution Expertise

Morning Briefing

For 50 years, the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee that counsels the EPA’s leadership on scientific evidence about pollutants has filled the obligatory physician’s seat with pulmonologists or cardiologists. Now the role will be filled by an ophthalmologist and political commentator.

Michigan MedTech Maker Falls Victim To Suspected Iran-Linked Hackers

Morning Briefing

Wednesday morning’s cyberattack targeted Stryker’s Microsoft programs across the globe. The company said it thinks the attack has been contained. Plus, news outlets look at how artificial intelligence is being used in the health sector.

For First Time In A Decade, LA County Sees Drop In Homeless Mortality Rate

Morning Briefing

The county saw a 10% decrease in the rate of homeless deaths from all causes in 2024, driven by a sharp decrease in overdose deaths. Public health officials credit the wide availability of naloxone but worry that a decrease in funding over the past year may reverse the positive trends.

Vaccine Panel To Weigh Which Strains Should Comprise This Fall’s Flu Shots

Morning Briefing

The gathering of the pared-down Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee — whose members all have expertise in infectious diseases, immunology, or global health and genetics — is seen as a good sign, public health advocates say.

1 In 3 Americans Has Cut Back Daily Spending To Pay For Health Care

Morning Briefing

Two new Gallup polls also found that roughly half of middle-income households reported delaying a major life event in order to afford health care costs. Meanwhile, food stamp recipients are suing the Agriculture Department over sugary drink bans.

Trump Admin Aims To Move Hundreds Of Veterans Into Guardianship

Morning Briefing

Under the new effort, the Justice Department would give Veterans Affairs officials authority to initiate guardianship proceedings in state courts for veterans who lack family and are “unable to make their own health care decisions,” including some veterans who are homeless or “at risk of homelessness.”

Seeking Fresh Start From Its Troubles, Cassava Changes Its Name To Filana

Morning Briefing

As FiercePharma explains, the company is attempting to rebrand itself in the wake of a Justice Department investigation, a class-action lawsuit, and a failed attempt at treating Alzheimer’s. Plus: The FDA says Novo failed to report suspected incidents of GLP-1 side effects, as required by law.

Study: New Blood Test May Forecast Women’s Dementia Risk 25 Years Early

Morning Briefing

Researchers looked at levels of p-tau217 among women with no signs of cognitive issues and found that those with higher levels were “much more likely” to develop dementia. Also: Psilocybin might be better at helping smokers quit than nicotine patches, researchers say.

Vaccine Advisers Have Abandoned Plan To Rethink Covid Vaccine, Sources Say

Morning Briefing

The Washington Post, citing two people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity, reported that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has dropped its questioning of covid shots’ safety amid Republicans’ fears that more changes to vaccine policy could hurt the party in the midterm elections.

FDA OKs Leucovorin For Neurological Disorder, But Not As Autism Treatment

Morning Briefing

The Trump administration has touted the synthetic vitamin B9 as a way to treat autism, but there is insufficient data to support the drug’s use for it, an FDA official said. The new approval is for the treatment of cerebral folate deficiency.

Alleged Medicare Overpayments Cost Seniors $13.4B In Premium Increases

Morning Briefing

The Joint Economic Committee found that last year, the average American senior’s Medicare premiums were about 10% higher, or more than $200 annually, because of the alleged overpayments. Also: a CBS News analysis of alleged fraud among hospices in Los Angeles.

Florida Senate Votes To Restore Access To AIDS Drug Assistance Program

Morning Briefing

The legislation includes $31 million to reinstate eligibility to thousands of people who lost coverage March 1 in the wake of a $120 million budget shortfall caused by federal funding cuts, WUSF reported. Separately, Missouri lawmakers have cleared the way for pregnant people to get a divorce.