Latest KFF Health News Stories
Key West Hospital Searches For New Company To Run It Starting In 2029
Three hospital operators are vying to take over the Lower Keys Medical Center lease in Florida. Other news from around the nation is on Medicaid in New York, sperm donors in Colorado, midwives in Maine, maternal deaths in Texas, and prison health care costs in North Carolina.
Scientists Correct Disease-Causing DNA Mutation Using Targeted Gene Therapy
In a small study, the errant gene was targeted by a single infusion, which returned the mutated gene to normal. Other science news is on double neural bypass to restore feeling to people with paralysis; hormone replacement therapy on the rise thanks to weight loss drugs; and more.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Feds Plan To Limit ACA Enrollment Window, End ‘Dreamer’ Coverage
The Trump administration says changes to Obamacare are intended to streamline the process, but policy experts warn they will create more red tape for consumers and lead to enrollment declines.
Amid Growing Measles Outbreak, RFK Jr. Touts Unconventional Theories
The New York Times examines the full Fox News interview with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., during which he offered unscientific information about prevention and treatment.
Food Safety Fears Emerge As Two Federal Committees Get Disbanded
The panels, axed as part of cost-cutting initiatives, included experts from academia, industry, and nonprofits who were tasked with advising policymakers on food safety. Also, the USDA has halted two programs that gave schools, food banks, and child care facilities money to buy from local farmers.
Rubio: 83% Of USAID Programs Cut, The Rest Now Under State Department
AP reports that hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement about the completion of the purge, a federal judge ruled that the White House had overstepped and could not sit on the billions of dollars appropriated by Congress for foreign aid. Also in the news: Elon Musk eyes Social Security, DOGE impacts veterans, a single mom navigates inflation, and more.
FTC Suing To Block Private Equity Acquisition Of Catheter Coatings Maker
The move could signal the beginning of increased regulatory scrutiny of private equity deals. Also in the news, a medical helicopter crash in Mississippi kills all aboard; Mass General Brigham begins second round of layoffs; “medical gaslighting” is a real concern for patients; and more.
First Edition: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinions writers share their thoughts on these public health issues.
CDC’s Good News And Bad News: Fewer People Smoke, But More Are Vaping
Trends show that the number of Americans who inhale vapes has outpaced the number who prefer cigarettes. A separate study found that e-cigarette use increased among young adults over time. More news is about elder abuse, IVF mix-ups, and suicide intervention efforts.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on pain tolerance, nutrition, organ transplants, mental health, and more.
RFK Jr. Plans Talks With Heads Of Major Food Companies
The discussions, scheduled for today, will be the first sit-down meeting between the HHS chief and the companies he has claimed are harming Americans, Politico reports. Also making news: junk food removal from SNAP could have unintended consequences; MAHA targets school lunches; and more.
HHS Employees Receive Buyout Offer As Agency Looks To Shrink Workforce
Workers who seek voluntary separation could receive up to $25,000. The 80,000 federal workers extended the offer include folks from the CDC, the FDA, and the NIH. They have until Friday to decide. More news is on funding cuts, VA staff cuts, and more.
In Blow To Some Republicans, Funding Bill Allows For Medicare Doc Pay Cuts
Politico reports that a measure that was skipped in the funding bill would have prevented further cuts to the salaries of doctors providing Medicare services. Also in the news: a call for changes in the Medicare enrollment system; the impact of potential Medicaid cuts on rural hospitals; and more.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Keeps Crozer Health System Open For Now
Along with Crozer’s parent company, Prospect Medical Holdings, an agreement was reached to keep the health system open as they work to find a “long-term solution.” Also in the news: Mission Hospital, Cano Health, VillageMD, and more.
Despite Being Debunked, CDC Will Reinvestigate Vaccine, Autism Link
Under the direction of HHS head Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the CDC will reinvestigate vaccine data. In other news, the CDC announced a new tool to identify conflicts of interest; GOP lawmakers introduce legislation to ban mRNA vaccines; and the latest on the measles outbreak.
First Edition: Monday, March 10, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Shutdown Looms Over Pennsylvania’s Crozer Health System
The system was removed from its parent company, Prospect Medical Holdings, and placed into receivership last month, but the term is now up. In other news, industry leaders push for obesity care coverage; lawmakers push for better patient data protection; and more.