Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Systems Bolstering Ranks By Offering Loan Repayment For Pledges
Medical providers are employing methods to counter the Trump administration’s rules that make it harder for students to borrow money. Plus, the Joint Associations Group has a counterproposal to Trump’s research overhead cuts.
Missouri Repeals Voter-Approved Paid Sick Leave Provision
Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe signed legislation that lifts the sick leave requirement beginning Aug. 28. Other states making news: Michigan, New Mexico, Texas, and California.
Common Pain Drug Gabapentin Linked To Dementia Diagnoses In Adults
Research shows that patients with six or more prescriptions for gabapentin, commonly used to treat lower back pain, were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment within 10 years of their initial pain diagnosis.
Nearly 1 in 3 US Teens Has Prediabetes, CDC Data Indicate
The estimate, which was previously 1 in 5, is being questioned by scientists who note the absence of a peer-reviewed published paper or raw data, along with the unexplained change in the methodology used to calculate the figures.
FDA Posts 200 Letters Citing Initial Concerns About Approved Drugs
The FDA published a database of letters sent to drugmakers during the review process of medications that provide information on the agency’s initial feedback or requirements for more data. These communications are not usually made public.
Ballooning Deficit Caused By Trump’s Megabill Could Force Medicare Cuts
Unless Congress — with help from the Democrats — waives PAYGO Act requirements triggered by the legislation Republicans tout as “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Medicare could still see as much as $500 billion in cuts, even though the program was spared in the actual bill. In other fallout from the tax and immigration bill, some Planned Parenthood affiliates stop accepting Medicaid.
First Edition: Friday, July 11, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
Fungal Infections Getting Harder To Treat, More Drug-Resistant: Study
The study looked at infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, which tops the World Health Organization’s list of worrying fungal diseases. Other research news is on an experimental treatment that helped an 8-year-old walk again, robotic surgery on humans, and more.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Opinion writers delve into these public health issues.
Texas Revamps Anti-Abortion Program, Requires Nonprofits To Detail Spending
Thriving Texas Families, a network that supports parenting and adoption as alternatives to abortion and has had little oversight, will take in $100 million a year starting Sept. 1. More news from across the nation comes from Ohio, Minnesota, Maryland, California, and New Jersey.
Pharma Group Calls On Insurers To Maintain Vaccine Coverage, Costs
Following updates by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a coalition of pharmacy organizations has urged insurers to continue to cover vaccines unless there is “clear evidence of harm or a high likelihood of adverse effects.” Also in the news: Ballad Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more.
US Hits Highest Measles Cases Since 2000 Disease Elimination
CDC data indicate 1,288 measles cases have been confirmed so far this year, pushing past the previous high reached in 2019. In other public health news: Texas first responders are experiencing mental health struggles amidst flood searches; a triple-digit heat wave is causing health concerns in California; and more.
RFK Jr. Pushes Off Next Meeting Of HHS’ Preventive Services Committee
In a move that raises questions about its future role and composition, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s office has called off a scheduled meeting of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The panel recommends services that health insurers must cover under the Affordable Care Act.
Children’s Hospitals Sound Alarm Over Megabill’s Medicaid Cuts
Although the law’s cuts weren’t aimed at kids, children’s hospitals may be hard-hit given that a high percentage of their patients, often more than 50%, rely on Medicaid, Modern Healthcare reports.
First Edition: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Usually Harmless Virus May Trigger Parkinson’s Disease, Study Finds
Northwestern Medicine researchers discovered the Human Pegivirus in 50% of Parkinson’s cases they looked at. There is currently no test for the virus, but the study opens up avenues for more research. Other public health news is on autism, Alzheimer’s, prediabetes, and more.
Court Ruling Brings Wisconsin Closer To Banning Conversion Therapy
AP notes that the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling has a broader impact, taking some power away from the Legislature and giving it to the governor’s office. Other news from across the nation comes from California, Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, Louisiana, Texas, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Colorado.
UC Health, Blue Shield Of California Reach Deal, Assuring Access To Care
The deal means tens of thousands of Californians can continue accessing services at in-network rates. Other industry news covers a health care worker strike; a Medicare rating recalculation for Alignment Healthcare; and more.
