Latest KFF Health News Stories
14 Psychiatric Disorders Have Genetic Similarities, Large Study Finds
The new study suggests that many disorders may not need to be treated as distinct illnesses, as they involve similar genes. Scientists believe this could lead to better treatment for millions of psychiatric patients. Other news discusses Lyme disease, measles, avian flu, and more.
NY Hospitals Woo Replacement Nurses With $9,000-A-Week Pay During Strike
As the New York City nurses’ strike enters its fifth day, Continuum Health Center is offering to pay travel nurses nearly three times the average salary typically offered by New York hospitals. As of Thursday evening, only one of the three hospital systems affected by the walkout has returned to the negotiating table, but no resolution has been reached.
Viewpoints: Debunking The Most Stubborn Vaccine Myths; ChatGPT Shouldn’t Lead AI Health Care
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
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 psilocybin, bigorexia, eating disorders, the stigma of HIV in dating, and a new autistic Barbie.
HHS Studying Cellphone Effects On Health — After Deleting Data On Safety
“The FDA removed webpages with old conclusions about cellphone radiation while HHS undertakes a study on electromagnetic radiation and health research,” HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon said. Plus, the updated dietary guidelines are drawing scrutiny.
Democrats Threaten Federal Shutdown Over ICE Raids, Minnesota Shooting
The Hill reported that Democratic lawmakers in both houses of Congress are vowing to oppose funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless the legislation includes tougher rules governing the conduct of ICE officers. The deadline for the next shutdown is Jan. 30.
ACA Enrollment Ends In Most States; Dems Push To Keep No-Premium Plans
Republicans argue that zero-dollar premiums invite fraud, while Democrats warn that higher premiums will lead lower-income enrollees to drop coverage.
Trump’s ‘Great Healthcare Plan’ Skirts Issue Of Skyrocketing Obamacare Costs
The president’s initiative, which would need a nod from Congress, does not include estimates of what the plan would cost or save the federal government. Experts noted the plan does not help people facing higher ACA premiums or help people with preexisting conditions.
First Edition: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: The First Edition will not be published Monday in observance of MLK Day. Look for it again in your inbox Tuesday.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
US Sees Roughly 21% Decline In Drug Overdose Deaths, CDC Data Reveal
All but five states — Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii, Kansas, and North Dakota — reported fewer fatal outcomes tied to drug overdoses from August 2024 to August 2025, data indicate. Other lifestyle and wellness news looks at social media use among children, text-to-therapy tech, recalls, and more.
States, Congress, Industry Are Split On What To Do About Silica Dust Deaths
In a push to prevent countertop cutters’ deaths, California is discussing whether to ban the cutting of so-called engineered stone, quartz, which emits the lung-damaging dust when cut. But at least one manufacturer says there is a way that quartz “can be fabricated safely.” Meanwhile, Republicans in Washington are discussing a bill that would ban workers from suing the makers of the slabs.
Organ Donations Fall For First Time In Years As Health Care Mistrust Grows
The vast majority of people on transplant waiting lists need a kidney, AP reported. An analysis of federal data found that 116 fewer kidney transplants were performed in 2025 than the year before. The decrease would have been even larger, experts said, were it not for an increase last year in the number of transplants from healthy, living donors.
Kaiser Permanente Settles Lawsuits Over Fraud, Data-Sharing Allegations
Affiliates of the California-based health care provider have agreed to pay $556 million to settle claims that KP bilked Medicare by bumping up diagnoses to reap more reimbursements. Plus: The United States spent $5.28 trillion on health care in 2024, a CMS report shows.
GOP Senators Seek FDA Review Over Telehealth Dispensing Of Mifepristone
The Senate health committee convened Wednesday to discuss the safety of telehealth prescribing of the abortion pill. Also: Senate negotiations on expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies might get derailed over abortion disagreements.
School Cafeterias Now Allowed To Offer Whole Milk, 2%, And Nondairy Options
The newly signed bill reverses an Obama-era provision aimed at reducing children’s consumption of saturated fats to slow obesity and boost health. The change could take effect as soon as this fall. Other news looks at HHS’ reversal of its funding cuts for mental health and addiction.
First Edition: Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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.
