Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers delve into these public health topics.
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 aging, radiation, mental health, and more.
Hoping To Dodge Trump’s Tariffs, Small Drugmakers Mull Pricing Deals
Smaller pharmaceutical companies that don’t negotiate deals to lower drug costs could see the administration’s latest tariffs — set at 100% — go into effect in 180 days.
Anti-Abortion-Pill Legislation Awaits Signature Of Mississippi Governor
Under this newest bill, anyone who distributes, or intends to distribute, abortion medication could face criminal charges and up to 10 years in prison. Experts worry that criminalization would deter doctors from using these drugs for postpartum hemorrhage and miscarriage care. GOP Gov. Tate Reeves is expected to sign the bill.
8 Arrested Amid Federal Investigation Of Alleged Health Care Fraud In Calif.
The fraud schemes allegedly totaled $50 million in and around Los Angeles. Five of the cases involved hospice services, two involved labor union health care plans, and one was about immigration medical documents.
After 2 Years Of Talks, Allina Health, Doctors Union Reach Tentative Deal
Allina providers unionized in 2023 and have been in negotiations since February 2024. Allina Health is headquartered in Minneapolis. Plus: More people with chronic or unexplainable illnesses are turning to AI for help.
Cicada, The Newest Covid Variant, Is Spreading Mostly Among Children 3-15
An analysis of data from New York City indicates that kids are about five times more likely to be infected by this variant compared with others, CNN reported. Cicada has been detected in 25 states.
HHS To Examine Health Effects Of Tiny Plastic Particles That Leach Into Water
A goal of the program is to find a way to remove microplastics from the human body. The announcement of the $144 million program was made in tandem with an EPA declaration that microplastics, along with pharmaceuticals, will be added to the contaminant candidate list.
First Edition: Friday, April 3, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Newly Tested DNA Confirms Notorious Murderer Ted Bundy Killed Utah Teen
Bundy confessed to killing 30 women and girls before he was executed in Florida’s electric chair in 1989. One of the girls was Laura Ann Aime, 17, of Fairview, Utah, whose body was found in American Fork Canyon on Nov. 27, 1974. Detectives say they now have proof that Bundy killed her.
Health Care Led Job Creation Last Year; Hiring Continued To Rise In March
Meanwhile, Modern Healthcare reports on how people are spending less on health care relative to GDP. This is in part due to technological advances that are creating fewer complications and more procedures moving to outpatient settings, which lowers overhead costs.
FDA Sanctions Eli Lilly’s Easier-To-Use GLP-1 Weight Loss Pill Foundayo
Unlike Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill, Lilly’s orforglipron pill can be ingested at a user’s leisure and is not required to be taken on an empty stomach. The company “designed this to fit into people’s lives as easily as possible,” a Lilly official said. Plus, a group of teens has developed a wearable device to help people with dementia track everyday tasks.
Bill Would Limit Insulin Costs At $35 For Patients With Private Insurance
About 57% of people with private health insurance plans don’t get any relief from state measures to cap costs. The bipartisan bill also calls for a program to provide more affordable insulin to uninsured Americans in 10 states, AP reported. Previous attempts to cap insulin costs have failed in Congress.
CDC Puts Rabies And Pox Virus Testing On Hold As Staff Dwindles
As part of an agency-wide review, the CDC has been reevaluating what pathogen tests it offers to help states that are not equipped to conduct them. Experts are worried about the shortage of clinical expertise and testing offered. By July, the rabies team will have only one person equipped to advise state and local officials, and the pox virus team will have none.
Trump Ready To Levy 100% Tariffs On Some Imported Name-Brand Drugs
The tariffs would apply to pharmaceutical companies that haven’t struck most-favored-nation deals or that aren’t negotiating with the administration to bring down drug prices in the U.S. Plus, the latest on the partial government shutdown and the birthright citizenship case before the Supreme Court.
First Edition: Thursday, April 2, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
