Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Viewpoints: US Withdrawal From WHO Could Lead To Positive Reform; Claim Appeals Are A Real Pain
Editorial writers discuss the following public health issues.
Trump’s OMB Nominee Voices Support For Medicaid Work Requirements
The comments hint at the potential for a broad overhaul coming from the Trump administration in terms of how the federal government administers Medicaid, The New York Times reports. Also, several of President Donald Trump’s picks for the EPA have potential conflicts of interest.
Cumbersome Claim Policies Irk Health Care Providers: ‘Everything Is A Fight’
Modern Healthcare looks at the measures health insurance companies are using for reviews, including one that would charge providers who appeal rejected claims. Also in the news: fee inequality, anesthesia investments, health system layoffs, and more.
Illinois Planned Parenthood Closing Four Clinics, Citing Financial Trouble
Illinois is one of just a few abortion havens for the Midwest and South. Meanwhile, Oakland, California, is now home to the largest Planned Parenthood in the U.S.; Michigan’s governor signs legislation allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control pills; and more.
Federal DEI Websites Taken Down; All DEI Workers Placed On Paid Leave
The blackout happened after the Office of Personnel Management ordered all agencies — including CMS and the NIH — to remove “all outward facing media” related to diversity, equity, and inclusion by 5 p.m. Wednesday. In other news about race and health, a proposal to ban formaldehyde in hair-straightening products used by many Black women is in limbo.
All Refugees Are Blocked From US, Despite Already Being Approved
Thousands of people seeking safe haven from persecution — including hundreds of family members of U.S. troops and also Afghan allies who helped the U.S. during the war — were left stranded after the Trump administration suspended flights as part of a promised crackdown on immigration. Meanwhile, some hospitals and schools vow to continue to help undocumented immigrants.
RFK Jr. Shifts Vaccine Stance In Effort To Win Senate Confirmation
The staunch anti-vaccine activist is rebranding himself as “pro-vaccine safety,” according to Republican Texas Sen. John Cornyn, a move that may sway GOP senators’ votes. Other news includes Kennedy’s investments into biotech companies and the potential conflicts of interest; previous work with anti-vaccine nonprofits; and more.
NIH Scientific Meetings Scratched As New Administration Moves In
It is unclear how long meetings and study sessions will be put on hold, but some fear a delay could affect research and grant funding. Separately, an executive order is in the works to withhold funding for “gain-of-function” research on viruses.
First Edition: Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Study: Recreational Ketamine Outpaces Therapeutic Use For Depression
Also in the news, “renal denervation” shows promise as a treatment for high blood pressure; an estimated 17 million U.S. adults struggle with long-covid with no new treatments in sight; inequality grows in life expectancies among Americans; and more.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan Offers Buyouts To Nonunion Staff
The company points to the increasing costs of prescription and specialty drugs as a reason for its loss of more than $1 billion in insurance business over the past two years and for its need to cut costs dramatically. Other health and pharma news is on Eli Lilly’s work on an oral weight loss drug; how fitness and weight training can halve the risk of cancer patients dying; and more.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
At Least 9 Dead As Frigid Temps, Snow Thrash South; Power Outages Possible
Several people were thought to have died from hypothermia or exposure to the cold in Texas and Georgia, authorities said. Meanwhile, the Louisiana governor is warning residents not to use gas or electric stoves or ovens to heat homes because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.
VA Secretary Nominee Faces Grilling Over Abortion, Project 2025 Stances
On reproductive rights for veterans, Doug Collins said, “We will look at this rule.” On proposed Veterans Affairs cost-cutting measures, he said “We’re not going to balance budgets on the back of veterans’ benefits.” Outside the Beltway, lawmakers in Virginia, Nebraska, Kentucky, and North Carolina consider abortion-related measures.
Democrats Aim To Shield Medicaid From Potential Cuts Under Trump
Axios reports that some Republicans are avoiding answering whether they’re willing to cut Medicaid in order to help pay for an extension of President Donald Trump’s tax cuts. More news on Medicaid comes from South Carolina and South Dakota.
Health Tech Industry Is Just Fine With Repeal Of Biden’s AI Regulating Order
Among the executive order’s directives, companies were required to report details of their technology to federal regulators. Separately, Doctors Without Borders, physicians, and industry top brass weigh in on President Donald Trump’s executive orders and policy proposals.
Federal Health Agencies Ordered To Halt External Communications
The Trump administration moved swiftly to block communications from HHS, the FDA, the CDC, and the NIH. It is not clear whether Americans can still receive urgent notifications regarding foodborne disease outbreaks, drug approvals, and new bird flu cases. Meanwhile, new restrictions mean immigrant domestic abuse victims are no longer safe from ICE in women’s shelters.
First Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
California Wildfires Caused Dangerous Levels Of Chlorine And Lead In The Air
Also in California, mental health workers address the struggles of fire refugees. In other news: North Carolina welcomes a new DHHS secretary; Colorado hospitals show uneven growth; St. Petersburg, Florida, wants a hurricane wall to protect its hospital; and more.
