Latest KFF Health News Stories
EPA Plans To Rescind Biden-Era Limits On PFAS In Drinking Water
The rollback would apply to four of the six “forever chemicals” that have been linked to various illnesses. Related news is on a 3M PFAS settlement, uncertainty around a Texas PFAS bill, and more.
Viewpoints: Three Opportunities To Transform Medicaid; Sen. Josh Hawley Is Right About Medicaid Cuts
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
FDA Aims To Remove Fluoride Supplements For Kids From Market
The move contradicts the advice from the CDC and professional medical associations that recommend low doses of fluoride supplements for children who live in areas without fluoridated water. HHS also takes on deregulation, infant formula, mental health care, and more.
First Edition: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Oil Well Blowout In Colorado Likely Exposed Residents To ‘Chemical Soup’
The Chevron Bishop well in Galeton last month caused dozens of chemicals to be shot into the air. Among them was benzene — a known carcinogen — at 10 times above the federal exposure limit. Other news is from North Dakota, Texas, Connecticut, California, Missouri, and Illinois.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Studies Show Long Covid More Likely With Initial Infection
Data indicate that subsequent reinfections showed a two-thirds lower risk of long covid, CIDRAP reported. Plus: early-onset puberty in girls, Black swimmers, and NutraSweet.
Court Revives CRISPR Fight That Could Reshape Intellectual Property Law
The Patent Trial and Appeal Board was ordered to review a claim by a UC Berkeley team that gene-editing technology originated in their studies and not with the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT. Also in the news: tinnitus treatment, manufacturing expansion, layoffs, and more.
American Travelers 60 And Up Advised To Skip Chikungunya Vaccine
The FDA and CDC recommended the pause while the government looks into possible side effects. Also: RFK Jr. raises eyebrows after swimming with his grandkids in a contaminated creek; President Donald Trump instructs the VA to build a center for homeless veterans in Los Angeles; and more.
Hospital Execs Lambaste GOP Medicaid Proposal As Death Knell For Care
The Republican plan “will lead to millions of hardworking Americans losing access to health care and many of our nation’s hospitals struggling to maintain services and stay open,” one executive says. Plus, what the cuts might mean for SNAP, drug middlemen, elder care, and more.
Trump’s Order To Cut Rx Prices Might Have Little Effect On Patients, Pharma
News outlets unpack what his executive order means for Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance plans.
A Record 24.3M People Signed Up For ACA Plans During Open Enrollment
Data out from CMS on Monday show a 13% increase in 2025 over the record set a year ago. Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that millions of Americans could lose health care coverage under a GOP-led proposal to cut back Affordable Care Act subsidies.
First Edition: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
More High Schoolers Are Using Nicotine Pouches
Also: Fungus-contaminated marijuana is recalled in Arizona; the FDA is warning against tianeptine, aka “gas station heroin”; coolers are recalled after handles cause finger amputations; and more.
‘Unprecedented’ Abortion Pill Bill Clears Texas Senate
Among its restrictions, Senate Bill 2880 says no state judge has jurisdiction to rule on its constitutionality, and if they were to do it anyway, they can be personally sued for $100,000, The Texas Tribune reported. Plus: news from Maryland, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, and California.
After Measles Outbreak, North Dakota Officials Quarantine Unvaccinated Kids
One school district is requiring unvaxxed schoolchildren exposed to the measles virus to quarantine for 21 days. Meanwhile, for only the second time in 30 years, the number of measles cases nationwide has surpassed 1,000. Other news is on listeria, flu, enterovirus D68, and screwworms in cattle.
Different Takes: GOP Sen. Josh Hawley Condemns Medicaid Cuts As Harmful To The American People
Opinion writers delve into these public health issues.
First At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening Test Wins FDA Approval
Teal Health’s test would give an alternative to in-office pap smears. Other pharma and health industry news covers a new CEO at the American Medical Association; robots at Walgreens; a startup from Elizabeth Holmes’ partner; and more.
Judge Halts Federal Layoffs, Says Congress Must Be Involved
San Francisco Judge Susan Illston, a Clinton appointee, did not order workers to be rehired, however. She said the president can make changes but “must do so with the cooperation of Congress; the Constitution is structured that way.” Plus: more updates on how the cuts have affected health care.
FDA OKs New Natural Food Dyes As HHS Aims To Remove Artificial Ones
Meanwhile, Axios reports the FDA is making plans to use AI in its decision-making. Also: President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order to bring down the cost of meds.
