Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: CDC Chaos Strains Local Public Health Departments; It’s Unaffordable To Be Uninsured
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
Minnesota Sues HHS, CMS In Fight Over $243M In Medicaid Funds
The Trump administration wants to temporarily withhold some Medicaid funding from Minnesota, citing fraud concerns. State officials warn the move could force cuts to health care for low-income families.
CMS Suspends Elevance From Medicare Advantage Plans, Cites Noncompliance
Starting March 31, Elevance Health no longer may enroll people in its Medicare Advantage plans after it failed to submit required data about members’ health conditions over a seven-year period. The suspension will not affect the 1.9 million people already enrolled.
High Court Signals That It May Support Gun Rights For Marijuana Users
The argument centers on a federal law that bars people who consume illegal drugs from having firearms. Also in the news: rectal cancer rates, balance in aging, and more.
Noting Measles Prevention Is Critical, Bhattacharya Promotes Vaccine Uptake
The acting CDC director said the agency is taking steps — “surging” resources and fostering outreach — to stem the spread of measles cases in the U.S. Jay Bhattacharya’s support for the vaccine comes as cases are confirmed in Colorado, South Carolina, and California.
Supreme Court Gives California Schools Go-Ahead To Out Trans Kids — For Now
A state law and school policies aimed at protecting students’ gender expression have been put on hold while a lawsuit filed by parents proceeds in the lower courts. Meanwhile in New York, NYU Langone Health has been ordered to resume the care it had previously offered to transgender youth.
First Edition: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Supreme Court Weighs Law Governing Gun Ownership, Marijuana Use
The government contends the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals erred when it threw out the indictment against a gun owner who admitted cannabis use, arguing such use makes it illegal to own firearms. Meanwhile, as more states legalize marijuana, cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (recurring bouts of severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting) are on the rise.
RFK Jr. Touts Liver, Cheap Cuts Of Meat To Meet Updated Dietary Guidelines
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. advised that the way to afford red meat, which is now at the top of the food pyramid, is to shift from prime cuts to “cheaper cuts of steak that are very, very affordable.” Plus, what RFK Jr. had to say about President Trump’s glyphosate order.
Emergency Rule Goes Into Effect In Florida, Slashing Access To HIV Meds
Eligibility for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), as well as insurance coverage of the medication Biktarvy, has been tightened. ABC News reported that the emergency rule is in effect for 90 days and cannot be renewed unless a rule is proposed to implement the changes through formal administrative rulemaking.
Planned Parenthood To Offer Cosmetic Procedures To Offset Funding Cuts
Federal Medicaid reimbursement cuts have left the organization with revenue gaps. Planned Parenthood hopes to close these and generate enough revenue to subsidize its health care offerings with treatments such as Botox, IV hydration, and even laser hair removal.
Ahead Of Medicaid Work Rules, States To Spend Millions Upgrading Systems
An Associated Press analysis of budget projections in more than 25 states found that the cost for necessary technology improvements and additional staff is likely to exceed $1 billion as states head toward the 2027 launch of Medicaid work requirements.
Concierge Care Doctor, Pediatrician Added To CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel
Dr. Sean G. Downing offers “adult and pediatric vaccination” to his patients, while Dr. Angelina Farella has pushed back against the covid vaccination. Meanwhile, states are making moves to ensure their residents maintain access to vaccinations.
First Edition: Monday, March 2, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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 aging, trisomy 18, Morgellons disease, the war in Ukraine, and more.
86 Dreamers Deported, 261 Detained In Immigration Crackdown, DHS Confirms
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients — those who arrived in the United States before the age of 16 — are protected under U.S. law, Democratic senators argued as they called on the Department of Homeland Security to provide more information about the removals.
Cigna Acquires Pharmacy That Supplies Prescription Drugs To 10% Of Hospitals
The acquisition of CarepathRX adds to Cigna’s ever-growing push for vertical integration and greater control over the flow of pharmaceuticals through the U.S. health care system. Plus: Novartis settles a lawsuit with Henrietta Lacks’ estate; Europe uses minipigs to test drugs; and more.
Proposed ACA Rules Billed As A Boon For Consumers; Critics Warn Of Perils
The Trump administration is proposing Obamacare plans that it says will lower health insurance premiums but that come with much higher deductibles, The New York Times reported. “There’s a chance to really exacerbate the crisis” regarding health care affordability, one expert noted.
