Latest KFF Health News Stories
To Cut Drug Costs, FDA Paves Way For Easier Approval Of Copycat Biologics
The draft framework announced Wednesday lowers the standards that companies need to meet to bring the drugs to market. Also, states try to lower drug prices by regulating PBMs; how the immigration crackdown is affecting elder care; and more.
Healthcare.gov Unveils Updated Prices; Customers Could Pay Double Next Year
Newly posted prices on the federal marketplace show an average premium increase of 26%, but the actual increase will be closer to 114% unless Congress extends Obamacare tax credits, which are at the heart of the ongoing government shutdown. Meanwhile, military families say their refrigerators will be empty after food aid funding runs dry Saturday.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Germany To Put $1B Toward Holocaust Survivors’ Home Care In 2026
Data show that survivors are dealing with more complicated health needs and increased disability as the average age of survivors rises. Other news from around the globe is on Chinese scientists, “fertility tourism,” heat deaths, and more.
Prison Phone Rates Going Up; Critics Predict ‘Huge Implications’ On Health
The FCC voted Tuesday to dramatically raise the price limits that jails and prisons can charge. The calls, which are usually paid for by family members and friends outside of prison, have been shown to provide many mental and public health benefits, such as promoting relationships with children and reducing recidivism.
Health Experts Warn Medicare Staffing Shortage Will Impact Open Enrollment
CMS has been urged to boost staffing in order to ensure that benefits get delivered and communicated well during Medicare’s open enrollment period. Other news is on the appointment of the director of Medicaid and CHIP, Bausch Health’s exit from the 340B program, and more.
HHS Fires Top Official, A Vaccine Critic Who Says Coup To Oust RFK Jr. Is Afoot
Senior adviser Steven J. Hatfill was accused of misrepresenting his role and “not coordinating policy-making with leadership.” When he declined a request to resign, chief of staff Matt Buckham fired him. Plus, a lower-dose covid shot is available for seniors and others at risk for severe infection.
Opinion writers delve into these public health issues.
Trump Admin Clawing Back Authority Over States’ Medical Debt Protections
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau contends federal law invalidates state laws that prevent patients’ medical debts from being reported to credit bureaus. Separately, male veterans who have breast cancer will find it harder to get health care coverage. Plus, Texas sues the maker of Tylenol.
Judge Bans White House From Firing Federal Workers During Shutdown
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston of San Francisco blocked the firings, stating that the labor unions would likely win their claims that the cuts were arbitrary and politically motivated.
First Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
GLP-1 Drugs Have Rapidly Lowered American Obesity Rates, Survey Shows
According to the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index, the U.S. obesity rate fell from 39.9% in 2022 to 37% in 2025. Plus: Women may need less exercise than men to improve heart health.
Stillbirths In US Occur Far More Often Than Previously Reported, Study Finds
Researchers found that between 2016 and 2022, there was one stillbirth for every 147 births, The Washington Post reported. Worse yet, a significant number of them happened without warning in pregnancies that did not show any previously identified risks.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Cigna Will Scrub Drug Rebate Models From Some Plans Starting In 2027
As Bloomberg explains, pharmaceutical companies pay the rebates in order to get favorable placement on pharmacy benefit managers’ lists of covered drugs, a practice some have likened to kickbacks. All of Cigna’s Evernorth customers will have access to upfront discounts starting in 2028.
Mental Health Grants For Schools Must Be Restored, Judge Rules
The Trump administration had canceled the grants, claiming they were not awarded based on merit. The judge said the states made a case for real harm from the cuts to the grants meant to help with a shortage of mental health workers in schools. Also, more than 1 million people show suicidal intent each week while talking to chatbots.
As States Prep To Sue Over Food Aid, Some In GOP Seek Separate SNAP Vote
Democrat-led states are petitioning for the government to tap an emergency fund to keep food aid flowing amid the shutdown — after the Trump administration said it would not do that. Meanwhile, a Texas grocer has a plan to help families in need; Connecticut issues emergency relief; and more.
In Pivot, Federal Workers’ Union Calls For Immediate End To Shutdown
The president of the American Federation of Government Employees suggested that negotiations over Democrats’ health care demands should continue only after the government is reopened. Separately, news outlets cover the Obamacare price hikes headed for residents in New Jersey, Illinois, Arizona, and Colorado.
First Edition: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Young People In Corn Belt Are Getting Significantly More Cancer Since 2015
An analysis by The Washington Post found that in the past decade, cancer rates in the six states with the highest corn production are rising more rapidly than in the country as a whole. People aged 15-49 living there have shown a 5% increase in overall cancer rates, with kidney and skin cancer soaring to 35%-65% higher than the national average.
