Latest KFF Health News Stories
Doctors Find Good Diet, Exercise Can Help Patients In Cancer Treatment
It might sound basic, but data shows that focusing on healthy food and structured exercise might help patients with cancer live longer or respond to therapy. Other cancer news reports on immunotherapy, faltering drugs, liquid biopsies, and more.
Viewpoints: Work Requirements For Medicaid Are A Mistake; Doctors’ Emotional Detachment Is Unwise
Opinion writers weigh in on these public health issues.
HIV Program Stripped Of Funding, Stymieing Search For Vaccine
The $258 million program’s work was instrumental to the search for a vaccine. The NIH also paused funding for a clinical trial of an HIV vaccine made by Moderna.
CDC Keeps Covid Shot Option Available For Healthy Children
The government abruptly reversed course after stating covid vaccines would no longer be recommended for healthy young ones. Now, caregivers will need to discuss inoculations with doctors in a “shared decision-making.” Also, Moderna gets FDA approval for its low-dose covid vaccine.
First Edition: Monday, June 2, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to spend some time with over the long weekend. Today’s selections are on childhood cancer, adult autism, mifepristone, RFK Jr.’s inner circle, and climate denial.
Adult Autism Diagnoses Are On The Rise Due To Increased Awareness
From 2011 to 2022, diagnoses rose 450% for adults ages 26 to 34. This has shown to be a relief to those who never understood their lifelong symptoms. In other news: AI can be used to determine the efficacy of a cancer drug in patients; candidemia incidence remained steady while death rates rose during covid; and more.
With PBM Law Set For 2026, Express Scripts And CVS Health Sue Arkansas
The companies contend the law will close pharmacies, confuse residents, and raise drug prices, among other effects. Other news from around the nation comes from Colorado, Texas, Connecticut, Iowa, Louisiana, and Florida.
Doctors Working In Private Practice At Lowest Level Since 2012, Survey Finds
Health care industry news also covers American doctors moving to Canada; Penn Medicine’s pause on gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 19; Cleveland Clinic’s pivot on its “pay now” copay policy; and more.
Doctors Warn New Covid Strain Could Cause Surge Due To Waning Immunity
Also, a study shows that receiving the covid vaccine provides long-term protection and does not inhibit immune response to other variants. Additional coverage is on measles, climate change’s effect on health, food safety, and more.
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
MAHA Report Review Finds Erroneous, Made Up References; AI Use Suspected
NOTUS, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet, was the first to report the citation errors. The White House has not confirmed the use of artificial intelligence and instead referred to the errors as “formatting issues.” It said it will fix the mistakes.
Overshadowed By Medicaid Cuts, Tax Bill Proposes Significant ACA Reforms
Like Medicaid, a large portion of those enrolled in an Affordable Care Act insurance plan voted for President Donald Trump. Changes to the program proposed in Republicans’ tax bill could create a backlash in the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, senators say they will be taking a second look at the changes to Medicaid in the legislation.
First Edition: Thursday, May 30, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: We Must Engage Anti-Vaccine Rhetoric With Compassion; FDA Cuts Will Increase Drug Prices
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
With Fewer Inspectors, Is US Food Safety System On ‘Brink Of Collapse’?
As part of federal staffing cuts and encouraged retirement, the U.S. corps of food safety inspectors has significantly shrunk. Remaining officials now carry double the workload, leading experts to sound warning bells about the future outlook for food safety in this country. Other public health news reports on gut infections, aging, covid, measles, and more.
Gene Delivery ‘Trucks’ Target Brain Cells, Hold Promise For Brain Diseases
The Washington Post reports on new tools that could lead to treatments for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Other science and research news is on childhood lead exposure, a non-opioid analgesic, the “first true urban pest,” and more.
States Take On Prior Authorization Reform As Congressional Efforts Stall
States are picking up the mantle on insurance reform as they await lawmakers’ next attempt to push through a bipartisan, health-industry-backed bill. Other news is on a gender-affirming care ban in Utah; votes against a fluoride ban in Louisiana; and more.
Wait Times Up For Doc Appointments Across Many Specialties, Survey Finds
A recent survey of six medical specialties in 15 U.S. metropolitan areas finds that the average wait time for physician appointments has increased significantly in recent years. Specialties most affected include OB-GYN and cardiology.
CMS Requests Hospitals’ Data Related To Transgender Care In Children
Hospitals will have to submit information on their policies and procedures as well as any adverse events related to gender-affirming procedures, The Hill reports. Plus, HHS has a new deputy general counsel to work on psychedelics policy, and news outlets list Medicaid’s defenders.
