Latest KFF Health News Stories
New Guidelines Led To Steep Decline In Peanut Allergies In Young Children
Between 2017 and 2020, there was a 43% drop in peanut allergies after the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases recommended early introduction of peanuts. The study also found that eggs overtook peanuts as the No. 1 food allergen in young kids, The New York Times reported.
Calif. Health Officials Concerned Over Three Unrelated Cases Of Clade 1 Mpox
The confirmed cases, one in Long Beach and two in Los Angeles, are in patients who have not traveled abroad. This is the first time the Clade 1 form, which causes more serious illness, has spread within the U.S. Also in the news: bacterial meningitis, mental health, addiction, and more.
Study: Some Cancer Patients Who Got mRNA Covid Vax Lived Much Longer
Researchers found that patients with advanced lung cancer and melanoma who received an mRNA shot within 100 days before receiving immunotherapy had “nearly double overall survival.”
Large Health Systems Vie To Be Lifeline For Struggling Rural Hospital In Florida
The three contenders — Tampa General Hospital, AdventHealth, and NorthStar Hospitals Inc. — each would keep DeSoto Memorial Hospital operating in DeSoto County. Additional health industry news is about mobile health clinics, the Kaiser Permanente strike, Medicare, Medicaid, and more.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Seniors Paying More For Pills Now That Tariffs Put Foreign Deals Out Of Reach
Prices for imported medicines have surged under President Trump’s trade policies, and some countries have stalled shipments to the U.S., leaving senior citizens and uninsured Americans without an affordable option for their needs. Plus, the buzz about cheap weight loss drugs.
Many Americans Get Reality Check As Several States Unveil ACA Price Hikes
Annual premiums will rise sharply — in some cases by tens of thousands of dollars — unless Congress extends Obamacare subsidies. Some people also discovered they would have fewer choices because their insurers dropped out of some markets for 2026, The New York Times reported. Meanwhile, the 28 state exchanges run by the federal government have not yet unveiled their prices.
First Edition: Monday, Oct. 20, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to read. Today’s selections are on autism, gene therapy, lead exposure, sunshine, and more.
Pickleball-Related Eye Injuries Surge
Although no eye injuries were reported prior to 2014, 88% took place between 2022 and 2024. About 70% of eye injuries recorded were in people older than 50. Other news looks at how walking backward can improve health, the top exercises for knee osteoarthritis, and more.
Cook County, Ill., Sees Highest Decline In Fatal ODs Among Largest Counties
The county — home to Chicago — had a 37% reduction in 2023, The Guardian reported. The success is due to rapidly increasing Chicago’s overdose surveillance and strong grassroots efforts. Second on the list was Queens County, New York.
With Possible Sale Of 2 Pa. Hospitals, Prospect’s Troubled Tale May Soon End
Deals are in the works to sell two of its shuttered hospitals — Chester Medical Center and Springfield Hospital — for a combined $13 million, Healthcare Dive reported. In other news from Pennsylvania: Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health is laying off 650 workers.
Viewpoints: Autism Spectrum Needs Subtypes; Perimenopause Is More Than Hot Flashes And Mood Swings
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
Ex-NIH Workers Detail Grim Reality Of Crippled Agency In ‘Constant Chaos’
The former leaders and a researcher tracking the effects of funding cuts lament the loss of research critical to their mission and fear up-and-coming scientists won’t seek government work. They also fear things haven’t “bottomed out” yet. Plus: The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report is on hiatus, despite being published during previous shutdowns.
USDA Secretary Warns Funds For Food Stamps Will Run Out In Two Weeks
Nearly 42 million Americans will feel the effects of losing their monthly benefits after Congress couldn’t reach an agreement on funding the government. November SNAP benefits also have been paused. Meanwhile, Congress has missed its window to extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies without causing issues for states.
Trump Touts Pledge To Sell IVF Drugs At 70% Discount On His Branded Site
In exchange, drugmaker EMD Serono would get a reprieve from certain tariffs if it also invests in research and manufacturing in the U.S. The government also might consider a speedier FDA review for another fertility medicine the company wants to bring to the U.S. market.
Alcohol Consumption, Even In Small Amounts, Increases Dementia Risk
The research counters long-held beliefs that light intake of alcohol could be beneficial for health and instead suggests that it can increase the risk of dementia and cancer. Other news is on the improving obesity epidemic, food recalls, and more.
Deportation Fears Spread To Military After Marine’s Dad Is Deported in Calif.
Both parents — who were from Mexico and had pending green card applications — were taken into custody last month while visiting family members at Camp Pendleton, AP reported. The father was deported Friday. In other news about race and health, California’s Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed bills on slavery reparations.
Error-Ridden Medicare Advantage Directory May Confuse Seniors: Report
The Washington Post reports that the directory, originally part of the “Make Health Tech Great Again” push by the White House, could lead millions of seniors to make ill-informed choices ahead of the open enrollment period. Also, Humana lays out a plan to improve its Medicare Advantage star rating.
CVS To Take Over Select Rite Aid Assets Amid Bankruptcy Breakup
Among the assets acquired were stores in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington and prescriptions in 15 states. Also in the news: how America is reliant on China’s raw materials for key medicine production; a look at cancer treatments at risk from funding cuts; and more.
