Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
NIH Alters System To Monitor Research Funds Sent To Foreign Scientists
An agency official says the current system, called FACTS, is wrought with discrepancies in figures. Others at the agency dispute that characterization, with one noting, “They needlessly broke a functioning system that only needed a few improvements.”
As Shutdown Risk Rises, Democrats Demand Health Care Policy Changes
Democrats are eyeing a repeal of the Medicaid cuts passed in July and a long-term extension of expiring Obamacare tax subsidies. Meanwhile, Politico reports that President Donald Trump’s health care cuts may be felt sooner rather than later.
Health Insurers Will Cover All Vaccines Through 2026 With No Cost-Sharing
Insurance company trade group AHIP says it will maintain coverage for all immunizations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that were in place on Sept. 1. The announcement comes as ACIP meets today and Friday to discuss various vaccinations.
Fired CDC Director Says RFK Jr. Wanted Her To Preapprove Vaccine Changes
In her Wednesday testimony before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Dr. Susan Monarez outlined how she was expected to preemptively approve changes to the childhood vaccine schedule without evidence or data and fire other scientists without cause.
First Edition: Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
8.5% Of Florida Youths Had No Health Coverage In 2024, Up 20% From 2022
The Tampa Bay Times reports that the new data have spurred calls for Florida to resolve a two-year dispute that stopped the expansion of KidCare, a subsidized children’s health insurance program. News from around the nation also comes from West Virginia, California, and North Carolina.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
Eli Lilly Names Richmond, Virginia, As First Of Four Upcoming Expansion Sites
The $5 billion manufacturing plant will be the company’s first fully integrated facility for active pharmaceutical ingredients, Becker’s Hospital Review reported. More news is on the FDA’s crackdown on drug ads; medical device recalls; and more.
CDC Revokes Work-From-Home For Employees With Disabilities — For Now
HHS’ updated telework policy does not include long-term telework as an option for federal employees with disabilities. The CDC has paused all telework approvals while it awaits clarification from HHS. Also: How companies selling AI tools for patient management are pivoting; NIH funds a center to prevent drug-resistant infections; and more.
Judge Dismisses State Terrorism Charges Against Luigi Mangione
He is accused of the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year in New York City. Other news related to gun violence is on gun restrictions in the wake of the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting in Minnesota, a return to classes at Utah Valley University following Charlie Kirk’s killing, and more.
Detainees’ Mental Health Declining Rapidly Inside ICE Centers, Lawyers Say
The New York Times reports that overcrowding, a lack of proper food, withheld medications, and no mental health treatment are all contributing factors. Since Jan. 1, at least 12 detainees have reportedly died, with at least two of those by suicide.
House Spending Bill Offers Band-Aid But Doesn’t Extend ACA Subsidies
The GOP measure that was put forward funds key government health programs through Nov. 21. Republicans say the temporary fix allows them to shore up appropriations bills. Democrats, however, say the GOP is angling for a government shutdown if it won’t consider their health care concerns.
First Edition: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Twice-Yearly Time Changes Can Harm Your Health, Study Says
According to a Stanford study, sticking with standard time would result in a slight decrease in the risk of suffering from obesity or stroke. Plus: A blind man is able to see again after a rare surgery that involved implanting his own tooth into his eye.
Not Yet A Decade Since Pulse, Parkland Shootings, Florida OKs Open Gun Carry
As of Sept. 25, Florida will become the last red state to allow people to visibly carry firearms in public places. Florida is home to some of the worst mass shootings in the U.S., including the Pulse nightclub attack in 2016 that left 49 people dead and the Parkland school shooting in 2018 that left 17 dead. More recently, a shooting at Florida State University in April left two dead.
More Than Half Of All Health Workers Plan To Switch Jobs In Next Year
A survey also shows that 40% will be looking for opportunities outside of their current organizations. Nearly half of respondents cited inadequate compensation, burnout, and a lack of career advancement opportunities as reasons to make a change.
Tyson Foods Announces It Will Remove Corn Syrup From Foods By End Of Year
Also, the USDA reinstates a farm-to-school program; Pennsylvania farmers struggle to find workers to harvest crops; cancer research is in peril from government funding cuts; and more.
Applications Now Open For HHS’ Rural Health Transformation Program
States have until Nov. 5 to apply for the $50 billion included in the sweeping tax bill, which also cut $960 billion in Medicaid funding. The program was established to maintain access to services, but hospitals and providers worry it will not be enough.
