Latest KFF Health News Stories
House Republicans Unveil Plan To Cut Medicaid Funding
As Politico reports, states will bear the burden of the plan, which includes new work requirements and curbs states’ ability to levy taxes on providers. The House Energy and Commerce Committee will meet 2 p.m. Tuesday to debate and advance the bill.
First Edition: Monday, May 12, 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 enjoy. Today’s selections are on Pope Leo XIV’s health care stances, measles vaccination efforts, the WHO, ethics in AI, and loneliness.
Thousands Line Up For Free Care At Mega Health Clinic In St. Louis
The downtown event brought in more than 1,800 providers and served more than 7,000 people. Other states making news include Montana, Hawaii, California, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, New York, and Florida.
Abu Dhabi Grows Health Care Presence In San Francisco To Lure More Startups
This is part of Abu Dhabi Investment Office’s project to expand its health care cluster in the UAE. Other industry news is on NeueHealth going private; layoffs at New York-Presbyterian Health System; Mass General Brigham’s AI to detect cancer; and more.
US Infant Mortality Fell In 2024; Vaccines May Have Played A Role
Experts have pointed to RSV vaccine campaigns as a possible reason why. A separate CDC report shows that infant hospitalizations in the 2024-25 respiratory virus season were more than 40% lower than past averages. Also: the uptick in cancer in people under 50; avian flu in cats; and more.
As House Eases Up On Medicaid Cuts, Trump Tells Congress To Tax The Rich
Meanwhile, the GOP is looking to nix a Trump-backed Medicaid drug-pricing plan, and Democrats are urging cuts to excess spending in Medicare Advantage.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Anxiety, Fear Keeping Migrants From The Medical Care They Need
Health care professionals worry about the risks posed to immigrants when people forego medical treatment out of fear that ICE will come for them, The New York Times reports. Plus, news about family separations, deportation plans, foreign aid cuts, and more.
Senators Grill Pick For HHS Deputy Chief On Vaccines, Transparency, More
At his confirmation hearing, James O’Neill reiterated his pro-vaccine stance and noted he would “commit to prioritizing real transparency and sharing information with Congress and the American public.” Meanwhile, President Trump’s surgeon general pick has rankled the MAGA base.
First Edition: Friday, May 9, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Ultraprocessed Diet Contributes To Early Signs Of Parkinson’s Disease
The study did not show a link between ultraprocessed food consumption and an increased risk of Parkinson’s, only to showing early signs. Meanwhile, a survey by Pew Research Center shows that higher prices are preventing Americans from eating healthy food.
Michigan Children Under 2 Must Undergo Blood Testing For Lead Levels
The law aims to mitigate health risks caused by lead poisoning. All kids will need to get two tests, at ages 1 and 2. Meanwhile, Milwaukee officials are offering free blood tests after lead was detected in schools.
Judge Sides With FDA Over Removing Zepbound From Shortage List
As Stat reports, the federal judge’s ruling means patients will lose access to less-expensive versions of Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug, as well as diabetes treatment Mounjaro, from compounding pharmacies. Also in industry news: Hims & Hers Health, the Lorna Breen Act, medtech innovations, and more.
Missouri Planned Parenthood Ordered To Turn Over Patient Records
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has been investigating the use of gender-affirming care since March 2023. Other news is on mifepristone, sepsis, puberty, and more.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Moderna’s Combo Covid/Flu Shot Offers More Protection Than Separate Jabs
The trial, which involved more than 8,000 adults 50 and older, found that antibody levels generated by the new vaccine were about 20% to 40% higher than getting the shots apart, with the exception of one influenza strain. Plus: An FDA panel will meet May 22 to discuss covid shot recommendations.
Trump Might Again Attempt ‘Most Favored Nation’ Status To Cut Rx Costs
The president, who has teased a “very big announcement” next week, is expected to sign an executive order to implement the policy in an effort to lower Medicare drug costs, three sources told Politico. Trump tried doing the same during his first term, but a judge brought it to a halt.
CDC Approves New Hires To Its Fellowship Disease Detectives Program
Epidemic Intelligence Service officers help investigate outbreaks and other health emergencies. Meanwhile, Washington state’s attorney general alleges the Trump administration has violated a preliminary injunction intended to stop it from cutting research grant funding, ProPublica reports.
