Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
RFK Jr. Adds 5 ACIP Panelists, Including Skeptics Of Vaccines, Covid Protocol
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices this week will meet and vote on chickenpox, covid-19, and hepatitis B shots. Former CDC officials expect the panel will vote against recommending hep B shots for newborns. Plus, ousted CDC Director Susan Monarez preps for a Senate hearing.
First Edition: Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
More Coal Mining Is OK’d Where West Virginia Residents Allege Pollution
Meanwhile, black lung cases continue to rise, as the silica rule faces legal delays. Other news from around the nation comes out of Connecticut, North Carolina, and California.
Epic Gives Rural Hospitals A Platform For Electronic Health Records
More than 40,000 providers and 300 hospitals participate in the company’s Community Connect program. Meanwhile, health care providers’ top brass and board members gird for any changes the GOP Medicare cuts would cause. Plus, Emmy winner Noah Wyle‘s heartfelt message to doctors.
Utah Governor Advises People To Take A Social Media Break
Republican Gov. Spencer Cox called social media a “cancer on our society” and urged people to turn away after announcing the arrest of the suspected gunman in the shooting of Charlie Kirk. Also: guiding kids through violent online images; peers help teens in mental health struggles; and more.
More People Now Jobless For 6 Months, Possibly Without Health Insurance
In a worrisome sign, more than 1 in 4 workers without jobs have now been unemployed for at least half a year, data show. It’s usually a turning point for them, economists say, because they’ve likely run out of unemployment insurance benefits and severance payments, The Washington Post reported.
Viewpoints: A Covid Commission Would Prepare Us For Next Pandemic; MAHA Plan Will Make Us Sicker
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
US Did Not Destroy $10 Million Worth Of Contraceptives, Belgium Says
After Thursday’s report by The New York Times about the destruction of the contraceptives, Belgian officials confirmed Friday that the stockpile was, in fact, intact. Meanwhile, more than 70 reproductive rights groups are asking that the usable birth control products be spared.
Health Officials Plan To Link 25 Child Deaths To Covid Vaccine, Sources Say
In the run-up to new covid vaccine recommendations, which will affect access to shots, health officials are looking at data from the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), including unverified reports submitted by anyone. Plus: childhood shot recommendations, whooping cough vaccine, complications from the flu, and more.
Engineering School To Study Debunked Claim That Vaccines Cause Autism
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has been awarded a no-bid contract for a project that would use AI and machine learning techniques to look for patterns in blood samples of children with autism, AP reports. Plus, Kenvue makes a case that Tylenol remains safe and does not cause autism.
First Edition: Monday, Sept. 15, 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 prison mental health care, flu, chatbots, vaccines, and koalas.
Scientists One Step Closer To Knowing How PFAS Damage The Liver
Researchers observed the cellular processes of “forever chemicals” — PFOA, PFHxS, PFOS, and PFNA — and the effects they had on bodies. Plus, a look at how synthetic vitamin B1, gel manicures, and smartwatches might affect your health.
California Child Dies From Measles Complications Years After Illness
The school-aged child had measles as an infant, before they were eligible for vaccination. The complication, called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, shows up years later and is fatal in about 95% of cases. Also in the news: Iowa, Vermont, Missouri, Minnesota, Texas, and Wyoming.
New York Surgery Center Is Latest Casualty Of Federal Funding Cuts
A spokesperson for Kaleida Health stated that Medicaid reimbursement funding reductions were among the reasons for shutting down its surgery center starting Oct. 1. Also: the impact of CMS’ outpatient plan on ambulatory surgery centers; a liquid cancer biopsy early-detection test; and more.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Parents Fret Over Kids’ Mental Health After Seeing Kirk’s Slaying Online
Children were easily able to watch the unedited video of the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on their social media feeds, parents say. Plus: Americans of all political persuasions are worried that his killing will suppress the peaceful exchange of ideas. In related news: how mental health measures already in place in Colorado failed to stop this week’s school shooting.
Senators Implement ‘Nuclear Option’ To Push Republican Nominees Through
Republicans advanced the rule change in an effort to bypass Democratic opposition and push through 48 GOP nominees at once. The rule change is expected to be finalized next week, The New York Times reported.
Spending Deal Appears Tenuous As Lawmakers Spar Over Health Care
Republicans, thinking they have the votes to pass the government funding measure and avoid a shutdown, brush off demands by Democrats to include ACA subsidy extensions and other health care-related policies. Seven Senate Democrats would have to break with the party for the bill to pass. “They ain’t going to get the votes,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says.
