Latest KFF Health News Stories
Appeals Court Appears Skeptical Of NIH Policy On Research Payments
At issue, STAT explains, is the multibillion-dollar question of whether the National Institutes of Health violated federal law when it announced a plan to slash support for research overhead.
‘Beyond Dire’: Understaffing, Facility Closures, Long Wait Times Plague VA
Between December 2024 and August 2025, the VA reported a net loss of thousands of health care positions, at a time when the population of aging veterans is increasing. Other health care news related to the armed forces is on disability benefits, male breast cancer, and Air Force grooming standards.
Loss Of Telehealth During Shutdown Puts Medicare Patients In A Tough Spot
While health care providers wait for reimbursements to resume, they are either having patients pay up front or telling them to schedule an office visit. Both options have drawbacks for people who have difficulty accessing care. Plus, health care systems contend with the reverberations of the shutdown.
First Edition: Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Many More People Ages 45-49 Are Getting Screened For Colon Cancer
Researchers found that facility-based colorectal cancer screening rates among younger adults increased about tenfold after U.S. guidelines changed the recommended screening age to 45. Other public health news is on young-onset dementia, salmonella, the impact of pollution reduction on infants, and more.
Ohio Hospital Searches For Possible On-Site Spread Of Legionnaires’ Cases
The search was initiated after two patients in six weeks tested positive for the disease. Also: The Children’s Hospital Association announced plans to broaden its focus on pediatric health; nearly one in eight Minnesotans live in areas lacking hospital-based obstetrics; and more.
Maine Voters Give Families Leverage To Have Guns Taken From Relatives
The Pine Tree State’s red flag law that gives families the ability to seek court intervention will take effect in January. It comes in the wake of a mass shooting in Lewiston. More election news is regarding dementia research in Texas and a health care system’s expansion in Arizona.
FDA Advisers To Discuss Regulations For Therapy Chatbots, Gen AI
The FDA’s Digital Health Advisory Committee (DHAC) will meet Thursday to discuss how to regulate and mitigate the risks involved with new devices and forms of therapy that use AI. And in Ohio, lawmakers have proposed fines for companies whose chatbots promote self-harm.
White House Bargaining With Lilly, Novo To Offer $149 Weight Loss Drugs
The deal would allow TrumpRx to sell the low-dose medications and ensure that Medicaid and Medicare cover them. Eli Lilly also is negotiating for a government voucher that would expedite the FDA review of a weight loss pill it hopes to bring to market. Plus, an America-first battle for biotech.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Shutdown Is Longest In US History; Jobless Benefits Could Be At Risk Next
The federal closure is also slowing the economy, experts warn. Shutdown news also looks at SNAP payments, furloughed workers, and more.
First Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Former VP Dick Cheney, Who Received Heart Transplant At Age 71, Dies At 84
A statement from his family said the cause was complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, The New York Times reported. Widely regarded as the most powerful vice president in U.S. history, he suffered from coronary problems for most of his adult life. A staunch conservative on most issues, he advocated for states’ rights on same-sex marriage.
Study Links Melatonin Use With Heart Failure; Experts Call For More Research
Sleep medicine experts and cardiologists are urging the public not to panic, The Washington Post reported. Other news is on teen vaping, pig kidney transplants, the impact of gun blasts on the brain, and more.
With Tylenol Deal, Kimberly-Clark Has Worst Day Since Stock Crash Of 1987
Despite Wall Street’s reaction, the consumer products giant is betting it can withstand attacks on Tylenol-maker Kenvue from President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., The New York Times reported. Kimberly-Clark has long been interested in Kenvue’s business, sources said.
Opinion writers discuss SNAP, Parkinson’s, and addiction.
Maine Will Vote On Red Flag Gun Law Two Years After Deadly Mass Shooting
At issue is whether to make it easier for families to petition a court to restrict a potentially dangerous person’s access to guns, AP reported. Other states making news: Illinois, Florida, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Louisiana.
Medical Specialty Groups Implore Congress To Thwart Medicare Pay Cut
The 34 groups contend the efficiency adjustment policy recently issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would “have wide-ranging consequences, including significant financial pressures that could limit patient access to medical care.”
Administration Will Partially Fund SNAP, But It Could Take Months
November benefits will be paid out from the remaining $4.65 billion available in contingency funds. However, because of states’ outdated systems, the reduced benefits rollout might be delayed. Up to 42 million Americans have been affected. Meanwhile, Maryland says it will pay full SNAP benefits.
First Edition: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
