Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Dysfunctional Mitochondria May Cause Onset Of Parkinson’s, Research Shows
Other news looks at a form of dementia housing that avoids locked doors; a heart disease calculator that may help predict the future risk for young adults; a test to detect fungal pathogens; and more.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Some Public Health Websites Haven’t Been Updated Since Shutdown Ended
In separate news, the CDC on Monday linked for the first time the measles outbreak that began in Texas with other outbreaks in Utah and Arizona, The New York Times reported. Plus: The infant botulism outbreak has grown by eight cases in just three days.
Novo Nordisk Knocks Price Of Wegovy, Ozempic For Cash-Paying Customers
The company faces increased market pressure from both Eli Lilly and compounding pharmacies. Meanwhile, GoodRx is launching a telehealth weight loss program. Also: the Purdue Pharma settlement; a spinal cord simulator for home use; and more.
Medical Organizations Push Back On Anthem’s Out-Of-Network Policy
Anthem’s plan would punish hospitals and outpatient facilities for using out-of-network providers. Also in health industry news: Sutter Health announces plans for a California hospital; which hospitals will take the hardest hits from the Medicaid cuts; and more.
Backlash Grows Over Letting Pregnant Women Use Accessible Parking Spots
A Florida woman has sued over the state’s law, enacted in July, that allows any pregnant woman to get a one-year accessible parking permit. Disability advocates say spaces were already scarce.
GOP Senator: Replace ACA Tax Credits With Prepaid Health Savings Accounts
In other news from Capitol Hill: Senators have proposed a bill to require PPE for federal firefighters, and lawmakers are calling for the release of pregnant immigrants detained in ICE facilities.
NIH Posts Job Openings With Short Turnaround, Worrying Experts
The 12 high-level leadership positions have a two-week timeline for remaining open. Scientists worry that the short turnaround and the lack of search committees will not allow for the best candidates to be chosen and would open the door to more political appointments.
First Edition: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
GLP-1 Use Slashed Mortality Rate For Certain Colon Cancer Patients: Study
The analysis showed a five-year mortality rate of 15.5% for those with a history of GLP-1 use compared with 37.1% for non-users, MedPage Today reported. However, the benefits extended only to patients with a BMI over 35, researchers said. Plus: People are using GLP-1s to help their alcohol and drug addictions.
UnitedHealth To End Some Coverage For Remote Patient Monitoring Devices
Contrary to the positive reimbursement trends coming out of CMS, UnitedHealth announced that from Jan. 1, only members with heart failure or pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders will be covered for the devices. Conditions like diabetes and COPD will no longer qualify.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Duke Health: Vaccine Breakthrough Could Eliminate Cancer Cells For Good
The clinical trial carried out by Duke Health researchers has followed a small group of women with advanced breast cancer for over 20 years. Other news is on nasal vaccines for HPV and bird flu, an American Medical Association proposal to start its own vaccine advisory committee, and more.
South Carolina Weighing Strictest Abortion Measure In The Nation
The proposal being considered by a state Senate subcommittee would outlaw all abortions unless a mother’s life is at risk. It goes further by banning contraceptive IUDs and even calls for prison time for people who get an abortion and anyone who helps them.
Judge To OK Purdue Pharma $7 Billion Bankruptcy Plan
The company will dissolve and the Sackler family will pay up to $7 billion over 15 years to states, communities, tribes, and other plaintiffs in the opioid crisis. Other news from across the nation comes from Texas, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Iowa, Oklahoma, Illinois, Maryland, California, and Pennsylvania.
Medicare Part B Premiums Set To Rise About $18 Per Month In 2026
The 10% increase is due in part to the higher costs associated with running Medicare Advantage, which is handled by private health insurers, Stat reports. The costlier premiums could strain enrollees who live on fixed incomes. Plus, what’s ahead in the effort to extend ACA subsidies.
First Edition: Monday, Nov. 17, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Parents Win Pause On NC Medicaid Cuts For Intensive Autism Therapy
A lawsuit claimed North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services discriminated against children with disabilities by cutting Medicaid reimbursement rates for some behavioral health providers. More news comes from Oklahoma, Oregon, and Illinois.
