Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicaid Funding Restored To Planned Parenthood Clinics Nationwide
A federal judge ruled that the GOP budget reconciliation law that made Planned Parenthood ineligible for Medicaid reimbursements is discriminatory. Plus, the story of the world’s most premature baby.
Premiums For Medicare Part D Will Increase ‘A Lot’ After Trump Cuts
The administration, which is set to cut the subsidy for the drug benefit program by 40%, says it will negotiate with insurers to ease the financial strain to the millions of seniors on the plan. Plus, U.S. drugmakers are looking at billions of dollars in expenses with President Donald Trump’s tariff deal with the EU.
First Edition: Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Scientists Find Alternative To Amniocentesis For Stem Cell Collection
Researchers have discovered a new way to successfully collect amniotic fluid and stem cells directly during vaginal deliveries. Plus, Rush University System for Health is offering an innovative blood test to patients in hopes of detecting cancer early.
Study Links Leaded Gas Pollution To Cognitive Decline 50 Years Later
Exposure to places with high atmospheric lead levels is tied to an approximately 20% increase in memory problems. More news is on liver disease, Alzheimer’s, a salmonella outbreak, and more.
Mission Hospital Looks To NC Supreme Court In 3-Year Expansion Fight
In 2022, Florida-based nonprofit AdventHealth won out over HCA Healthcare-owned Mission Hospital in a battle for 67 acute-care hospital beds to serve western North Carolina, but the fight continues. Other health industry news is on unregulated care homes, ED wait times, and more.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Tennessee School District Won’t Accept Doctor’s Notes For Absences
Lawrence County Director of Schools Michael Adkins stated that the change in policy is due to chronic absenteeism, and that a doctor’s note will no longer suffice. Other states making news: Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Oregon, Maryland, and California.
Pediatrics Academy Stands Firm In Opposing Nonmedical Vax Exemptions
The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains that schools and day cares must require proof of vaccinations for children to attend. Just five states have laws that accept only medical exemptions. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. repeats false vaccine claims at a meeting with governors.
Medicaid Cuts And Work Rules Will Be Catastrophic, Hospital Group CEO Says
Dr. Bruce Siegel, CEO and president of America’s Essential Hospitals, says the cuts will upend safety-net hospitals. Also: Medicaid cuts will hurt family caregivers; Medicare savings programs are now under threat; and more.
RFK Jr.’s Plan To Remove Preventive Health Panelists Rebuked By AMA
The Health and Human Services chief reportedly considers all seasoned volunteers on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force too “woke.” The panel issues recommendations for preventive services that insurers must cover at no cost to patients. The American Medical Association contends the nonpartisan panel’s work must continue uninterrupted.
First Edition: Monday, July 28, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Yale New Haven Health Axes All Gender-Affirming Care For Under-19s
The news comes on the heels of the announcement by Connecticut Children’s Medical Center that it plans to end its gender-affirming care program for children. They are the two largest pediatric hospitals in Connecticut.
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 therapy, eating disorders, AI, war amputees, and more.
Uptick in Human Tularemia Infections Detected In Minnesota
Five people have been sickened by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which can spread by touching animals that have the disease. More news is on measles, covid, and avian flu.
Viewpoints: Medicaid Reform Will Be Disruptive And Ineffective; Are Zyn Pouches Helpful Or Harmful?
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
Roche Weighs Direct-To-Patient Sales In Effort To Lower Its US Drug Prices
The move would bring down costs for consumers on several medicines by cutting out middlemen like PBMs and their associated costs. More stories look at surprise fees for patients, a plan to reduce animal testing, and more.
UnitedHealth Confirms It’s Being Investigated Over Medicare Billing
The insurance giant said Thursday it is cooperating with the Department of Justice and responding to both formal criminal and civil requests, The New York Times reported.
Trump Administration Plans To Torch $9.7M Worth Of Birth Control
The United Nations and some reproductive organizations were unsuccessful in their attempts to purchase the contraceptives, intended for poorer nations. Also: Five California Planned Parenthoods close; New Hampshire now requires doctors to sterilize patients if they choose; and more.
Homeless People May Be Involuntarily Hospitalized Per Trump Order
President Trump’s executive order to clear the country’s streets of people who suffer from addiction or mental illness also prioritizes funds for treatment programs, especially for municipalities that enforce laws regarding homelessness to the “maximum extent.”
