Latest KFF Health News Stories
Idaho’s ‘Medical Freedom’ Law Bans School, Business Vaccine Mandates
Under the law, which goes into effect July 1, state entities may not require medical interventions as a condition for school attendance or business employment. Texas is pursuing similar legislation. Meanwhile, measles continues to spread across the nation.
In Interview, Kennedy Says He Is ‘Not Familiar’ With $11 Billion In HHS Cuts
Speaking to CBS News’ chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook, health chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the HHS cuts were mainly “DEI cuts.” Other topics discussed in the interview were food additives, weight loss drugs, and measles.
Pharmaceutical Tariffs, Still Promised, Would Hurt Americans, Experts Warn
Such tariffs could cause drug shortages and added costs for consumers, they say. For example, an assessment by The Budget Lab at Yale found that a 25% tariff would raise pharmaceutical prices by an average of 15%. House representatives have warned the move could backfire and drive manufacturers to “cheaper foreign markets.”
Maternal Health Under Siege As Study Shows Mortality Rate Up 27% in US
The NIH analysis saw the increase over five years and called the issue “an urgent public health priority.” Almost one-third of the pregnancy-related deaths took place between six weeks to a year after giving birth. Meanwhile, the entire team behind a key CDC dataset for OB-GYN research has been cut as part of the administration’s downsizing of federal health agencies.
Fate Of Medicaid Cuts Unclear After House Pauses Budget Resolution Vote
Modern Healthcare reported that the measure was abandoned Wednesday because a few conservative Republicans had reservations. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he’d try to hold a vote today before the House goes on a two-week recess.
First Edition: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Scientists ID Mixture Of Food Additives That May Increase Diabetes Risk
A study suggests that when some ingredients are consumed together, the risk of Type 2 diabetes may increase, irrespective of how healthy a diet the subject had overall. Also, a separate study suggests that Type 2 diabetes can mimic early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Alabama Lawmakers Pass PBM Rules To Help Curb Small Pharmacy Closures
The new regulations would require pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse independent pharmacists at least at the state Medicaid rate for prescription drugs. More news comes from Arizona, California, and Maine.
Opinion writers break down these public health issues.
Pennsylvania’s Crozer Health Will Close Unless It Receives $9M By Today
A deal must be made by 4 p.m., said an attorney for Prospect Medical Holdings, which owns Taylor Hospital and Crozer-Chester Medical Center. If not, Prospect will pursue a closure motion in court and the hospitals will go on diversion — sending ambulances to other hospitals — starting Thursday.
As RFK Jr. Touts Flattening Of Measles Curve, Texas Reports Uptick In Cases
More than 500 infections have been confirmed in the Lone Star State, and public health experts suspect more are going unreported. ABC News has asked for data demonstrating a plateau, but HHS has not provided it. Also, concern is growing for those too young to be vaccinated against measles.
Trump Freezes Nearly $2B In Funding For 2 More Research Universities
Cornell could lose more than $1 billion and Northwestern about $790 million if they don’t take more action to prevent antisemitism, the Trump administration warned. Cornell confirmed it received more than 75 “stop work” orders Tuesday on research “profoundly significant to American national defense, cybersecurity, and health,” AP reported. Plus: The latest on the HHS layoffs.
‘Major’ Tariffs On Pharmaceutical Products Are Coming, Trump Vows
In an effort to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., the president signaled that the pharmaceutical industry won’t be spared from tariffs. Meanwhile, concern is growing in the pharmaceutical sector that drug reviews and other key functions of the FDA may be slowed in light of cuts at the agency.
First Edition: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Strict Abortion Laws In Louisiana, North Carolina Could Get More Severe
In Louisiana, where abortion is banned without any exceptions, a Republican bill would expand the definition of “coerced abortion.” In North Carolina, where abortion is legal only up to 12 weeks of pregnancy and has exceptions for rape and incest, a Republican bill would make abortion illegal after conception and eliminate those exceptions.
CDC Again Sends Team To Texas To Assess Growing Measles Outbreak
The three staff members are in the Lone Star State at the request of the governor. Meanwhile, public health experts weigh in on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s mixed messaging about the MMR vaccine after the HHS secretary touted treatments that have not been proved to be effective.
Viewpoints: CMS Should Reconsider Covering GLP-1 Drugs; Cuts To HIV Care Terrify Vulnerable Patients
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
Federal Judge Blocks Nursing Home Staffing Mandate
U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk said the Department of Health and Human Services lacked the authority to issue the mandate. Also in health care industry news: CVS; Envision Healthcare; the “Zero Suicide Model;” and more.
Trump Administration Bumps Payment Rates For Medicare Insurers By 5%
The boost is double the one proposed in January by the Biden administration. Meanwhile, a study shows how UnitedHealth Group used certain strategies to get more money from Medicare Advantage.
HHS Chief RFK Jr. Urges More States To Outlaw Fluoride In Drinking Water
He spoke Monday in Utah, where a ban goes into effect in May. Meanwhile, the fallout continues from layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services.
