Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Study: Your Brain Likely Shrank During Pandemic, Even If You Didn’t Get Sick
A study showed brain shrinkage consistent with up to 5.5 months of accelerated aging. It is not yet clear whether the structural changes will lead to cognitive deficits. Also in the news: a link between alcohol withdrawal syndrome and surgery complications; digital tools to help asthma; and more.
Investigators Say Deadly Massachusetts Assisted-Living Fire Was Accidental
The fire killed 10 people at Gabriel House in Fall River. Investigators say the fire was caused by either someone smoking or an electrical issue. Other states making news: Florida, Missouri, New York, Texas, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and more.
Humana Plans Outpatient Prior Authorization Requirement Cuts
In line with its aim to provide decisions within one business day on at least 95% of prior authorizations by next year, Humana will cut a third of its prior authorization requirements. It will also launch a gold card, rewarding prescribers with a strong approval track record by waiving requirements for select items and procedures.
Trans Women Must Now Compete In US Men’s Olympic Competitions
On Monday, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee changed eligibility rules to bar transgender women from women’s competitions, falling in line with President Donald Trump’s executive order. Also: an effort to erase NCAA trans athlete records.
Popular Reusable Period Products Found To Contain ‘Forever Chemicals’
A study of 59 reusable hygiene products — including period underwear, menstrual cups, and reusable incontinence items — detected toxic PFAS, researchers report. Separately, a Tennessee judge ruled the state’s ban on advising minors about out-of-state abortions violates First Amendment rights.
Republicans Eye Medicare Advantage Rule Changes, But Maybe Not Just Yet
At a subcommittee hearing, lawmakers expressed a willingness to legislate prior authorization and “upcoding” practices used by insurers. It’s not clear when they might take action in light of a packed health policy agenda in the wake of passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Labor Department Aims To Do Away With Over 60 Workplace Regulations
These regulations — such as minimum wage requirements, limiting exposure to harmful substances, and lighting at construction sites and mines — will impact workplace safety.
First Edition: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Sarepta Suspends Elevidys Shipments After Pressure From FDA, Hospitals
Sarepta’s pause on its prescription gene therapy drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy gives the company time to work with the FDA on reviews. Infusions nationwide will be canceled. Also in the news, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, Humana, UnitedHealth, and more.
New Genetic Test Could Foretell A Child’s Obesity Risk In Adulthood
Experts hope the research, published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine, may allow for earlier interventions. Other research-related news is on the first pill for postpartum depression, antibiotic prescribing at urgent care clinics, an experimental mRNA vaccine targeting cancer, and more.
4-Day Workweek Improves Employee Health, Reduces Burnout, Study Finds
Remote work made necessary by the pandemic exposed employee burnout and disconnection. Researchers found a four-day workweek improved these issues. In other news: Covid cases are climbing across the U.S.; Measles exposure in day cares has ripple effects; and more.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Illinois Food Pantries Prep For Influx Of Need As SNAP Benefits Are Cut
As the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, readies for the biggest budget cuts in its history, nonprofit food banks strain to fight food insecurity. Other states making news: Mississippi, Texas, Connecticut, North Carolina, California, Colorado, Missouri, and Maine.
HHS To Reform Organ Donation System In Wake Of Procurement Concerns
A House subcommittee will hold a hearing today covering safety lapses and improvements to be made to the organ donor system. In other news: the FDA’s debate on antidepressant use during pregnancy; the impact of NIH cuts on science; and more.
Trump’s Tax Law Will Leave 10 Million Uninsured, New CBO Report Forecasts
By 2034, more than 10 million people will be uninsured under President Donald Trump’s tax and spending law, the Congressional Budget Office finds in a revised analysis of the bill. That’s an improvement from an earlier projection that found 11.8 million people would lose coverage in that time period.
First Edition: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Federal Cuts Deal A ‘Big, Devastating Blow’ To Los Angeles Health System
“We can’t survive this big a cut,” said public health department chief Barbara Ferrer. Other states making news: Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio.
Joint Commission Streamlines Standards, Cuts Requirements
Reducing redundancy and improving hospital compliance are among the goals. Other industry news is on health system purchases of physician practices, insurance claim denials, and more.
