Latest KFF Health News Stories
House Panel Discusses Vulnerability Of Aging Medical Devices
Alabama Republican Rep. Gary Palmer noted that even though the hardware can last up to 30 years, software tends to become outdated more quickly, potentially exposing patients to risk and hospitals to cybersecurity threats. New York Democrat Yvette Clarke wondered how these issues can be addressed after government departments have been gutted.
23 States Sue Trump Administration Over $11B In Health Funding Cuts
AP reports that the attorneys general involved in the lawsuit say the funding cuts will result in “serious harm to public health.” In related news about the Trump administration and DOGE: rural internet access, a kidney donor held by ICE, and more.
‘Liberation Day’ Arrives; Some In GOP Try To Stop Tariffs On Canadian Drugs
An analysis recently published in JAMA found that the tariffs would likely result in price hikes on a “wide range of medications, from antibiotics to mental health treatments,” the lead author said. In related news, Mark Cuban says his Cost Plus Drugs will be forced to raise prices if tariffs take effect.
HHS Guts Health Agencies, Ousts 5 NIH Directors In Broad Reduction In Force
During a day of widespread layoffs, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya told employees he plans to “implement new policies humanely,” while FDA Commissioner Marty Makary touted his “impeccable credentials” in an email to his charges. News outlets break down what programs were affected by Monday’s purge and what’s next.
First Edition: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
‘Say Something’ School Shooting Tip Line Is Successfully Saving Lives
The anonymous tip line, founded by parents of victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting, alerts police and school authorities to potential threats to students. According to The Washington Post, the tip line has prevented 18 school shootings. Other states making news are Colorado, Texas, Montana, New York, California, and North Carolina.
Hospitals Reportedly Receive Extortion Threats Over Alleged Oracle Hack
Fierce Healthcare says the incident — in which patient data was reportedly stolen from servers sometime after Jan. 22 — has not yet been announced by Oracle Health but was reported Friday in an information security publication called Bleeping Computer. That publication said a hacker is demanding millions in cryptocurrency.
Feds Freeze Family Planning Funds From Planned Parenthood
Nine of the nonprofit’s affiliates got word Monday that the Trump administration is withholding Title X funds. Separately, a federal judge has ruled it is a violation of the First Amendment and the right to travel if Alabama’s attorney general tries to punish anyone who aids in out-of-state abortions.
Doctors Will No Longer Be Required To Record Patients’ Sexual Orientation
The electronic health record rules — which also included taking data on gender identity — were set to be enforced by Jan. 1, 2026. Stat reports that providers can still gather the information if they want to. Plus: updates on lab-developed tests, health care fraudsters, and military combat fitness.
Nearly 2,000 Scientists Call Out Trump For ‘Assault On US Science’
The scientists — all of whom are elected members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine — signed a letter warning that President Donald Trump’s actions have created a “climate of fear,” The Washington Post reported. Plus: Harvard’s funding is in jeopardy.
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
HHS Workers Begin Getting Pink Slips
As many as 10,000 people could be let go across the Department of Health and Human Services. Forbes looks at how this might affect the health of everyday Americans.
First Edition: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on cholesterol, HIV, an at-home test for STIs, stem cell storage, and more.
This Year’s Projected Honeybee Losses Could Devastate Farmers, Food Supply
Farmers depend on bee colonies to pollinate their crops, such as apple trees. Other health and wellness news is on flu, bird flu, sleep, junk food, and more.
Editorial writers dissect these public health issues.
Colorado Triumphs In Drug Affordability Case
In the case filed by Amgen last year, U.S. District Court Judge Nina Wang ruled that a Colorado state board can proceed with plans to limit the costs for medications. This is the first court decision allowing a state control over prescription drug costs, Stat reported. Other states making news include Minnesota, Montana, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Missouri.
Health Systems Eye Microhospitals In Effort To Increase Access At Lower Cost
Modern Healthcare reports that many health systems, including Baylor Scott & White, Intermountain Health, and CommonSpirit Health, have invested in microhospitals, which tend to fall somewhere between urgent care centers and full-size traditional hospitals in terms of services. Other health industry news is on Solventum, Corewell Health, nonprofit hospital margins, and more.
CDC Withholds Measles Risk Analysis, Makes Vaccine A ‘Personal Choice’
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention appears to be shifting its message from promoting vaccines to one that is less certain about its benefits, ProPublica reports. Meanwhile, the Texas outbreak has now afflicted 400 people as more counties report cases.
Fox News Reporter Nominated To Lead Office Of National Drug Control Policy
Sara Carter, who is no longer listed on the network’s website, has worked on border issues in her career as a journalist but has never worked in government nor dealt with drug policy, public health, or law enforcement, Stat reports.
