Latest KFF Health News Stories
New York Surgery Center Is Latest Casualty Of Federal Funding Cuts
A spokesperson for Kaleida Health stated that Medicaid reimbursement funding reductions were among the reasons for shutting down its surgery center starting Oct. 1. Also: the impact of CMS’ outpatient plan on ambulatory surgery centers; a liquid cancer biopsy early-detection test; and more.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Parents Fret Over Kids’ Mental Health After Seeing Kirk’s Slaying Online
Children were easily able to watch the unedited video of the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on their social media feeds, parents say. Plus: Americans of all political persuasions are worried that his killing will suppress the peaceful exchange of ideas. In related news: how mental health measures already in place in Colorado failed to stop this week’s school shooting.
Senators Implement ‘Nuclear Option’ To Push Republican Nominees Through
Republicans advanced the rule change in an effort to bypass Democratic opposition and push through 48 GOP nominees at once. The rule change is expected to be finalized next week, The New York Times reported.
Spending Deal Appears Tenuous As Lawmakers Spar Over Health Care
Republicans, thinking they have the votes to pass the government funding measure and avoid a shutdown, brush off demands by Democrats to include ACA subsidy extensions and other health care-related policies. Seven Senate Democrats would have to break with the party for the bill to pass. “They ain’t going to get the votes,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says.
First Edition: Friday, Sept. 12, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, And Connecticut Preserve Covid Vax Access
Bucking HHS, several more states issued orders allowing their residents to get shots without a doctor’s prescription. Meanwhile in Oregon, CVS rescinded its policy allowing anyone to get a shot.
US Has Worst Chronic Disease Death Data Among High-Income Countries
According to a study published Wednesday in The Lancet, the U.S. performed the worst in reducing deaths caused by chronic diseases. Germany wasn’t far behind, while Denmark showed the largest improvement. Also: Insomnia ages the brain; beta-glucan fiber increases weight loss: and more.
Supreme Court Rejects South Carolina’s Plea To Enforce Trans Bathroom Ban
A lower court ruling was left in place, allowing a 14-year-old student to use the school bathroom that best aligned with their gender identity while his lawsuit winds through the courts. The high court determined South Carolina did not meet the standards for obtaining an emergency injunction.
FTC To Health Care Employers: Review Your Noncompete Agreements
The Federal Trade Commission sent letters warning large employers and firms to make sure any noncompetes are not overly broad or anticompetitive. Other industry news covers the rising share of doctors who belong to unions, CMS’ Medicare Plan Finder tool, robotic intubation, and more.
Fight Over Obamacare Premiums Could Trigger Federal Government Shutdown
Senate and House Democrats are demanding that Republicans stop a sharp spike in Affordable Care Act premiums. In other news, House lawmakers have included an amendment in their 2026 spending bill to fund mRNA vaccine research — in direct opposition to HHS chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
FDNY Honors 39 Who Died This Year From 9/11-Related Illnesses; HHS ‘Chaos’ Delays WTC Health Program
Plus, three more victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were recently identified using DNA. The New York City medical examiner’s office is still working to identify about 1,100 victims.
Partisan Division Over Gun Control Erupts In US House After Kirk Slaying
Leaders across the political spectrum have decried Wednesday’s fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, at a political event in Utah. But in the House, a moment of silence led to a shouting match, with at least one conservative blaming liberals for the shooting and Democrats demanding that Republicans “pass some gun laws!”
First Edition: Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
CMS Delays Medicare Advantage Rule Requiring Reminders Of Unused Perks
The agency says it needs time “to address logistical concerns and reevaluate current requirements” regarding a notification policy about unused benefits. Plus, UnitedHealth’s intentions for Medicare Advantage plans.
Viewpoints: Medical Debt Is A Full-On Health Emergency; Ultraprocessed Foods Have Sickened Americans
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
Marijuana Use May Be Linked To Birth Defects, Miscarriages, Study Finds
The study, published Tuesday, links high levels of THC with changes in how eggs mature and a possible increase in chromosome malformations. Plus: a new test for HPV-linked head and neck cancer; brain iron levels linked to cognitive impairments; and more.
Wildfire Fighters Will Now Be Provided With Masks For Smoke Protection
The move, which reverses a decades-long ban, comes after a series of articles in The New York Times describing health crises among wildfire fighters. Also in the news: California, Ohio, New York, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, Rhode Island, Maine, Alaska, and elsewhere.
US Death Rate Fell 4% In 2024; Covid No Longer A Top 10 Cause, CDC Says
Heart disease and cancer remain the leading causes of death, a report indicates, but overdoses and other unintentional injuries along with suicides ticked up last year. Plus: Another group recommends covid vaccines; HHS officials want to scour health data for ill effects of covid shots; and more.
