Latest KFF Health News Stories
After Uproar Over Autism Comments, RFK Jr. Backpedals, Blames Media
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. went on Fox News to clarify that when he was talking about alleged limitations that people with autism encounter, he was referring only to those who are nonverbal. Autistic people, their loved ones, and lawmakers have denounced his comments.
DOGE’s ‘Defend The Spend’ Initiative Puts Health Care Grantees In A Pinch
Tens of thousands of organizations that rely on federal funding must now justify each transaction they make before spending is approved. That longer process is leading to a backlog of requests, such as payments to doctors and nurses who treat the poor, The Washington Post reports.
FSU Shooting Suspect Said To Have Mental Health History, Access To Guns
Phoenix Ikner, 20, is accused in Thursday’s mass shooting at Florida State University in Tallahassee that left two dead and six hurt. Authorities allege he used his stepmother’s handgun during the attack. According to court documents, Ikner was involved in a custody battle in 2015 during which his father stated the need for his son to continue getting medical care for his “special needs” and ADHD.
First Edition: Friday, April 18, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Viewpoints: What Autism Families Actually Need; Encouraging Results With Stem Cells And Parkinson’s
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Arkansas Companies Now Must Choose Between PBMs And Pharmacies
In an attempt to eliminate conflicts of interest and drug price hikes, the first-in-the-nation law will prohibit pharmacy benefit managers from operating pharmacies. More news comes out of California, Missouri, Michigan, and Texas.
FDA Directs Knockoff Weight Loss Drugmakers To Halt Operations
Patients will lose access to cheaper versions of the blockbuster drugs after the agency shuts down the multibillion-dollar industry now that the drug shortage has ended. Also in the news: Eli Lilly’s weight loss pill, a Semler Scientific settlement, breast cancer AI, and more.
ACA Case At Supreme Court Next Week Likely To Profoundly Affect Health Care
Justices on Monday will hear arguments in the case of Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, which questions whether the structure of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force — which makes recommendations for preventive services that nearly all private insurances must cover without cost-sharing — violates the U.S. Constitution’s Appointments Clause.
RFK Jr. Leans Into ‘Environmental Toxins’ As Source Of Increased Autism
The HHS chief, who has long argued that vaccines cause autism, dismissed the notion that “better diagnoses, better recognition, or changing diagnostic criteria” are driving up figures. Also, the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel has recommended that the RSV shot be available to adults 50 and older.
Facing Tariffs, Abbott To Invest $500 Million In US Manufacturing Facilities
The facilities will be in Illinois and Texas. The threat of tariffs is affecting nonprofit hospitals, as well, Fierce Healthcare reports. Also in the news: Medicare data on immigrants; President Donald Trump’s trans health care policies; and more.
Trump Administration May Cut A Third Of HHS’ Discretionary Budget
The Washington Post reports on the release of a preliminary document for the 2026 fiscal year budget, which outlines the plan to reshape federal health agencies. Other news is on NIH staff purges’ effect on minorities; accusations of censorship in the NIH; and more.
First Edition: Thursday, April 17, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Number Of Abortions In Florida Fell More Than Any Other State In 2024
The study shows a significant decrease in clinical abortions after the six-week ban was enacted. Virginia — the closest state to Florida providing abortions after six weeks and without a waiting period — saw an increase in abortions over the same time period.
Bankrupt Crozer Health Begins Employee Layoffs As Closure Looms
The search for a buyer for the Pennsylvania health system is still underway. Also in the news, Ascension Health, Community Health System, Mass General Brigham, MedStar Health, and more.
The newest CDC data show that 1 in 31 children — specifically 8-year-olds — were on the autism spectrum in 2022. That’s up from 1 in 36 in 2020. In other public health news: Paper receipts from major U.S. retailers have high levels of toxic chemicals.
Confusion Over PACT Act Has Led To $6.8M In Improper Disability Claims
In a report released Tuesday, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ internal watchdog found the wrong “effective date” on about 26,000 claims, resulting in overpayment by the government, Military.com reported. In other administration news: President Trump threatens to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, but it’s up to the IRS.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
CDC Might Switch To Risk-Based Recommendation For Yearly Covid Shot
Under the proposed guidance, Americans 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions — and possibly “anyone wanting protection from covid-19” — would receive an annual shot or two. Separately, health officials fear many measles cases aren’t being reported.
At Meeting, Vaccine Advisers Discuss Disease Data, Need For Measles Shots
Public health professionals were encouraged by the business-as-usual meeting, but it’s uncertain what the talks means for vaccine policy more broadly, Stat reports. Also Tuesday, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. indicated he intends to change the vaccine injury reporting system, and he criticized the measles vaccine as well as “perverse incentives” in the medical system.
