Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Trump Issues Order Aimed At Medicare Drug Price Talks, Hospital Payments
As Stat reports, though, much of President Donald Trump’s executive order would need further rulemaking or other actions to have any effect. Other Medicare news is on anti-obesity drugs, Humana, Cone Health, and more.
First Edition: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Many Donated Organs Never Make It To A Recipient
According to CBS News, last year nearly 12,000 donated organs were never transplanted and ended up as medical waste. In other news, a study examined a potential link between cannabis use disorder and dementia; and a large-scale analysis found that the use of technology may reduce the risk of cognitive decline as we age, challenging earlier claims to the contrary.
Less Travel For Abortions In 2024, But Overall Numbers Continue To Rise
A recent survey by the Guttmacher Institute showed that the number of Americans traveling out of state for abortions fell by 9% from 2023 to 2024, even as abortions are on the rise throughout the country. Another study suggests pills account for 1 in 10 abortions in states with bans.
Ransomware Attack Hits Kidney Care Provider DaVita
Parts of DaVita’s network were locked down by the attack, and the company has not yet provided a timeline for recovery. DaVita works with over 700 U.S. hospitals providing kidney dialysis. In pharma and tech news: the cancer risk posed by CT scans; antimicrobial resistance in kids; and more.
Man Threatening Violence Arrested Outside UnitedHealth Corporate HQ
“There is currently no indication that the individual had specific grievances against UnitedHealthcare,” Minnetonka, Minnesota, spokesman Andy Wittenborg said in a statement. Meanwhile, millions of dollars are being spent by health care systems to increase their security in the wake of heightened workplace violence.
CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel Meeting Today After Months Of Delay
Under the cloud of recent staff cuts and vaccine hesitancy, the committee’s independent experts will make recommendations on a variety of immunizations. Separately, months before covid-19 was even detected in the United States — and before testing was available — several service members returned from China with covid-like symptoms, a recently released Pentagon report states.
Feds Open Pharmaceutical Import Inquiry, Teeing Up Transition To Tariffs
Investigators are examining medicines and active ingredients to determine whether production can be boosted domestically.
Trump Halts $2B For Harvard Over DEI; Scientists ‘Excited’ School Isn’t Bowing
The White House had demanded that the university, a health research powerhouse, eliminate DEI programs and change its hiring policies. Other research universities, such as Columbia, have recently acquiesced to President Trump’s demands. In other administration news: DOGE is reportedly trying to remove immigrants from their housing and jobs.
First Edition: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
