Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Trump Administration Aims To Slash Housing Grants By Two-Thirds In 2026
In a major shift in homelessness policy, the bulk of funding would be directed toward programs that prioritize work and drug treatment. Also: new patent policies’ impact on lowering drug prices; pediatricians’ reactions to the FDA’s effort to limit fluoride supplements; and more.
With Shutdown In Rearview Mirror, ACA Subsidies Are A Priority. Or Not.
The House voted Wednesday to fund the government through January, and President Donald Trump signed the measure that effectively ends the shutdown. Now, Democrats are maneuvering to force a vote on the expiring tax credits, while House Speaker Mike Johnson says he will not commit to bringing up the issue in his chamber, AP reports. Plus, what does this mean for SNAP benefits?
First Edition: Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Ongoing Measles Outbreaks In Canada Cost Americas Their Elimination Status
Individual countries are maintaining their standing, health officials say, but the U.S. might lose its elimination status if it can’t get current outbreaks under control by January. Plus, two U.S. airports report measles exposures.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
‘State Of Crisis’ As Rural Hospital Maternity Unit Closures Rise In 2025
A new report points to 27 completed or planned labor and delivery unit closures this year. Other industry news is on Genesis HealthCare, the fight between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the UMass Memorial Health system, pediatric ER care, and more.
Cancer Scientist Richard Pazdur Picked As FDA’s Top Drug Regulator
Pazdur will head the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, replacing George Tidmarsh. Other pharma news is on telehealth prescriptions for certain controlled substances, health information privacy related to wearable devices and mobile health apps, and more.
HRT For Menopause Will No Longer Carry A ‘Black Box’ Warning
The FDA issued the announcement Monday. Commissioner Marty Makary said the warnings were based on outdated science. Scroll down to our Editorials and Opinions section to read the story.
Full SNAP Payments Remain On Hold While Congress Works On Funding Bill
The Supreme Court’s emergency ruling will expire by midnight Thursday, giving the House and President Trump just days to approve and sign a measure that would fund the government.
ACA Subsidies: GOP Alternatives Would Link Abortion Or Even Gut The System
Republicans are floating ideas for discussion after the government reopens. One idea from Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., would extend the soon-to-expire Obamacare subsidies in exchange for stricter abortion restrictions on insurance plans. Another idea from President Donald Trump would give federal health care funds directly to individuals instead of through insurers. Policy experts say Obamacare would collapse under that plan.
First Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: American Health Care Needs A Reboot; Planned Parenthood Cuts Destroy Public Health
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Maryland Legislature Considers Relaxing Laws On Psychedelic Drugs
The Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances submitted its report on the benefits of easing restrictions on psilocybin, mescaline, and dimethyltryptamine, three natural psychedelics. Also in the news: Colorado, Ohio, Connecticut, North Carolina, Texas, California, and Louisiana.
New Cholesterol Breakthroughs Help Reduce LDL Levels, Heart Attack Risk
Merck’s new pill, enlicitide, and Amgen’s longtime Repatha shot are showing heart attack risk-lowering potential, and researchers have made progress on the gene-editing front.
55% Greater Risk Of Asthma For Vets Stationed In Iraq, Afghanistan: Study
Researchers also found higher risks of chronic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyposis. Also, ByHeart baby formula has been recalled due to a multistate outbreak of infant botulism. Plus, research shows 1 in 27 women are informally sharing breast milk.
Trump Claims Most Americans Will Get $2,000 Tariff Dividend Payout
There’s no specific plan for the payments, which Congress would likely need to approve. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is hearing arguments about whether Trump overstepped his authority in levying tariffs without congressional support. Plus: Would 50-year mortgages help the housing crisis?
Hunger Pains And Confusion Grow As Courts, States, Trump Battle Over SNAP
On Sunday night, an appeals court denied President Donald Trump’s efforts to halt the release of full funding for November’s payments. Trump also threatened Friday to penalize states that paid full benefits and ordered them to claw back the money. It’s unclear if that demand still stands.
ACA Subsidies Still In Limbo As Senate Nears Deal To End Longest Shutdown
Eight senators voted with the Democratic caucus to advance a compromise measure to fund the government through the end of January. SNAP benefits would resume, but the extension of health care tax credits is not included. Plus, President Trump renews call to repeal Obamacare.
First Edition: Monday, Nov. 10, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
