Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers examine the following public health issues.
Hospital Costs Predicted To Rise 15% Due To Tariffs
The survey predicted the increase would happen within the next six months. Other industry news is on health care access in rural areas; Pfizer’s alleged attempt to avoid taxes; and more.
Anti-Abortion Groups Press Congress To Defund Planned Parenthood
The women’s health organization counters that stripping away funding would hurt people in need of care other than abortion, which accounts for less than 5% of its services. Meanwhile, Kentucky and Texas attempt to clarify when it’s OK for doctors to perform abortions.
GOP Reportedly Working On Tax Plan That Scales Back Medicaid Cuts
Some Senate Republicans are worried about the political backlash, Bloomberg reports. Meanwhile, a new analysis has found that the proposed cuts would lead to 1 million job losses.
Crisis Line Call-Takers Overwhelmed By Crush Of Veterans’ Calls, Trump Cuts
The Department of Veterans Affairs hotline has been a beacon of hope in troubling moments for veterans. As it fields more calls about benefits and other services, operators themselves are coping with “a very hostile, very anxiety-producing work environment.”
Stunned HHS Employees Reel From Massive Job Cuts
The announcement that as many as 10,000 people will lose their jobs came as a shock to staff, some finding out through news reports. Including those who have already been cut with early retirement and buyouts, the total will reach 20,000 jobs lost, according to Politico.
First Edition: Friday, March 28, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Artificial Sweetener Sucralose May Actually Increase Feelings Of Hunger
The findings come from a small study published Wednesday in the journal Nature Metabolism. Other public health news is on animal-to-human organ transplants; the first medicine to treat people with Prader-Willi syndrome; “tick cement;” and more.
South Korean Investigation Reveals Widespread Adoption Fraud
South Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its findings on more than 200,000 adoptees, some of whom were stolen at birth and adopted for-profit internationally, including in the United States, The Washington Post reported. Other reproductive news is from Georgia, Texas, Virginia, and New Hampshire.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Viewpoints: Youth Transgender Issues Need More Research, Not Less
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
US Could Lose Measles ‘Elimination Status’ Faster Than Thought
A study suggests that the vaccination rate of kids in the United States is lower than previously reported by the CDC. The author argues that the pandemic may have exacerbated vaccine hesitancy and lack of access to the MMR vaccine.
Prosecutors Object To Notes Slipped To Suspect In UnitedHealthcare Shooting
It’s not clear whether Luigi Mangione read the heart-shaped messages that told him: “Know there are thousands of people wishing you luck.” He is awaiting trial in the slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Meanwhile, the FBI has found no credible terrorist threat directed at hospitals.
Health Insurers Received Double Payment For Some Medicaid Patients
Insurers collected at least $4.3 billion over three years for patients who were enrolled in two states at once, in many cases after moving from one state to the other, according to an analysis by The Wall Street Journal. Other news is on the House budget, a federal ban on “ghost guns,” and more.
NIH Scours Papers Tied To ‘Fighting Misinformation Or Disinformation’
Staffers were given hours Wednesday to identify contracts and grants that directed “people to believe one idea over another related to health outcomes.” The initiative came as no surprise to public health researchers, Stat reports. Meanwhile, the National Institutes of Health let go of another top director.
Social Security Revises Phone Services, Will Let People With Disabilities Call In
Some services will still require in-person or online verification, rather than by phone, however. Plus: The Supreme Court hears arguments in a case that would affect internet access in rural areas.
First Edition: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Exits Of 5 High-Level Officials Are Latest Moves To Rock CDC
With these new departures — described as retirements — it means close to a third of the CDC’s top management is leaving or has left recently. In other news from the agency, $11 billion in covid funding sent to state health departments is being clawed back.
Facing Funding Gap, New York’s Child Care Voucher Program May Soon Cave
The city’s Administration for Children’s Services subsidizes more than 60,000 vouchers, but The New York Times reports the “lifeline” program may begin disappearing within weeks if it’s not funded. Other news from around the nation comes from Florida, New Hampshire, California, Montana, Connecticut, Wyoming, and Kentucky.
Mayo Clinic Cuts Off Some 9/11 Cancer Patients In Exit Of Federal Program
Two 9/11 responders with cancer who are patients of Mayo cancer facilities have been alerted that The Mayo Clinic is exiting a federal program that covers their care. CDC and its National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which oversees the 9/11 health program, are looking into it, a spokesperson tells Modern Healthcare.
