Latest KFF Health News Stories
UnitedHealth To End Commissions On Sales Of Medicare Drug Plans
As of now, commissions on renewals will continue to be paid. Also, Leapfrog has served a cease-and-desist after Tenet Healthcare Corp. filed a lawsuit alleging that the safety grades process was bought and paid for. Other news is on upcoding practices in outpatient care, updated industry standards for antibiotic manufacturing, and more.
First-Ever Personalized Gene-Editing Treatment Saves Baby’s Life
The Philadelphia boy was born with a rare genetic disorder called CPS1 deficiency. Half of all babies with the disorder die in the first week, The New York Times notes. Also making news: measles, prion diseases, and night owls.
Editorial writers discuss the following public health topics.
Florida Becomes Second State To Ban Fluoride In Public Water
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation yesterday, joining Utah. The bill does not mention fluoride specifically and is intended to allow more medical freedom, according to The Hill. Other news comes from Texas, Kentucky, California, Georgia, and Michigan.
DOD Adds Gender Dysphoria Screening To Troops’ Annual Checkups
The order is intended to identify transgender service members, who will then be removed from their ranks in the U.S. military. Plus: drug production, antismoking programs, firefighter cancer study, and more.
Senators Express Dissatisfaction With House Megabill Draft, Medicaid Cuts
Some GOP senators are concerned that trims to Medicaid and other programs would hurt their states. They have already pegged provisions in the House measure that they’re targeting for revisions, NBC News reports. Also in the tax bill: a $1 billion tax break on gun silencers.
HHS Hedges On Covid Vaccine Advice For Children, Pregnant Women
It’s not clear if the recommendation for covid shots will be lifted entirely, or whether patients simply will be advised to consult with their doctors, The Wall Street Journal reports. Regardless, the change could mean insurers become less likely to cover the shots. Plus, the MAHA movement’s latest push.
First Edition: Friday, May 16, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Without US Support, WHO Is Paring Back Leadership Team, Departments
The World Health Organization, struggling financially since the U.S. left its ranks, has cut its management team by half and will reduce its departments by more than half, Stat reports. Meanwhile, Harvard is taking steps to cushion the blow by the Trump administration’s cuts.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Study Shows Suicide As Leading Cause Of Death Among Medical Residents
From 2015 and 2021, almost 30% of deaths among residents and fellows were due to suicide. In other news: Medicare fraud at UnitedHealth; patient fall rates at rehab facilities; and more.
Against Wishes of Voters, Missouri GOP Votes To Repeal Paid Sick Leave Law
Proposition A — approved in November by 57.6% of voters — allows workers to earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, St. Louis Public Radio reported. Democrats slammed the state Senate’s repeal, which doesn’t need voter approval and now heads to Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe.
Six-Week ‘Fetal Heartbeat’ Abortion Law Will Stand In South Carolina
Per state law, the state Supreme Court ruled, abortions may be banned as soon as cardiac activity can be detected. Meanwhile in Missouri, GOP lawmakers plan to put forth a constitutional amendment to overturn voters’ support of abortion access.
Overdose Deaths Plummeted In 2024 But Still Higher Than Pre-Covid: CDC
Experts fear federal funding cuts could stymie strategies that are working, AP reports. Other news is on mental health, broken heart syndrome, toxic chemicals detected in rice, and more.
27-Hour Markup On GOP Megabill Ends With Billions In Medicaid Cuts
News reports have varying estimates of the exact number of billions in Medicaid cuts. And Politico reports that some Republicans were caught by surprise by some of the provisions in the bill. Also: The House Agriculture Committee greenlights as much as $300 billion in food aid spending cuts.
HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Claims Public Shouldn’t Take His Medical Advice
During a contentious House committee hearing Wednesday, Kennedy also said he would “probably” vaccinate his children against measles but that his personal opinions on vaccines “are irrelevant.” He also defended the decision to lay off around 10,000 HHS employees.
First Edition: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Overwork Could Change The Structure Of Your Brain, Study Suggests
Working 52 or more hours a week changed the brain regions associated with executive function and emotional regulation, researchers found. Meanwhile, another study shows that more sitting and lying down is linked to neurodegeneration in older adults, irrespective of physical activity levels.
UnitedHealth Group CEO Resigns ‘For Personal Reasons’; Shares Keep Falling
Chief executive Andrew Witty vowed to help fix the health care industry in the wake of CEO Brian Thompson’s 2024 killing. Other industry news is on Atrium Health’s pay raises; a strike among doctors and health care workers at PeaceHealth; and more.
