Latest KFF Health News Stories
AMA To Allow AI Startup Access To Medical Journals’ Content In New Deal
The AI search tool allows clinicians to input patients’ clinical presentations and receive relevant academic articles from medical journals. This is the second deal the AI startup, OpenEvidence, has brokered this year with medical publications. Plus: “ghost networks;” the No Surprises Act; and more.
Gilead Pins Its Hopes On Breakthrough Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Shot
The Wall Street Journal reports on the expected FDA approval of lenacapavir and what it might mean for Gilead’s future in the market. Other coverage of science and research-related news is on a mini-heart breakthrough at Stanford; a potential link between semaglutides and age-related macular degeneration; the prevalence of aggressive fatty liver disease; and more.
Four States Petition FDA To Remove Mifepristone Restrictions
The petition, filed by Massachusetts, New York, California, and New Jersey, aims to compel the FDA to recognize that mifepristone is safe and effective. More reproductive health news includes GLP-1 drugs and birth control; IVF; antibiotics during pregnancy; gut microbiota; menopause; and more.
Once Off Limits, Medicare Cuts Now In The Mix As Senate Works On Tax Bill
Desperate to find savings in President Donald Trump’s budget bill, Senate Republicans are opening the door to changes to Medicare — which they previously indicated would not be a part of the legislation. Changes to target “waste and fraud” in private Medicare Advantage plans are high on the list. Meanwhile, news outlets also report cuts to Medicaid and the ACA are under consideration.
From FDA To USAID, Trump Team Races To Bring Back Fired Workers
A Washington Post review found recent messy re-hirings at agencies including the Food and Drug Administration, the State Department, and others. “It feels like it was all just a game to them,” one rehired FDA staffer said. Separately, questions are swirling about the CDC’s leadership.
First Edition: Friday, June 6, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Texas Hospital Faulted For Denying Care To Woman With Life-Threatening Pregnancy
A federal inquiry determined a Texas facility violated the law when it did not provide care for Kyleigh Thurman’s ectopic pregnancy, AP reports. Other states in the news include California, Texas, and Florida.
Mangione’s Diary Details Lead-Up To CEO’s Slaying, Prosecutors Contend
Court filings give insight into why shooting suspect Louis Mangione might have targeted the UnitedHealthcare executive: “It checks every box.” In other news: Hospital construction trends include AI; Novo Nordisk is playing catch-up to Eli Lilly in the weight loss drug race; and more.
Scientists Might Have Found A Way To Eradicate HIV From The Body
Australian researchers have found a way to lure the virus out of the body’s white blood cells, where it usually hides, using mRNA technology. Also: DNA testing to select embryos with longer life expectancy might be possible; maternal obesity affects childhood infection rates; and more.
Valley Fever Much More Prevalent In The US Than Previously Thought
A study looked at data models and national surveillance reports for 2019, estimating that the true number of cases is likely 10 to 18 times higher than those reported. Other news is on the measles outbreak and tracking systems, and a ground beef recall.
VA Spending Bill Boosts Budget For Vets To See Private Docs By 50%
Military.com reports that the House Appropriations Committee’s fiscal 2026 VA spending bill would allocate about $453 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs — an $83 billion increase over this year. However, only 4% would be slated for medical care. Other news from Capitol Hill is on an FDA program that brings nonprescription drugs to market, PEPFAR funds, and more.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Editorial writers dissect these public health issues.
Tax Bill Would Slash $1 Trillion From Medicaid, Health Care System: CBO
Analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that $1 trillion would be cut over a decade, with Medicaid budget losses making up the biggest part — despite President Donald Trump’s claims that the bill would make “no cuts” to the social safety net program. Also in the news: ACA tax credits, Medicare drug prices, and more.
Biden’s Alleged Mental Decline Probed; Biden Calls Claims ‘Ridiculous’
President Donald Trump has called for an investigation into whether former President Joe Biden’s aides helped to cover up an alleged decline in his mental acuity. Biden states that all his decisions as president were his own. Other White House news covers vaccine policies, funding cuts, and more.
First Edition: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Mississippi Public Health Advocates Find Opioid Settlement Plan Unsettling
Some fear lawmakers will allow money to be spent on issues other than addressing and preventing overdoses. Other states making news include Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and California.
Survey Shows Health Care Workers Use More AI At Home Than At Work
This holds true across the board for nurses and physicians. Also in industry news: Orlando Health holds its second mental health conference; A judge denies a motion to dismiss lawsuits accusing Claritev of colluding with insurers to reduce pay for out-of-network providers; and more.
Opinion writers discuss the following public health issues.
Trump Eyes July 4 Deadline For Tax Bill As Senate Faces A Three-Week Sprint
AP points out that Democrats are loudly criticizing GOP proposals to cut Medicaid, food stamps, and green energy investments as part of the huge tax bill. Other news from Capitol Hill is on cuts to public broadcasting and foreign aid, and the bill’s impact on Obamacare.
