Latest KFF Health News Stories
US Shifts Strategy On Global Health Aid
After dismantling the United States Agency for International Development, the State Department will turn to multi-year bilateral agreements that require recipient nations to pony up funds for health initiatives while meeting “performance benchmarks.” Plus, the HHS overhaul remains blocked.
Vaccine Panel Proposes Splitting MMR, Varicella Shots For Kids Under 4
The recommendation stems from data that indicate young children have a small risk for febrile seizures. Public health experts question the motive behind the change, with one noting: “This feels like using a known, disclosed, managed risk to undermine confidence in the entire schedule.” Next up for ACIP review: hepatitis B, and vaccines given during pregnancy.
First Edition: Friday, Sept. 19, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Blind People Decry Changes To Iowa’s Independent-Living Program
A state training initiative ended a requirement that people in the program use sleep shades, or eye masks that block out all light. Former participants say the shades are critical to understanding how much a vision-impaired person can achieve in daily life, especially if the person is newly impaired.
Study: Vitamin B3 Linked To A Reduction In Skin Cancer Risk
Researchers found the biggest reduction in risk among people who began taking B3 after their first skin cancer diagnosis. Other public health coverage is on the benefits of blueberries on infants’ immune systems, mental health, and more.
Eli Lilly Study Shows Mounjaro As New Way To Fight Childhood Diabetes
The positive results show that the shot reduced blood sugar levels by an average of about 2% in kids as young as 10, as well as a 10% reduction in body weight after a year of treatment. Plus: how GLP-1 drugs could help patients on antipsychotics live longer; the link between medical imaging and blood cancer in kids; 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.
NIH Alters System To Monitor Research Funds Sent To Foreign Scientists
An agency official says the current system, called FACTS, is wrought with discrepancies in figures. Others at the agency dispute that characterization, with one noting, “They needlessly broke a functioning system that only needed a few improvements.”
As Shutdown Risk Rises, Democrats Demand Health Care Policy Changes
Democrats are eyeing a repeal of the Medicaid cuts passed in July and a long-term extension of expiring Obamacare tax subsidies. Meanwhile, Politico reports that President Donald Trump’s health care cuts may be felt sooner rather than later.
Health Insurers Will Cover All Vaccines Through 2026 With No Cost-Sharing
Insurance company trade group AHIP says it will maintain coverage for all immunizations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that were in place on Sept. 1. The announcement comes as ACIP meets today and Friday to discuss various vaccinations.
Fired CDC Director Says RFK Jr. Wanted Her To Preapprove Vaccine Changes
In her Wednesday testimony before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Dr. Susan Monarez outlined how she was expected to preemptively approve changes to the childhood vaccine schedule without evidence or data and fire other scientists without cause.
First Edition: Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
8.5% Of Florida Youths Had No Health Coverage In 2024, Up 20% From 2022
The Tampa Bay Times reports that the new data have spurred calls for Florida to resolve a two-year dispute that stopped the expansion of KidCare, a subsidized children’s health insurance program. News from around the nation also comes from West Virginia, California, and North Carolina.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
Eli Lilly Names Richmond, Virginia, As First Of Four Upcoming Expansion Sites
The $5 billion manufacturing plant will be the company’s first fully integrated facility for active pharmaceutical ingredients, Becker’s Hospital Review reported. More news is on the FDA’s crackdown on drug ads; medical device recalls; and more.
CDC Revokes Work-From-Home For Employees With Disabilities — For Now
HHS’ updated telework policy does not include long-term telework as an option for federal employees with disabilities. The CDC has paused all telework approvals while it awaits clarification from HHS. Also: How companies selling AI tools for patient management are pivoting; NIH funds a center to prevent drug-resistant infections; and more.
Judge Dismisses State Terrorism Charges Against Luigi Mangione
He is accused of the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year in New York City. Other news related to gun violence is on gun restrictions in the wake of the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting in Minnesota, a return to classes at Utah Valley University following Charlie Kirk’s killing, and more.
Detainees’ Mental Health Declining Rapidly Inside ICE Centers, Lawyers Say
The New York Times reports that overcrowding, a lack of proper food, withheld medications, and no mental health treatment are all contributing factors. Since Jan. 1, at least 12 detainees have reportedly died, with at least two of those by suicide.
House Spending Bill Offers Band-Aid But Doesn’t Extend ACA Subsidies
The GOP measure that was put forward funds key government health programs through Nov. 21. Republicans say the temporary fix allows them to shore up appropriations bills. Democrats, however, say the GOP is angling for a government shutdown if it won’t consider their health care concerns.
