Latest KFF Health News Stories
If Senate Votes To Extend ACA Subsidies, Trump Says He May Veto It
President Donald Trump made the comment aboard Air Force One on Sunday. Other ACA news is on Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno’s role in the subsidy talks, the prospect of marrying to obtain more affordable health care, and more.
RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Retreat Is Having Ripple Effects On States, Schools
States typically rely on the CDC for guidance on immunizations, and school systems take their cues from their states. The politicization of this particular health care policy is sowing confusion, leaving both to make their own determinations about vaccine mandates. Plus, viruses are on the rise.
First Edition: Monday, Jan. 12, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on insurance denials, seniors who overmedicate, mental health, and more.
NY Mayor, Governor Pitch Free Child Care Plan For 2-Year-Olds
The 2 Care program will serve about 2,000 children when it opens later this year and will be paid for with existing state funds for the next fiscal year, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday. Other news comes from Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Texas, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
Upcoming Medicaid Restrictions Could Trigger 1M Missed Cancer Screenings
Researchers determined eligibility requirements mandated in the One Big Beautiful Bill would lead to nearly 1.2 million missed colorectal, breast, or lung cancer screenings and 155 preventable deaths within two years, Stat reported. Plus, a reshaped health care sector copes with new regulations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Jefferson Health Accuses Drug Firms, PBMs Of Manipulating Insulin Prices
The large nonprofit health system, based in Philadelphia, is suing multiple companies, saying they colluded to raise the price of insulin, which in turn forced the health system to spend more on patient care. In separate statements, the three main PBMs at the center of the lawsuit — CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx — denied the allegations, Health Exec reported.
US Kids Now Protected From Fewer Diseases By Vaccines Vs. Foreign Peers
The rationale given for the policy change that pared down the child vaccine schedule was to bring it in line with other countries’ plans, but data from the World Health Organization show all but one of the 20 so-called peer countries protect kids from more diseases than the U.S. now does.
J&J Wins Tariff Reprieve In Exchange For Drug Discounts, Investment Pledge
The pharmaceutical company agreed to offer lower-cost drugs on the not-yet-available TrumpRx website and build facilities in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. It did not disclose how long its tariff reprieve would be. Plus, five states are suing the government over withheld social safety net funds.
House Revives ACA Subsidy Extension; Senate Reaching For Compromise Bill
The bill that gained the support of 17 House Republicans would renew premium tax credits for three years. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is hopeful that some of the GOP sticking points will be ironed out soon. Plus, insurers are being called to Capitol Hill to answer questions about health care costs.
‘ChatGPT Health’ Soon Will Connect To Your Electronic Medical Records
The new feature from OpenAI allows users to analyze medical test results and seek guidance on diets and workout routines, but the company stressed that it will supplement, not replace, the judgment of doctors. Initially, OpenAI will let users sign up for a waitlist to try it out, Bloomberg reported, but the program will expand in the coming weeks.
Chicago Area Records 40% Drop In Fatal Drug Overdoses For 2025
The Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed that 683 people died of opioid overdoses last year, though that number might increase as more toxicology test results roll in. At its most recent peak, the county reported 2,001 fatal opioid overdoses just three years earlier in 2022.
In an interview with CBS News, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said it might be a “better thing” if fewer youths received that shot. He also said insurance would still cover the vaccine, but the decision to vaccinate a child must be made in consultation with a doctor. Plus: Two young children have died from flu complications in Boston.
Opinion writers delve into these public health issues.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Trump And Policymakers Should Work To Ensure Big Families, Group Says
The conservative Heritage Foundation calls for policies that implement tax credits for bigger families and that “commit to protecting life from fertilization.” The group’s report also discusses alimony, online dating, and climate change. Plus, the president’s take on the ICE shooting in Minneapolis.
Bipartisan Coalition Pushes The House Forward On ACA Subsidies Extension
Nine House Republicans joined Democrats in forcing a vote on a three-year extension of the tax credits, bucking GOP leadership. A vote is slated to take place Thursday. Meanwhile, zero-dollar premiums appear to be a sticking point in discussions on the Senate side.
Red Meat, Full-Fat Dairy Get Top Billing In Updated Dietary Guidelines
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s guidance still encourages people to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as limit sugar intake. Americans also are advised to consume less alcohol, but unlike previous guidance, no clear limits are indicated.
