Latest KFF Health News Stories
Pentagon Bars Openly Transgender Troops From Serving Their Country
Meanwhile, The New York Times says the actual number of transgender troops serving is more than two-thirds lower than previously estimated. Other news includes Iowa and Missouri pushing to limit transgender rights and care; medical groups opposing Trump’s definition of “sex;” and more.
Doctors Call Out RFK Jr. Over Inaccurate Measles Information
“This is not usual,” one doctor said. “Any death of a child is one death too many, especially when it comes to vaccine preventable illnesses,” said another. Meanwhile, as cases crop up in Kentucky and New Jersey, the Trump administration and Texas officials are mum about vaccines available to prevent the disease.
First Edition: Friday, Feb. 28, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Planned Parenthood Wins Appeal In Medicaid Fraud Case
The ruling overturns a decision by Texas U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who ruled in 2023 that Planned Parenthood must return millions of dollars it received from Texas and Louisiana’s Medicaid programs, Politico reported. Plus: more news from Connecticut, Florida, North Carolina, California, Texas, and Washington, D.C.
Malpractice Standards Change From ‘Medical Custom’ To ‘Evidence-Based’
The American Law Institute’s guidelines — which it approved last year but now are published — pointed out that medical decision-making has changed in the past 40 years “away from subjective judgments and reliance on authorities toward a formal analysis of evidence,” MedPage Today said.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Viewpoints: Dangers Of The Anti-Vax Movement Come Into Focus As Child Dies In Texas Measles Outbreak
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Eli Lilly To Spend Billions Shifting Its Drugmaking To US
This move will help shore up the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain, which currently relies heavily on foreign sources for key raw ingredients. Also in the news: prescription drug legislation, uses of AI in health tech, and more.
Trump Administration Ends Nearly All USAID Programs
The announcement came hours before the administration was to restart payments on foreign aid grants, NPR reports, but Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily paused that lower court order Wednesday evening, allowing the White House more time to make the payments. Also in the news: NIH funding, VA funding, and an EPA move on climate regulations.
White House Reconsidering Moderna’s Bird Flu Vaccine Contract
The administration also told Vaxart Inc. to halt its research on an oral Covid vaccine, Bloomberg reports. In related news, the policy to cull poultry caught in H5N1 bird flu outbreaks will not be changed after all, but the poultry industry will see a $1 billion infusion to fight outbreaks.
FDA Scraps Panel Meeting That Advises On Vaccines For Next Season’s Flu
The committee typically meets in the spring to decide which strains to include in shots for the next winter wave. Meanwhile, a child has died in the Texas measles outbreak. Also, the WHO reports the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network is on the verge of collapse after the U.S. withdrew funding.
First Edition: Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
GenBioPro, Leading Mifepristone Manufacturer, Enters Abortion Fight
On Tuesday, the company asked to be added to the list of defendants in a case brought before a Texas judge by three Republican state attorneys general, The New York Times reported.
Psilocybin Businesses Are Sprouting As First Licenses Issued In Colorado
It marks a start to the legal psychedelic-assisted therapy industry. Separately, Texas sees an increase in children being vaccinated amid the growing measles outbreak. Utah, Iowa, New York, California, and Idaho are also in the news.
FDA Eases Access To Medication For Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia
The agency is eliminating a long-held blood test requirement, broadening access to clozapine. Also, new clinical trial results show hope for those with sickle cell disease and could lower the cost of treatment. Other news is on compounding pharmacies lawsuit against the FDA, promising cancer drugs, and more.
Hospitals Nationwide Overwhelmed By Crush Of Sick Patients, Execs Report
Health systems are revising strategies to meet the growing demand for inpatient care. One option is to send patients home to recuperate in their comfy surroundings and have health care personnel visit them there. Also in the news: Oregon Healthcare strike, Walgreens settlement, and more.
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
President Trump Signs Executive Order Reinforcing Price Transparency Rules
The regulations were first issued in 2019 during Donald Trump’s first term. Also in news on health care costs: billions “wasted” in overturning claims denials, an inquiry into UnitedHealth Group’s Medicare billing practices, and more.
Trump Administration Ordered To Quickly Pay Billions In Foreign Aid
A federal judge gave the government two days to release funds that were cut off without warning on Jan. 20. In other Trump administration news: The CDC will stop processing data on transgender identity; DOGE staffers are resigning in protest; veterans’ health data might be at risk; and more.
House Barely Passes Budget Bill, Teeing Up Tough Talks On Medicaid
Now that Republicans have taken steps to advance President Donald Trump’s tax cut goal, they must find ways to reduce spending elsewhere. The New York Times explores where potential cuts might be made and the effect it could have on states. Also, a look at cuts each district would see.
