Latest KFF Health News Stories
Trump Intimidated Hospitals To End Trans Youth Care, States’ Suit Alleges
The lawsuit was filed Friday by attorneys general from 15 states and the District of Columbia, plus the governor of Pennsylvania. It comes on the heels of at least eight major hospitals announcing restrictions on gender-affirming care for people under 19. Meanwhile, UI Health in Chicago suspended gender-affirming surgeries for youths.
Hospice, Rehab, Psychiatry Set For Modest 2026 Medicare Rate Increase
The pay increases, which range from 2.5% to 2.6%, go into effect Oct. 1. Today’s health industry news also covers an efficiency effort among hospitals, agentic AI technology, and more.
Respiratory Infections Can Bring Breast Cancer Out Of Remission, Study Shows
Researchers have found that common viruses, like covid and the flu, can reactivate dormant breast cancer cells. In other news: Johnson & Johnson launches “The 3rd Opinion” initiative to empower patients; nail clubbing may indicate advanced lung cancer; and more.
Majority Of US Adults Will Skip This Fall’s Covid-19 Shot, Survey Shows
As summer infections ramp up, we look at how vaccine recommendations have changed this year and how those changes might affect insurance coverage. Other news is about a possible listeria contamination in freeze-dried fruit, rising flesh-eating bacteria cases, and more.
NSF Doesn’t Have To Restart Research Funding Just Yet, Judge Rules
U.S. District Judge John Cronan in New York declined to grant a preliminary injunction on the funding freeze while the case is winding through the courts. Plus, President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act delays Medicare price negotiations for some top-selling drugs.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
First Edition: Monday, Aug. 4, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: FDA’s Approach On Fluoride Supplements Is Unwise; GLP-1s Are Too Hard For Many To Access
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
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 parenting, mental health, nutrition and fitness, the screwworm, and more.
Another Bonus Of Weight Loss Drugs: They May Prevent Erectile Dysfunction
Researchers saw significant increases in testosterone levels for men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes while taking GLP-1 medications, The Hill wrote. Also in the news: vaping, PFAS, junk food, and more.
California To Drop Health Insurance Of DACA Recipients Due To Policy Changes
Covered California said it will end coverage of more than 2,300 DACA enrollees by Aug. 31. In other state news: Wildfire smoke wreaks havoc on the Midwest; measles cases grow; and more.
CMS Reportedly Will Allow Voluntary Coverage Of Weight Loss Drugs
The Washington Post says it has obtained documents that detail the five-year experiment involving state Medicaid programs and Medicare Part D plans. Plus: CMS has bumped up Medicare payments for inpatient services and long-term care.
CDC Tells Outside Experts Their Input On Vaccine Policy Is No Longer Needed
Subcommittee members who offer policy recommendations have been excluded from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ working groups. Other news is about HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s focus on preventive care and vaccine harm, lower kindergarten vaccine rates, and more.
Trump Withholds Millions In Medical Research Funding From UCLA
The administration has accused the University of California, Los Angeles of continuing to engage in race discrimination. Separately, a Senate Appropriations Committee voted in favor of increasing the NIH budget by $400 million.
Pharma Companies Have 60 Days To Lower Drug Prices In US, Trump Says
In line with President Donald Trump’s “most favored nation” model, letters were sent Thursday to 17 of the world’s biggest drug companies demanding price cuts for Americans and direct-to-consumer sales options. Meanwhile, the administration is testing the efficacy of a rebate system for safety-net providers that participate in 340B rather than discounting prices upfront.
First Edition: Friday, Aug. 1, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Type Of HPV On Skin Can Cause Skin Cancer In The Immunocompromised
While HPV can help UV-damaged DNA build up in cells and turn cancerous, the study found that the virus itself could cause cancerous lesions to form. More studies in the news focus on how extreme heat makes us sicker, how SNAP participation is linked to slower cognitive decline, and more.
California Governor Signs Executive Order To Boost Men’s Mental Health
The order is aimed at improving the mental health struggles of men and boys ranging from loneliness to suicide rates. Other states making news: New Hampshire, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Illinois, North Carolina, West Virginia, and New York.
Health Officials Warn Of Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak In NYC
The city’s health department is investigating a cluster of cases that has killed one person and sickened more than 20 others. Separately, researchers have noted a surge in pediatric cases of influenza-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news
