Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
NC’s Medicaid ‘HOP’ Experiment Nixed; It ‘Saved My Life,’ One Recipient Says
Cancellation of the Healthy Opportunities Pilot, or HOP, has been especially disheartening for residents of Asheville and the surrounding counties, which are still recovering from Hurricane Helene that hit one year ago, The New York Times reported. More stories on Medicaid, SNAP, and hunger are from Maryland, California, Maine, Kansas, and elsewhere.
Viewpoints: What 25 Years Of Mifepristone In The US Has Brought; Actions That Will Lower Drug Costs
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Wyoming Maternity Desert Grows As Another County Stops L&D Services
When Banner Platte County Hospital pauses inpatient labor and delivery services in October, nine Wyoming counties won’t have obstetric care. Other news from around the nation is about an abortion bill in Ohio, Lilly’s fifth ‘gateway’ lab in California, and more.
Summer Covid Surge Is Ebbing, Though ED Visits Are Highest For Kids Under 4
Wastewater sampling shows that the Northeast has the highest level of infections in the U.S. Plus, updates on the 2024-25 flu season, this year’s flu vaccine makeup, various food recalls, and more.
4 Million People May Lose Housing Assistance Under New Trump Plan
ProPublica obtained drafts of unpublished rules that could lead to work requirements, time limits on living in federally supported housing, and more. Other administration news is on visa fees, foreign aid, tariffs, and drug prices.
ACA Subsidies Remain A Sticking Point As Government Shutdown Draws Nigh
Democrats are pressing for the extension of subsidies in the GOP-backed continuing resolution to fund the government. Republicans stand firm in putting off those negotiations until later. Top lawmakers from both parties are set to meet with the president today.
Gunman Who Killed 4 At Manhattan Office Building Had CTE, Coroner Finds
In other news about the gun violence epidemic, the suspects in two separate mass shootings over the weekend in North Carolina and Michigan are both military veterans who had served in war zones.
Trump Issues New Tylenol Warning: Do Not Give It To Kids For ‘Any Reason’
The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains acetaminophen is safe for children over 12 weeks old to treat fevers. Also, the National Institutes of Health is launching the Autism Data Science Initiative, which will award $50 million to projects looking for the cause of autism.
First Edition: Monday, Sept. 29, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
Regional Nonprofit Insurers See Largest Dip In Operating Margins
Smaller insurers were also found more susceptible to Medicaid cuts, a report found. Meanwhile, 29 states see at least a 20% increase in insurance rates from the top insurers. Also in the news: Medicare drug prices, Medicare Advantage, and more.
Ga.’s Medicaid Work Program, Seen As Model For Nation, Receives Extension
The five-year pilot Pathways to Coverage program had been scheduled to expire next week but now will continue through December 2026, AP reported. Other news is from Utah, California, Florida, Maine, and Louisiana.
Northwest Tribes Feeling The Weight Of Trump’s Funding Cuts, Report Finds
Roughly $530 million of congressionally allocated funding — some tied to health and wellness initiatives — has not been distributed to tribes and is at risk of being cut altogether, AP reports.
FDA Doing Own Review Of Mifepristone In Effort To ‘Properly Protect’ Women
In other news, the National Institutes of Health has launched a five-year, $37 million stillbirth consortium, ProPublica reported. And Planned Parenthood Wisconsin will stop abortions because of funding cuts.
Despite Broad Global Support, Kennedy Spurns UN Health Declaration
The U.S. health secretary takes exception to policies he decries as “radical gender ideology.” Some health experts contend Kennedy’s decision to reject the declaration is counterintuitive to his MAHA movement. Plus: The U.N. looks at dementia and drug trafficking; an ADHD lobbying alliance debuts; and more.
RFK Jr. Considering Whether Autism Symptoms Qualify For Vaccine Redress
The HHS secretary’s proposed changes to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program would overwhelm the program, a researcher says. Plus, more news about Tylenol, flu deaths, and hep B.
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 aging, prostate cancer, retirement, and more.
Except For Drugmakers On US Soil, Pharma Products Will See 100% Tariff
President Donald Trump has levied tariffs on “any branded or patented pharmaceutical product” entering the country, starting Oct. 1. The president also is eyeing a measure to bring drug costs in line with what other wealthy countries pay.
First Edition: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
