Latest KFF Health News Stories
RFK Jr. Is Sworn In To Lead HHS Amid A Backdrop Of Budget, Staff Cuts
Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was also tapped to lead President Donald Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again Commission.” Kennedy plans to focus on the “diseases of isolation” driving chronic diseases, suicide, and depression but may face challenges from cuts and constraints that DOGE has imposed on the agency.
First Edition: Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 ♥
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: The First Edition will not be published Monday, Feb. 17, in celebration of Presidents Day. Look for it again in your inbox Tuesday.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Nearly 300 Gun Seekers Blocked Since Michigan Passed Red Flag Law
It has been one year since Michigan’s law took effect. It is aimed at preventing mass shootings and domestic violence, among other incidents. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Alabama has backed a ban on devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns. Other news includes: prison health care, mobile pharmacies, and more.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
San Francisco Declares Fentanyl State Of Emergency, Plans Crisis Center
Mayor Daniel Lurie said the “stabilization center” will open in the Tenderloin neighborhood in April and will offer 24/7 assistance for those with urgent mental health and substance use needs. Other news is on Canada’s newly appointed fentanyl czar and an industrial chemical showing up in the illicit fentanyl supply.
Health Insurance Customers Who Appeal Their Claims Often Win
The Wall Street Journal reports that of the 850 million claims denied annually, less than 1% are appealed. Of that 1%, nearly three-quarters of appeals are approved. Also in the news: Washington Hospital workers avoid a strike; Walgreens explores its options for its health care clinic; and more.
Flu Season Still To Peak; Experts Say Expect More Illnesses, Deaths To Come
California hospitals are struggling to keep up with the influx of flu cases. Meanwhile, it is unclear whether the United States will take part in an international flu vaccine meeting later this month. Other outbreak news is on measles, mpox, and Oropouche virus.
Louisiana Seeks Extradition Of NY Doc Accused Of Shipping Abortion Pills
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill noted that even though New York won’t turn over Dr. Margaret Carpenter to her state, other states to which the doctor travels could comply with the extradition order. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has revised its reproductive health care travel policy.
No. 2 NIH Official Suddenly Resigns As Institutes Face Staff, Funding Cuts
Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak did not state why he is abruptly leaving his post. Additional administration news is about the deferred-resignation program, the firing of civil servants, planned protests, an alternate CDC site, and more.
Vaccine Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Confirmed As Next HHS Secretary
The Senate voted 52-48 along party lines Thursday to appoint him to lead the Health and Human Services Department. Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the only Republican to vote no. Kennedy, 71, will oversee billions of dollars in health care spending and will have free rein to implement his Make America Healthy Again program.
Medicaid And SNAP Might Suffer Deep Budget Cuts If GOP Plan Proceeds
The House Republicans’ plan announced Wednesday outlined $4.5 trillion in cuts over 10 years. It doesn’t specify which programs would be cut, Huffpost reported, but analysts suggested it was clear the cuts would come from social programs that help lower-income populations.
First Edition: Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
South Carolina Supreme Court Set To Review Abortion Ban
The current ban is around 6 weeks, but some argue the wording of the ban includes alternative definitions of cardiac activity. These definitions would push the ban to 9-10 weeks, AP reported. California and Georgia are also in the news.
Humana Plans Considerable Changes To Medicare Advantage
According to Modern Healthcare, Humana has a five-step plan to improve its profit margins, including boosting its star ratings, stabilizing membership, and investing in primary care.
Kansas Governor Protects Trans Care For Minors; Georgia Eyes Trans Adults
It’s the third time in a row that Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has vetoed a bill to ban gender-affirming care for youths. Plus: New England’s second-largest city has passed a resolution to declare itself a sanctuary for transgender people.
Report: Nearly $500 Million In Food Could Go To Waste After USAID Pause
Monday’s report from USAID’s inspector general says the food remains “at ports, in transit, and in warehouses at risk of spoilage, unanticipated storage needs, and diversion.” The Trump administration fired the inspector general Tuesday. Also: a Republican effort to try to save USAID, what a U.S. exit from the World Health Organization would mean for smallpox defenses, and more.
Flu Deaths Might Have Exceeded Covid Deaths Nationwide For First Time
Preliminary CDC data show that during a week in January, flu-related deaths topped covid deaths by 0.2 percentage points, and data suggest that the difference between the two is growing. In other public health news: whooping cough, measles outbreak, canned tuna recall, and more.
Lung Fridge Innovation Triples Surgeons’ Transplant Window
Prior to the fridge, lungs would be kept on ice, which could damage them. The fridge allows for more flexibility in scheduling, which in turn can lead to fewer mistakes. Other promising news is on drug approvals for genetic disorders, weight loss surgery for liver disease, and more.
