Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial writers discuss the following public health topics.
Texas Mental Health Program Waitlists 900 Kids Due To Lack Of Funding
The Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver program serves as an alternative to foster care, but stagnant Medicaid reimbursement rates have lead to provider shortages. Other news from around the nation comes from Florida, Maryland, and Colorado.
Hospitals Ended 2024 On A Healthy Note With Improved Operating Margins
“While it’s encouraging to see continued stability in hospitals’ financial well-being over the past 12 months, historically slim margins indicate hospitals are not yet in a fully sustainable position,” an advisory firm executive says. Also in the news: a receivership order for Crozer Health, and more.
Study Links Marijuana Dependence To Nearly Three Times Higher Death Rate
A new study found significantly higher death rates among ER patients diagnosed with cannabis use disorder than for those without. Separately in California, officials boosted safety testing of marijuana sold in the state. Also in the news: the fentanyl crisis, autism tests, and pilots’ brain injuries.
Scientists Zero In On When Cells Turn Cancerous, Devise Process To Reverse It
In a trial on colon cancer cells, researchers found that at the moment of critical transition — when cancer and normal cells coexist — they were able to flip the molecular switch that allowed normal cells to recover. Also, an early phase trial on a cancer vaccine is showing promise.
Again Targeting DEI, Trump Orders End To ‘Anti-Christian Bias’ In Government
Attorney General Pam Bondi, the chief law enforcement officer in the U.S., will lead a task force to spearhead the effort, The New York Times reported. In related news about diversity, equity, and inclusion, the NCAA has banned trans women from women’s sports, saying that the president’s order “provides a clear, national standard.”
Pandemic Response Unit Will Be Led By Bird Flu Expert Gerald Parker
The veterinarian brings decades of experience after serving as a top U.S. health aide, HHS principal deputy assistant secretary for preparedness and response, and commander at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Bloomberg reports.
After ‘Abortion’ Was Wiped From CDC Website, Users Now Get ‘Adoption’ Info
The change was made while federal health care webpages were taken offline. Reproductive health workers call it a “clear attempt” to change the messaging around pregnancy. Meanwhile, health care centers and clinics nationwide are making tough calls after the White House instituted a funding freeze.
Project 2025 Co-Author Takes Reins At OMB; Thousands At HHS May Lose Jobs
The Senate confirmed Russell Vought on Thursday to lead the Office of Management and Budget, which he also led during President Donald Trump’s first term. Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York called Vought a “danger” to Americans. Meanwhile, a judge has temporarily halted Trump’s plan to force out federal workers by offering them financial incentives, AP says.
First Edition: Friday, Feb. 7, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: We’d like to speak with personnel from the Department of Health and Human Services or its component agencies — whether you’re currently working or have recently left — who believe the public should understand the impact of what’s happening within the federal health bureaucracy. Please get in touch: https://kffhealthnews.org/hhs-tips/, or contact reporter Arthur Allen directly by email or Signal, the encrypted messaging app, at ArthurA@kff.org or 202-365-6116.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Viewpoints: Electronic Health Records Shouldn’t Be This Frustrating; How So Many Became Anti-Vaccine
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
Maternal Mortality Rate Worse For Black Mothers, Not Getting Better: CDC
According to CDC data, Black mothers’ pregnancy-related death rate is more than three times that of any other racial or ethnic group. Also, disparities between expert recommendations and guidelines for migraine prevention; overdiagnosis of thyroid cancer; and more.
New York Court Says Abused Parents Shouldn’t Face Child Welfare Inquiries
Parents who are victims of domestic violence are regularly investigated by child welfare agencies in a practice that has been deemed illegal by the state appellate court, The New York Times reported. Florida, North Carolina, California, Montana, Georgia, and Colorado are also in the news.
Express Scripts, Kroger Are Back In Business After Split Two Years Ago
The agreement, announced Wednesday between Kroger and Cigna subsidiary Express Scripts, applies immediately to Medicare prescription drug plans and TRICARE military health plans. Other industry news covers bankruptcies, acquisitions, nurses’ mental health stigma, and more.
Transgender Athletes Banned From Female Sports Teams
Per a presidential executive order, players may compete on women’s and girls’ teams only if they were assigned female at birth. Schools that don’t comply with the rule could lose federal funding, The New York Times reports. Meanwhile, some state attorneys general push back on the new orders.
Americans Warned Of Ebola Spread In Uganda As USAID Missions Shut Down
U.S. health officials say the outbreak will worsen as a result of President Donald Trump’s funding freeze. Americans traveling to Uganda are urged to take precautions.
DOGE Team Gains Access To Systems at CMS, CDC, Other Health Agencies
Elon Musk and his team — said to be scouring systems for evidence of fraud, waste, and DEI contracts — have now accessed payment and contracting systems across the Department of Health and Human Services. More news is about the fallout from some of the White House’s executive orders.
New Strain Of Bird Flu, More Dicey For Humans, Infects Nevada Dairy Cows
The D1.1 version of the virus was detected during milk testing late last year and was the strain that led to the death of a Louisiana man and severely sickened a Canadian teen. The CDC has not held bird flu briefings since Donald Trump became president, and now Virginia lawmakers are urging the release of essential public health data.
First Edition: Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
