Latest KFF Health News Stories
Former VP Dick Cheney, Who Received Heart Transplant At Age 71, Dies At 84
A statement from his family said the cause was complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, The New York Times reported. Widely regarded as the most powerful vice president in U.S. history, he suffered from coronary problems for most of his adult life. A staunch conservative on most issues, he advocated for states’ rights on same-sex marriage.
Study Links Melatonin Use With Heart Failure; Experts Call For More Research
Sleep medicine experts and cardiologists are urging the public not to panic, The Washington Post reported. Other news is on teen vaping, pig kidney transplants, the impact of gun blasts on the brain, and more.
With Tylenol Deal, Kimberly-Clark Has Worst Day Since Stock Crash Of 1987
Despite Wall Street’s reaction, the consumer products giant is betting it can withstand attacks on Tylenol-maker Kenvue from President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., The New York Times reported. Kimberly-Clark has long been interested in Kenvue’s business, sources said.
Opinion writers discuss SNAP, Parkinson’s, and addiction.
Maine Will Vote On Red Flag Gun Law Two Years After Deadly Mass Shooting
At issue is whether to make it easier for families to petition a court to restrict a potentially dangerous person’s access to guns, AP reported. Other states making news: Illinois, Florida, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Louisiana.
Medical Specialty Groups Implore Congress To Thwart Medicare Pay Cut
The 34 groups contend the efficiency adjustment policy recently issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would “have wide-ranging consequences, including significant financial pressures that could limit patient access to medical care.”
Administration Will Partially Fund SNAP, But It Could Take Months
November benefits will be paid out from the remaining $4.65 billion available in contingency funds. However, because of states’ outdated systems, the reduced benefits rollout might be delayed. Up to 42 million Americans have been affected. Meanwhile, Maryland says it will pay full SNAP benefits.
First Edition: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
All Of The Americas Might Lose Measles-Elimination Status This Week
The hard-won status, which the Americas held for more than a quarter of a century, is on target to be lost because of a major outbreak in Canada of more than 5,100 confirmed and probable measles cases. The virus is considered endemic if an outbreak extends for 12 months.
New York Judge Upholds Abortion Shield Laws, Dismisses Texas Lawsuit
The lawsuit was an attempt by Texas’ attorney general to compel a New York court to enforce a penalty by a Texas judge on a physician, Dr. Margaret Carpenter, barring her from sending abortion medication out of state. More news comes from California, North Carolina, Kentucky, Missouri, Michigan, West Virginia, and New Jersey.
Domestic Violence Support Depends Heavily On Shaky Federal Funding
The 19th reports that many domestic violence support programs have already been reorganized or shuttered, and President Donald Trump’s proposed budget would defund more. Other administration news is on the impact of USAID cuts, Texas’ role in the Make America Healthy Again movement, and more.
Most Doctors Get A Medicare Pay Raise, But Some Specialists Will Get A Pay Cut
As Modern Healthcare reported, most primary care physicians who treat Medicare beneficiaries will receive a 2.5% raise next year under a new regulation issued Friday. However, there will be a 2.5% cut next year to payments for services like radiology and gastroenterology that are based on more than time spent delivering the service, Axios reported.
FDA Drug Official Steps Down, Is Sued By Drugmaker Over ‘Personal Vendetta’
George Tidmarsh left his post after a former business partner filed a complaint alleging Tidmarsh’s personal animosity, through his actions and public comments, was hurting his company. Tidmarsh denies any wrongdoing. Also: Kimberly-Clark is buying embattled Tylenol maker Kenvu.
Help With Heating Bills, Head Start, AIDS Funding At Peril Amid Shutdown
As millions of Americans await SNAP benefits, states are now warning low-income Americans that the money for energy assistance isn’t available. Plus, it’s ACA enrollment season.
First Edition: Monday, Nov. 3, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to read. Today’s selections are on Napoleon’s army, cancer immunotherapy, memory manipulation, and more.
Telltale Signs Of Bird Flu Infection Aren’t Always Evident, Review Finds
Researchers delve deeper into the perception that human H5N1 infections are apparent and severe. They also examine the likelihood of transmission among people. Also: A listeria outbreak tied to pasta salads claims two more lives; an ill Utah resident refuses a measles test; and more.
Insurers Blame Hospitals’ Use Of AI, ‘Aggressive’ Coding For Price Spikes
Health insurers are ready to fight fire with fire, as they cite the overzealous uses of AI in billing and coding for the surge in claims that are cutting into their profits. Other news looks at a class-action lawsuit by nurses and doctors in Montana, racial disparities in maternal care, and more.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
