Latest KFF Health News Stories
Successful Transplant Is ‘Exciting Step Forward’ For Curing Type 1 Diabetes
A 42-year-old man who received a gene-edited islet cell transplant is making his own insulin without needing anti-rejection drugs, MedPage Today reported. Other pancreatic treatments require the patient to be “fully immunosuppressed,” one expert noted.
Opinion writers discuss this and other public health topics.
NH Is First Northeastern State To Ban Gender-Affirming Care For Minors
The bills take effect Jan. 1 and include a “grandfather clause” for minors already receiving treatment. In another first, Colorado is the first blue state to push through rules limiting SNAP participants’ ability to buy soda. Other news comes from New Jersey, Florida, Georgia, California, and more.
‘Very Hopeful’: New Data Show Teen Suicide, Depression Are Declining
NPR reports that a new federal report, however, found that the percentage of adults with suicidal thoughts and attempts remained about the same between 2021 and 2024. Also: ChatGPT, the stress of grocery prices, colon cancer screenings, and more.
Bird Flu Virus Detected In The Air Inside Dairy Farm Milking Facilities
In a study, researchers also learned that infected cows that show no sign of illness might spread the virus to others. More outbreak news is about E. coli and campylobacter, measles, and babesiosis.
RFK Jr: ‘No Decision Has Been Made’ About Ejecting Task Force Members
The Health and Human Services secretary said he is reviewing whether to remove the medical experts on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force who advise on cancer screenings, HIV prevention drugs, and other measures that most insurers are required to cover.
CMS Launches Fund To Help Rural Hospitals Cope With Federal Cuts
The $50 billion rural health fund was created in response to concerns about the impact of Medicaid and Medicare cuts in President Trump’s tax law. However, a study in Health Affairs points to the problematic practice of dual classification that some urban hospitals have garnered, allowing them to also receive benefits intended for rural hospitals.
Trump Admin Proposes Rule To Ban VA Hospitals From Providing Abortions
Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals would not be allowed to provide abortion access even in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening emergencies. Other news discusses IVF, maternal care, women’s health, and anti-trans issues.
First Edition: Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Dose Of Good News: FDA Approves Implant For Rheumatoid Arthritis
More inspiring news is on low-dose radiation therapy, diabetes, wearables, dementia, and more.
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.
