Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA Green Lights New, Nonaddictive Pain Pill Journavx — But It’s Pricey
The drug, known as suzetrigine, is the first new painkiller approved in the U.S. since 1998. It can be used to relieve pain after surgery or injury, and some researchers say it might be the start of a new generation of painkillers. However, each pill costs $15.50.
Pentagon Ends Abortion Travel Policy For Troops And Their Families
The Biden-era policy provided paid leave and reimbursement for troops to travel outside the state where they are stationed to obtain abortions or reproductive care. Trump critics claim these policies distract the military from its mission to defend the nation. Meanwhile, infant mortality has been going up since the constitutional right to abortion was overturned in 2022.
RFK Jr.’s Confirmation As Health Secretary Remains Too Close To Call
After two days of Senate committee hearings, four Republicans have declined to commit to approving Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose stance on vaccines remains a hot-button issue even after being presented with scientific evidence. Kennedy also told senators he favors opioid addiction medications as well as AI and telehealth for Medicare and Medicaid recipients.
First Edition: Friday, Jan. 31, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Editorial writers dissect these public health issues.
REM Sleep, Cholesterol Could Be Factors In Dementia, Researchers Find
In other health news, the Government Accountability Office wants the USDA to tighten its food-safety standards for salmonella, listeria, and Campylobacter; bird flu strikes the nation’s second largest egg producer; and more.
A Record 418 People Are Waiting In Missouri Jails For Mental Health Care
A lack of available beds has caused a bottleneck of people who were arrested, found incompetent to stand trial, and ordered into mental health treatment designed to allow them to have their day in court. The wait list has increased by over 25% in the past year alone. Also in news from around the country: a new study on the nation’s mental health crisis services system in the wake of the 988 launch; overdoses of older Black men in Boston; and more.
Cigna: US Patients’ Drug Expenses Won’t Exceed Employer Contributions
In the wake of federal pressure over its prescription costs, Cigna Group is looking to lower the out-of-pocket drug expenses that its patients face by matching the amount to employer contributions and not the company’s list price. Other news covers drug prices, strikes, clinic closures, and more.
Bipartisan Lawmakers Press To Repeal ‘Mexico City’ Abortion Policy
After President Trump last week reinstated the Mexico City Policy, which restricts federal aid from going to groups that provide abortion services, Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) reintroduced a bill to counter the “detrimental effect on the ability of women around the world to access important health services and reproductive care.”
On Day 2 Of Hearings, RFK Jr. Will Face 3 Senators Whose Votes Are Crucial
HHS nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will answer questions today from Republicans Susan Collins of Maine, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, all members of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Politico reports that Kennedy opponents would need all three of them, plus one more Republican, to defeat his nomination.
RFK Jr.’s Grasp Of Medicaid, Medicare On Display At Senate Hearing
Fielding questions from Democrats and Republicans, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gave several uninformed answers about the Health and Human Services programs he would oversee, The New York Times reports. The HHS nominee also indicated mifepristone access could be curtailed.
First Edition: Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Unvaccinated Resident Becomes Georgia’s First Measles Case Of 2025
The highly contagious and vaccine-preventable disease is mostly fatal in children under 5, but the childhood MMR vaccine rate has dropped five percentage points over the past 10 years. Meanwhile, the CDC says the Kansas tuberculosis outbreak is not the largest in U.S. history. Other news includes: data leaks, lead exposure, and more.
Ozempic Approved To Treat Chronic Kidney Disease With Type 2 Diabetes
The FDA’s move may change how doctors treat chronic kidney disease, which, according to Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk, affects around 37 million Americans and is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Meanwhile, 20,000 advocates have called on CMS to include FDA-approved anti-obesity medications in Medicare and Medicaid.
UNC, Duke Team Up To Build State’s First Standalone Children’s Hospital
The planned 500-bed pediatric hospital will be somewhere in North Carolina’s Research Triangle region, but no specific location has been announced. Other health industry news is on hospital-at-home alternatives, buyouts, supply chain costs, “smart locks” at CVS, and more.
RFK Jr.’s Family Members Warn He Is Ill-Equipped To Lead HHS
Confirmation hearings for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. begin today in the Senate. The Boston Globe explores a key area where Kennedy has largely been silent: entitlement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Trump Signs Order Restricting Gender-Affirming Care For Those Under 19
The president’s order directs the secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations to end such care for minors, NBC News reported, and directs all federal agencies to rescind guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. In related news: Six transgender active-duty service members are suing over Trump’s policy on transgender troops.
Medicaid Access Back But May Be Slow; Judge Halts Freeze On Some Grants
Several states lost access Tuesday to the federal Medicaid portal despite assurances from the Trump administration that his recent funding freezes wouldn’t affect the insurance program for low-income people. Plus: Secretary of State Marco Rubio announces a waiver for some lifesaving medicines that were part of the freeze.
