Latest KFF Health News Stories
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 baby formula, disabilities, gun violence, and more.
Doxy-PEP Is Working: Fewer Gay Men In Calif. Catching Chlamydia, Syphilis
A pair of studies by San Francisco researchers found that rates for the two common STIs also fell in bisexual men and transgender women when doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis was prescribed after sex. Other news comes from Maryland, North Carolina, Colorado, Delaware, and New York.
UnitedHealth Group Chooses Tim Noel To Replace Slain CEO
Noel most recently led UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare division — one of the company’s most profitable lines of health insurance, Stat reported. Meanwhile, a new report says slaying suspect Luigi Mangione had complained about suffering physical and psychological injuries at his fraternity.
Sacklers Increase Purdue Settlement Offer, With An Added Condition
The New York Times reports that the tentative $7.4 billion agreement with 15 states would also require those states to set aside as much as $800 million in what amounts to a legal defense fund for the Sackler family. Other pharmaceutical news is on Prime Therapeutics, a potential norovirus vaccine, vaccine hesitancy, and more.
Trump Pardons 23 Abortion Protesters; Vance To Attend March For Life Today
President Donald Trump, who is traveling today, is scheduled to address the crowd through a video message. The rally, in its 52nd year, is expected to bring an estimated 150,000 marchers and will end at the Capitol. Organizers plan to focus their attention on state-level abortion battles.
Meta’s Facebook, Instagram Hid Abortion Pill Providers’ Content
The posts and accounts that were obscured or removed were restored after The New York Times started asking questions. Meta cites its policy against selling pharmaceutical drugs on its platforms without proper certification and acknowledged some “over-enforcement.” Meanwhile, some states are proposing legislation that would classify abortion as a homicide, potentially leading to charges against patients.
Clinical Trial Diversity Caught In Crossfire Of Trump’s Ban On DEI
In the rush to get rid of all FDA website pages referencing diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Trump administration has removed many drug and medical device trials that include people of different ethnic and economic backgrounds. The move could affect how drugs and medical devices are tested. Other news is on Senate hearings, VA affairs, immigration, and more.
US To Leave World Health Organization Next January; WHO Unveils Cost Cuts
The Washington Post explains how the moves could alter global health and politics. Meanwhile, WHO leaders insist there is time to negotiate with the United States.
First Edition: Friday, Jan. 24, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Study Suggests That People With ADHD May Have Shorter Life Expectancies
The research, published Thursday in The British Journal of Psychiatry, found that, on average, women with ADHD die nine years earlier than the general population. Among men, the difference is seven years. Other public health news is on online sexual exploitation of kids, menopause, and more.
Colorado Sees Slowdown In Number Of Babies Born With Syphilis
The Colorado Sun reports that testing might be behind the slowdown: The state issued an order in 2024 requiring syphilis testing to be more widely available. Other news from across the nation comes out of Missouri, New York, California, Tennessee, Michigan, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Viewpoints: US Withdrawal From WHO Could Lead To Positive Reform; Claim Appeals Are A Real Pain
Editorial writers discuss the following public health issues.
Trump’s OMB Nominee Voices Support For Medicaid Work Requirements
The comments hint at the potential for a broad overhaul coming from the Trump administration in terms of how the federal government administers Medicaid, The New York Times reports. Also, several of President Donald Trump’s picks for the EPA have potential conflicts of interest.
Cumbersome Claim Policies Irk Health Care Providers: ‘Everything Is A Fight’
Modern Healthcare looks at the measures health insurance companies are using for reviews, including one that would charge providers who appeal rejected claims. Also in the news: fee inequality, anesthesia investments, health system layoffs, and more.
Illinois Planned Parenthood Closing Four Clinics, Citing Financial Trouble
Illinois is one of just a few abortion havens for the Midwest and South. Meanwhile, Oakland, California, is now home to the largest Planned Parenthood in the U.S.; Michigan’s governor signs legislation allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control pills; and more.
Federal DEI Websites Taken Down; All DEI Workers Placed On Paid Leave
The blackout happened after the Office of Personnel Management ordered all agencies — including CMS and the NIH — to remove “all outward facing media” related to diversity, equity, and inclusion by 5 p.m. Wednesday. In other news about race and health, a proposal to ban formaldehyde in hair-straightening products used by many Black women is in limbo.
All Refugees Are Blocked From US, Despite Already Being Approved
Thousands of people seeking safe haven from persecution — including hundreds of family members of U.S. troops and also Afghan allies who helped the U.S. during the war — were left stranded after the Trump administration suspended flights as part of a promised crackdown on immigration. Meanwhile, some hospitals and schools vow to continue to help undocumented immigrants.
RFK Jr. Shifts Vaccine Stance In Effort To Win Senate Confirmation
The staunch anti-vaccine activist is rebranding himself as “pro-vaccine safety,” according to Republican Texas Sen. John Cornyn, a move that may sway GOP senators’ votes. Other news includes Kennedy’s investments into biotech companies and the potential conflicts of interest; previous work with anti-vaccine nonprofits; and more.
NIH Scientific Meetings Scratched As New Administration Moves In
It is unclear how long meetings and study sessions will be put on hold, but some fear a delay could affect research and grant funding. Separately, an executive order is in the works to withhold funding for “gain-of-function” research on viruses.
