Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers dissect these public health issues.
HHS’ Order To Remove Health Websites Was Illegal, Judge Rules
U.S. District Judge John Bates vacated directives from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Personnel and Management. However, he denied a broader request to prevent HHS from blocking references to gender. The government is “free to say what it wants,” he said, “including about ‘gender ideology.’ But … it must abide by the bounds of authority and the procedures that Congress has prescribed.”
First Edition: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Trump Signs Megabill Into Law, Setting Up Historic Medicaid Cuts
The $4.5 trillion tax and immigration bill cleared the House Thursday after a chaotic overnight and morning in Congress. The legislation contains $1.2 trillion in cutbacks to Medicaid and food stamps. The CBO forecasts that 11.8 million Americans would become uninsured by 2034 under the bill’s provisions. Check back with KFF Health News for more coverage of this breaking news.
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 terminal cancer, NIH cuts, PFAS, aging, the Slim-Fast founder, and more. Happy July Fourth weekend!
Iowa Has Launched Its New And Improved Behavioral Health Program
The overhaul, which was signed into law by Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds in May 2024, replaces the old system with a more centralized safety net system. Other states in the news include Florida, California, and Texas.
Medtech Companies Expand US Production To Meet Increased Demand
These expansions include millions of dollars to increase domestic manufacturing by adding new facilities and increasing capacity at existing facilities. In other news: Regeneron gets FDA green light on blood cancer drug; FDA issues alert about Abiomed blood pump controller; and more.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Viewpoints: Planned Parenthood Decision Has Far-Reaching Effects; Defunding Gavi Will Harm Children
Opinion writers dissect these public health topics.
As Pollution Rises, Non-Smokers Might Not Be Able To Dodge Lung Cancer
A new analysis shows high levels of fine-particulate air pollution causes more cancer mutations. A quarter of all lung cancer cases worldwide are among people who never smoked. Meanwhile, websites for U.S. national climate assessments have disappeared. The White House says NASA will now house the information, but reports as late as Tuesday say it was not available on their site.
Shriners Children’s Research Institute Plans $153 Million Facility In Atlanta
The facility should be operational within a year to 18 months, according to the organization. Other industry news is on business pressures facing Centene, the uncertainty of the ACA market, the use of MyChart to prevent no-shows, and more.
DOJ May Strip Citizenship From Those Who Dupe Medicaid, Medicare
A legal expert notes the U.S. denaturalization policy is legit but says “its use has historically been rare and reserved for extreme cases — such as war crimes or national security threats.” Plus, news about immigrant detention centers, including the “Alligator Alcatraz” set to receive occupants.
CDC Recommends RSV Vaccine For High-Risk People 50 And Older
The agency’s website indicates HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. adopted the previous advisory panel’s suggestion to expand access on June 25. AP also reports on FDA vaccine chief Vinay Prasad’s role in a decision to restrict covid shots.
‘Backdoor Ban’ In Megabill Will Likely Cripple Abortion Access In Blue States
Planned Parenthood stands to lose $700 million in federal funding tied to Medicaid. Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s President and CEO, Alexis McGill Johnson, warned Wednesday that nearly 200 health centers could close. The legislation affects blue states more severely because those states have larger numbers of people on Medicaid, The Guardian reported.
Speaking For Hours, Jeffries Slams ‘Big Ugly Bill’ That Will Decimate Medicaid
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the bill “immoral” and a “disgusting abomination.” About 11 million people would lose Medicaid coverage, estimates show. The legislation also calls for cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
First Edition: Thursday, July 3, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: The First Edition will not be published Friday or Monday in observance of July Fourth. Look for it again in your inbox on Tuesday, July 8.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Scientists Find Microplastics In Reproductive Fluids Of Men, Women
The presence of microplastics in semen and follicular fluid were not entirely unexpected. But the lead research author added: “What did surprise us, however, is how widespread it is. This is not an isolated finding — it appears to be quite common.” Plus: hormone therapy and breast cancer; antibiotic resistance in cow manure; and more.
Wyoming Confirms Its First Measles Case In 15 Years
The patient is an unvaccinated child. Other states making news: New Mexico, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and elsewhere.
UnitedHealthcare Reaches Agreement With Cancer Center Over Coverage
The multi-year agreement announced Tuesday between UnitedHealthcare and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center will let some 19,000 UnitedHealthcare and Oxford health plan members remain in-network for their cancer care. Also in the news: Ascension Health, Sharp HealthCare, Mass General Brigham, and more.
