Latest KFF Health News Stories
Online Abortion Pill Access Up In Early 2025, Despite GOP Efforts to Restrict It
A report shows an increase in medication abortions throughout the country in the first half of the year, while Republicans have made efforts to keep doctors in blue states from prescribing pills to women in states where abortion is illegal. Other news comes from Alabama, Georgia, and Illinois.
Over 100 Provider Groups Urge HHS To Drop Planned HIPAA Rule Change
The groups, including the American Medical Association, wrote to HHS this week, stating that the proposed changes create burdens — both financial and with the implementation schedule — and “should be immediately withdrawn without further consideration.”
House Democrat Files Articles Of Impeachment Against RFK Jr.
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Michigan accused the HHS secretary of an assault on the public health system that constitutes high crimes and misdemeanors, The New York Times reported. But with Republicans in control of Congress, the impeachment attempt will almost certainly go nowhere.
High Court Again Asked To Weigh In On ‘Skinny Labeling’ On Generic Drugs
The tactic of leaving patented uses off of labels has allowed generic drugmakers to move products to the market quicker. A dispute between Amarin and Hikma Pharmaceuticals prompted the call for another look. Other administration news is about climate change, racial discrimination, and more.
As Some Republicans Push For HSAs, IRS Updates Its Guidance On Eligibility
The use of Health Savings Accounts has become a prominent GOP strategy as the partisan squabble over making insurance more affordable continued Tuesday. Republicans have appeared to unite around a plan that lets Affordable Care Act subsidies expire.
Leading Health Organizations Unite Against Limits On Hepatitis B Vaccine
Representatives from six leading health organizations gave a joint news conference, during which they warned that the proposed changes to federal vaccine policy would lead to children’s deaths. Meanwhile, the FDA has launched a safety review for two RSV drugs already approved for infants.
First Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Judge Declares Mistrial In Florida Hospitals’ Opioid Case
The 16 Florida hospitals had accused Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens of driving up opioid sales. Jurors deliberated for 14 days but could not reach a unanimous verdict. Also: West Virginia sues United Healthcare over the opioid crisis.
Has Your Snail Mail Gotten Slower? It Might Be Affecting Your Rx Deliveries
People who live in rural areas are particularly at risk as the U.S. Postal Service continues to consolidate its mail processing system. But the USPS has denied that its new system will cause delivery delays, Axios reported.
HUD Withdraws Homelessness Funding Policy Change To Make Revisions
The government’s move to temporarily rescind its new policy just ahead of a court hearing drew rebuke from U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy. That policy would have significantly cut the funds available for permanent housing for people who are homeless.
FDA Has Delayed Abortion Pill Safety Study Until After Midterms: Report
A Health and Human Services Department spokesperson said, “FDA’s comprehensive scientific reviews take the time necessary to get the science right.” Also: States are more divided over abortion than ever; IVF expansion is stripped from Congress’ annual defense policy bill; and more.
ACA Sign-Ups Outpacing Last Year’s Numbers, Despite Subsidy Uncertainty
As of Friday, nearly 5.8 million Americans had selected a plan, up almost 400,000 enrollments from the same time in 2024. The window to shop for Affordable Care Act plans closes Dec. 15 for people who want coverage starting Jan. 1. Plus, the latest on those expiring tax credits.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Rollback Not Based On Data, ACIP Panel Member Claims
“I repeatedly asked for it, and no data of harm was presented,” said Joseph Hibbeln, a member of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Meanwhile, a study shows that more parents are refusing vitamin K shots for their newborn babies, equating them to vaccines.
First Edition: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
California Warns Against Mushroom Foraging After Deadly Poisoning
California officials have reported one fatality and nearly two dozen cases of amatoxin poisoning, possibly caused by death cap mushrooms. The toxin can lead to severe liver damage and death. Other states in the news include Massachusetts, Illinois, Nebraska, and Maine.
Scientists Tap Into Mitochondria To Reverse Aging, Fight Dementia
A new method transforms a patient’s own cells by changing them into stem cells and adding “nanoflower” particles, resulting in increased mitochondria production that can target aging cells. Also: Researchers find reading is good for the aging brain; diabetes is linked to sudden cardiac death; and more.
Health Policy Experts Wary Over What Is In The Fine Print Of $50B Rural Fund
In a bid to get a larger piece of the funding, several states also vowed to change their own laws, Politico reported — making promises, for example, to restrict low-income people from using SNAP to buy junk food or to expand telehealth.
Congress Faces Make-Or-Break Timing On ACA Subsidies, Health Care Costs
Congress’ docket this week includes the introduction of a House leadership-endorsed health care plan and a potential Senate vote on Democrats’ three-year subsidies’ extension. Other news on health care costs is on a charge for pre-visit questionnaires, a rise in spending on prescription drugs, and more.
