Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Walmart Invests In Pharmacy Workers, Raises Pay As Clinics Lose Popularity
Axios reports how Walmart’s approach comes at a time when its major competitors are cutting back hours and closing pharmacies across the U.S. Millions of Americans prefer to use pharmacies over clinics, with 75% of Walmart’s testing-and-treatment visits happening outside normal business hours.
US Life Expectancy Hits Record High Thanks To Drop In Overdose Deaths
CDC data for 2024 shows the life expectancy at birth for the average American to be 79, up 0.6 years from 2023. Other public health news is on U.S. obesity, the health effects of traditional sleep-wake schedules, and more.
Autism Council Stacked With Panelists Who Question Vaccine Safety
The makeup of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee has raised alarms among advocates over the imbalance of the committee, specifically the lack of scientists. Plus, the U.S. is imploring Gavi, the vaccine alliance, to stop including thimerosal in multidose shots used in other countries.
HHS Rule Reversal Leaves Access To Abortion Drugs Up To Pharmacists
Overturning the Biden-era rule means that pharmacists can now refuse to stock or dispense the medication abortion drugs mifepristone, misoprostol, and methotrexate without losing federal funding. Methotrexate is also used to treat ectopic pregnancies and autoimmune disorders.
Government Shutdown Is Days Away Amid Impasse Over DHS Funding
In the wake of the slaying of VA nurse Alex Pretti, Democrats want to see either Homeland Security funding separated from the larger appropriations bill or congressional measures to rein in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Republicans do not want to split the funding bill. If the measure does not pass, nonessential work at Health and Human Services would stop come Saturday.
Americans’ Biggest Pocketbook Worry Is The Cost Of Health Care, Poll Reveals
Health care ranks higher on the list of concerns than the cost of groceries and housing, and voters say the cost of health care will affect their election choices in November. Also: Affordable Care Act enrollment drops by more than a million people following the expiration of federal subsidies.
First Edition: Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: What Happens When Helping People Puts Doctors And Nurses In Harm’s Way?
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Asian Airports Intensify Health Checks After Nipah Virus Outbreak In India
Indian authorities say the outbreak of the virus, which can spread via human-to-human contact and for which there is no vaccine, has been contained, AP reports. Other global health news is on social media bans, baby formula contamination, and more.
South Carolina Measles Outbreak Hits 789, Largest Outbreak In US In Decades
The majority of cases are centered in Spartanburg County, and 89 new cases have been confirmed since Friday. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has lost its WHO status of being measles-free. Other news covers flu and covid.
Storm Death Toll Tops 50; Hundreds Of Thousands Shiver In Powerless Homes
More record lows are forecast this week as the frigid misery continues across many states. More news is on the immigration crisis in Minneapolis; health-based standards for smoke contamination in California; lingering mental health concerns from the Challenger disaster; and more.
Trump Admin Wants Mifepristone Case Delayed While It Weighs Future Access
In its lawsuit against the federal government, Louisiana is requesting restrictions that would wipe out access to the abortion pill across much of the country. The FDA is currently reviewing the safety of the drug and whether to roll back access via telemedicine prescription and mail delivery.
New Format For DSM-5 Psychiatric Manual Planned In Major Overhaul
The American Psychiatric Association has announced that the next revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders will be “a living document” online. The DSM-5 is used by psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, researchers, and insurance companies.
Cancer, Diabetes Drugs — And Botox — On List For Medicare Price Negotiations
CMS has identified 15 prescription drugs to target for lower prices in 2028: Anoro Ellipta, Biktarvy, Botox, Cimzia, Cosentyx, Entyvio, Erleada, Kisqali, Lenvima, Orencia, Rexulti, Trulicity, Verzenio, Xeljanz, and Xolair. Plus, the fallout from a largely flat Medicare Advantage reimbursement increase.
First Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Feds End Pursuit Of Patient Records Identifying Transgender Minors In LA
The Justice Department has put on hold until 2029 its request for “documents sufficient to identify each patient (by name, date of birth, social security number, address, and parent/guardian information) who was prescribed puberty blockers or hormone therapy.”
NYC Rushes To Shelter Unhoused From Extreme Cold As Death Toll Rises
Eight people were found dead outside or later died at a hospital, New York City officials said. It wasn’t confirmed if they were homeless. USA Today reported that at least 34 people have died across the U.S. as frigid temperatures are settling in. Plus: News from Colorado, Maryland, Florida, and California.
