Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Americans Are Being Priced Out Of Health Care. Trump’s Cuts Will Make It So Much Worse.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Court-Restored NIH Research Grants Will Be Short-Lived, Director Says
Although the Trump administration will comply with directives to fund DEI-related grants that had already been awarded, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya says the U.S. does not intend to renew grants that “no longer meet NIH priorities.” Plus, news about drug smuggling, mifepristone, and more.
CMS To States: You Don’t Have To Report Childhood Vax Levels Anymore
A Dec. 30 letter from CMS says states are no longer required to report the percentage of patients on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Plan who are immunized. Also: Canadian officials warn that American health and science institutions may no longer be dependable for accurate information, especially regarding vaccinations.
GOP To Face Expired ACA Subsidies Fallout On Return To Capitol Hill
Republican lawmakers are still split over whether to extend the subsidies as the Senate returns from the holiday break, while some Democrats are calling for another shutdown if no compromise can be settled on the Affordable Care Act issue. More news looks at issues central to the congressional midterm elections.
All 50 States Receive Large Chunks Of $50B Rural Health Fund, With Caveats
Texas received the most ($2.8 million for fiscal year 2026), while New Jersey received the least ($1.5 million for 2026). Even so, the funds can be clawed back if states don’t implement changes according to Trump administration priorities. And some states, such as Vermont, worry that the funds won’t make up for what they’re losing in Medicaid funding cuts from the Big Beautiful Bill.
First Edition: Monday, Jan. 5, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Medicaid Has Two Problems — Fraud And Confusion; Public Health Is Under Attack
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are about a paraplegic’s trip to space, notable health care wins of 2025, philanthropy after loss, and a secret Santa’s mission to boost the spirits of people in need.
Nurses At 12 NYC Hospitals Prepared To Strike In New Year
An end-of-year deadline sets up a potential work stoppage for about 20,000 nurses working at private hospitals in New York City. Other state health news is reported from North Carolina, Maine, Indiana, Illinois, Montana, and elsewhere.
New ALS Drug Targets Cell Mutation, May Slow Progression: Study
The small study suggests that the drug, tofersen, might even be able to slow muscle degeneration and reverse ALS symptoms by targeting a specific mutation — SOD1 mRNA — which affects 2% of people with ALS. Plus: HIV drugs, a Nipah virus vaccine, hydroxychloroquine, and more.
CMS Generates 400 Medicare-Funded Residency Slots
MedPage Today reports that the slots will be spread across 135 hospitals in 37 states, with almost two-thirds of them in primary care and psychiatry residency programs. Other health industry news is on medtech, CVS Health, outpatient cosmetic surgery, and more.
ByHeart Formula Botulism Lawsuit Adds Target, Walmart, Whole Foods
The lawsuit has been brought against the infant formula maker on behalf of families whose babies were hospitalized with botulism. The plan to add the grocery store chains where the formula was sold to the lawsuits was announced on Sunday.
Aetna Adds IVF Coverage For Same-Sex Couples After Settlement
U.S. District Judge Haywood Gilliam, Jr. approved the agreement. Aetna will now cover IVF treatment for same-sex couples in the same way as heterosexual couples. This policy change will be applied nationally, and will benefit an estimated 2.8 million members.
Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy Becomes First GLP-1 Oral Pill After FDA Approval
The Wegovy pill has also been approved for reducing cardiovascular risks. Novo plans to launch the drug in January. Also in the news: the U.S. strikes health funding deals with nine African countries; Trump wants fewer guardrails on AI in health; and more.
First Edition: Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. NOTE TO READERS
The First Edition will not be published Dec. 24 through Jan. 2. Look for it again in your inbox on Jan. 5. Happy holidays from all of us at KFF Health News!
Seasonal Viruses On The Rise As Holiday Travel Increases
As one of the busiest travel weeks begins, cases of flu, norovirus, and covid are on the upswing nationwide. Also: The CDC has reported two new flu-related deaths in children and nearly 5 million cases of influenza across the U.S.
HPV Vaccines Prevent Much More Than Cervical Cancer, Study Finds
The research, published in JAMA Oncology, found that the rate of precancerous vulvar or vaginal lesions was 37% lower in those who’d gotten at least one dose of HPV vaccine. Also: proton beam radiation therapy, mpox, and more.
As Children Wait For Care, Lawsuit Delays Florida’s KidCare Expansion
Florida lawmakers unanimously passed the expansion two years ago, but an ongoing lawsuit Florida filed against CMS stands in its way. Other news from around the nation comes from Minnesota, Maryland, Colorado, California, and Louisiana.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
UnitedHealth Releases First External Review In Bid To Regain Public Trust
UnitedHealth has pledged to take close to two dozen specific actions across the areas in which the report found it lacking, including unresolved issues regarding patient care management, and prior authorizations. Plus, several Illinois hospitals with religious ties spurn medical aid-in-dying law.
