Latest KFF Health News Stories
HHS Drafts Plan To Effectively End Trans Care For Youths Nationwide
The proposal, obtained by NPR, says the Trump administration would halt all Medicaid and Medicare funding for any services at hospitals that provide pediatric gender-affirming care. Other news is on reproductive health care in Maine, homelessness in Utah, asbestos in D.C., and more.
FDA’s Block Of Mifepristone Access Is Unlawful, Federal Judge Rules
U.S. District Judge Jill Otake of Hawaii said in her ruling that the FDA violated the law by failing to provide reasonable scientific justification. She did not seek an immediate elimination of the restrictions.
Many States — But Not All — Step Up To Help SNAP Beneficiaries Amid Deadline
Meanwhile, a federal judge in Boston appeared skeptical of the Trump administration’s decision to suspend food aid until the government spending stalemate is resolved.
Kennedy Softens Warning On Tylenol; Study Ties Covid In Pregnancy, Autism
Health and Human Services chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Wednesday there is not “sufficient” evidence that Tylenol causes autism. Earlier this month, Kennedy had said, “We’re doing the studies to make the proof.” In related news, a study of more than 18,100 births found that children born to mothers infected with covid during pregnancy faced a higher risk of autism.
First Edition: Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 🎃
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Study Links Health Issues Later In Life With Using Cannabis Before Age 15
Researchers found ties between both physical and mental health issues with early cannabis use. Other health and wellness news is on Character.AI, anti-fall technology in assisted living, the benefits of flavanol-rich foods, and food allergy reminders ahead of Halloween.
Alaska Supreme Court Rethinks Rules On Who Can Perform Abortions
Last year, a superior court judge struck down a law that required abortions to be performed only by a doctor licensed by the state medical board, the Anchorage Daily News reported. Other states making news: Ohio, Maine, Florida, Missouri, and California.
Judge Quashes DOJ Effort To Acquire Private Patient Information
Judge Jamal N. Whitehead of Federal District Court in the Western District of Washington ruled the Trump administration overstepped its authority when it sought data from a trans health provider. “When a federal agency issues a subpoena … to intimidate and coerce providers into abandoning lawful medical care, it exceeds its legitimate authority and abuses the judicial process,” he said.
Viral Infections Drastically Raise Risk Of Heart Disease And Stroke: Study
Researchers have zeroed in on inflammation sparked by covid, flu, and shingles as one component that explains why some people face an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease after infection. Plus, a look at how air travel fuels disease spread.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
To Cut Drug Costs, FDA Paves Way For Easier Approval Of Copycat Biologics
The draft framework announced Wednesday lowers the standards that companies need to meet to bring the drugs to market. Also, states try to lower drug prices by regulating PBMs; how the immigration crackdown is affecting elder care; and more.
Healthcare.gov Unveils Updated Prices; Customers Could Pay Double Next Year
Newly posted prices on the federal marketplace show an average premium increase of 26%, but the actual increase will be closer to 114% unless Congress extends Obamacare tax credits, which are at the heart of the ongoing government shutdown. Meanwhile, military families say their refrigerators will be empty after food aid funding runs dry Saturday.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Germany To Put $1B Toward Holocaust Survivors’ Home Care In 2026
Data show that survivors are dealing with more complicated health needs and increased disability as the average age of survivors rises. Other news from around the globe is on Chinese scientists, “fertility tourism,” heat deaths, and more.
Prison Phone Rates Going Up; Critics Predict ‘Huge Implications’ On Health
The FCC voted Tuesday to dramatically raise the price limits that jails and prisons can charge. The calls, which are usually paid for by family members and friends outside of prison, have been shown to provide many mental and public health benefits, such as promoting relationships with children and reducing recidivism.
Health Experts Warn Medicare Staffing Shortage Will Impact Open Enrollment
CMS has been urged to boost staffing in order to ensure that benefits get delivered and communicated well during Medicare’s open enrollment period. Other news is on the appointment of the director of Medicaid and CHIP, Bausch Health’s exit from the 340B program, and more.
HHS Fires Top Official, A Vaccine Critic Who Says Coup To Oust RFK Jr. Is Afoot
Senior adviser Steven J. Hatfill was accused of misrepresenting his role and “not coordinating policy-making with leadership.” When he declined a request to resign, chief of staff Matt Buckham fired him. Plus, a lower-dose covid shot is available for seniors and others at risk for severe infection.
Opinion writers delve into these public health issues.
Trump Admin Clawing Back Authority Over States’ Medical Debt Protections
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau contends federal law invalidates state laws that prevent patients’ medical debts from being reported to credit bureaus. Separately, male veterans who have breast cancer will find it harder to get health care coverage. Plus, Texas sues the maker of Tylenol.
