Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
44 States See High Flu Activity Level; Pediatric Deaths Reach 47 This Season
Also: It’s been five years since covid-19 was declared a public health emergency by the United States, yet it continues to take thousands of lives. Separately, H5N1 avian flu, the Uganda Ebola outbreak, gluten-free ultra-processed foods, and more are in the news.
NYC Hospital Reportedly Cancels Kids’ Gender Treatments After Trump Order
NYU Langone Health has not made any announcements, The New York Times reported, but the dad of one of the children said a doctor told him that the hospital could not do the procedure because of “the new administration.” Other news is from Wyoming, Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, and elsewhere.
Lawmakers Unveil New Bipartisan Bill To Boost Medicare Doctors’ Pay
At the end of last year, CMS proposed a cut to Medicare physician reimbursements by 2.9% for 2025, but the new bill would boost physician pay by 6.6% retroactive to the beginning of the year. Other news covers Colorado School of Medicine unionization; public health workforce shortages; and more.
Viewpoints: Tax Cuts Would Have A Negative Impact On Our Health
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Louisiana Indicts NY Doctor Over Telemedicine Abortion Shield Law
Dr. Margaret Carpenter is accused of providing abortion pills to a resident of Louisiana, which has a near-total ban on the procedure. Health care providers in states with shield laws have been sending thousands of abortion pills per month to states with abortion restrictions, The New York Times says.
Dems Tap Brakes On RFK Jr.’s HHS Nomination; Panel Preps Tuesday Vote
The Cabinet nominee is revising his ethics form and divesting his financial stake in vaccine litigation, but concerns linger, and Senate Democrats would like time to review the matter. Meanwhile, AP raises questions over the credibility of a letter in support of Kennedy.
More Public Health Webpages Are Scrubbed, Federal Databases Removed
Sites pertaining to HIV, reproductive care, and gender identity are among the areas up for review as the administration seeks to purge certain language from government reports. Meanwhile, health organizations around the world are reeling after the White House halted humanitarian aid.
Trump’s Tariffs Could Bump Up Costs For Health Care-Related Items
Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and personal protective equipment such as gowns and gloves could be affected by tariffs, which the president has said will stay in place “until those countries stop the flow of fentanyl and undocumented immigrants into the United States,” Stat reports.
First Edition: Monday, Feb. 3, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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 drug trials, cancer, Alzheimer’s, polar bears, and more.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Some Hospitals In Colo., Va., And DC Halt Gender Care For Those Under 19
Medical facilities are reevaluating their treatment in the wake of President Donald Trump’s executive order. In related news, a Colorado Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill that would make it a felony to bring a minor to Colorado for reproductive or gender-affirming care.
Oregon Governor Steps In As Doctor, Nurse Strike Hits 3-Week Mark
The strike, which involves 5,000 health care workers from Providence Health in Oregon, is the first in the state’s history to involve physicians. Other news from around the nation is on measles cases in Texas, a “clinic in a box” in Tampa, a private equity deal for a Long Island retirement community, and more.
Cigna Vows To Change Policies On Prior Authorization, Patient Advocacy
CEO David Cordani suggested Thursday that the moves are a direct response to the slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the public outcry over the state of health care. Other news is on CommonSpirit, Steward Health Care, Cardinal Health, and more.
Biden’s Parting Panacea: 8 Members Added To Vaccine Advisory Panel
The Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices reviews the safety and efficacy data of proposed vaccines and those already in use. The appointments, however, are at-will.
Law Banning Gun Sales To Americans 18 To 20 Ruled Unconstitutional
An appeals court determined that the federal law requiring adults to be 21 or older to purchase firearms went against the Second Amendment. Meanwhile, gun violence researchers sound warning bells as the Office of Gun Violence Prevention is emptied and the safety board created to prevent school shootings is disbanded by the Trump administration.
FDA Green Lights New, Nonaddictive Pain Pill Journavx — But It’s Pricey
The drug, known as suzetrigine, is the first new painkiller approved in the U.S. since 1998. It can be used to relieve pain after surgery or injury, and some researchers say it might be the start of a new generation of painkillers. However, each pill costs $15.50.
Pentagon Ends Abortion Travel Policy For Troops And Their Families
The Biden-era policy provided paid leave and reimbursement for troops to travel outside the state where they are stationed to obtain abortions or reproductive care. Trump critics claim these policies distract the military from its mission to defend the nation. Meanwhile, infant mortality has been going up since the constitutional right to abortion was overturned in 2022.
RFK Jr.’s Confirmation As Health Secretary Remains Too Close To Call
After two days of Senate committee hearings, four Republicans have declined to commit to approving Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose stance on vaccines remains a hot-button issue even after being presented with scientific evidence. Kennedy also told senators he favors opioid addiction medications as well as AI and telehealth for Medicare and Medicaid recipients.
