Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news
Viewpoints: The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Is Essential; Why Autism Diagnoses Have Risen
Editorial writers discuss the following public health topics.
Communities In A Bind After Private-Equity Payouts Gutted Hospitals
The Wall Street Journal delves into the bankruptcies of two hospital systems that left gaps in health care and financially strained state and local governments. Separately, the workforce shortage afflicting the health care sector might worsen under President Trump’s budget cuts.
Estimated Average Cost Of Health Care For Retirees Sees 4% Rise, Fidelity says
The average cost now sits at $172,500, according to research by Fidelity Investments. The research also shows that a quarter of Gen Xers have not factored in health care costs to their retirement plans. Also in the news: Democrats attempt to repeal health cuts; pharmaceutical costs are expected to rise; and more.
White House Teams Up With Big Tech On A Consumer Health Records System
Experts raised questions over privacy and security related to a consumer health tracking system following President Donald Trump’s Wednesday announcement. Other administration news is on the FDA, CDC, and more.
First Edition: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Alzheimer’s Association Recommends Favoring Diagnostic Blood Tests
The group says certain blood tests can be used as high fidelity negative tests, since they have over 90% sensitivity. Positive results would still need to be confirmed with traditional tests like PET scans or spinal taps. In other news: a home test for melanoma; risks from ultraprocessed foods; and more.
Family Tried To Get Help For Walmart Stabbing Suspect, Brother Says
The family of Bradford Gille, 42, who is accused of stabbing 11 people at the store near Traverse City, Michigan, told Bridge Michigan, “We’ve been throwing flags for the last 28 years.” Other states making news: New York, North Carolina, Colorado, and South Carolina.
Report: Many Hospitals Fail To Identify ‘Harm Events’ For Medicare Patients
Hospitals told the HHS Office of Inspector General that they did not identify some harm events because staff did not consider them to be harmful or that it was difficult to distinguish harm from patients’ underlying medical conditions, Modern Healthcare reported. Plus: Today is the 60th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
UnitedHealthcare To Leave Some Medicare Advantage Markets
Hit by rising medical care costs and squeezed by government changes, the health care conglomerate acknowledges “pricing and operational mistakes” affected its bottom line and has outlined steps to profitability. Other companies making news include Humana, Novo Nordisk, P&G, and more.
Prasad Resigns From Top FDA Post Amid Fallout Over Sarepta Dispute
As director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Dr. Vinay Prasad oversaw the regulation of vaccines and gene therapy drugs such as Sarepta Therapeutics’ treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. During his brief tenure, Prasad limited the use of covid shots and amped up warnings about a rare cardiac side effect of the shots, The New York Times wrote.
Monarez Confirmed As CDC Director
The Senate vote to approve Susan Monarez, who has served as the acting head of the CDC since January, was along party lines. Meanwhile, Stat reports that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could “imminently” overhaul the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
First Edition: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
HHS Chief Intends To Restructure Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote on X that the program is not “quickly and fairly compensating vaccine-injured individuals.” He said he is working with Attorney General Pam Bondi to make changes.
Older Adults On Multiple Common Medications Showed Better Cognition
A study that showed older adults on multiple medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes showed cognition equivalent to someone three years younger.
Police Find Note From NYC Gunman About CTE: ‘Study My Brain Please’
The 27-year-old man fatally shot himself in the chest after opening fire in a Midtown Manhattan office tower Monday, killing four people. The National Football League has offices in the tower.
FDA Set To Unveil Next Steps Against Dangerous Synthetic Kratom
HHS stated that the target is a synthetic substance called 7-OH, which is different from the all-natural kratom powder. These synthetic products create an opioid-like effect in the user and can be easily purchased in gas stations, convenience stores, and online.
NIH To Cut The Number Of Research Grants It Awards Due To Trump Policy
Stat reports that the cutback plan applies to the remaining two months of the fiscal year, but unless Congress acts, it will continue into the new fiscal year beginning in October. News also covers the impact of federal budget cuts on mental health resources.
Viewpoints: MAHA Is Destroying Doctors’ Trust In Government; Pill Penalty Provision Needs Fixing Now
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
