Latest KFF Health News Stories
Valley Fever Much More Prevalent In The US Than Previously Thought
A study looked at data models and national surveillance reports for 2019, estimating that the true number of cases is likely 10 to 18 times higher than those reported. Other news is on the measles outbreak and tracking systems, and a ground beef recall.
VA Spending Bill Boosts Budget For Vets To See Private Docs By 50%
Military.com reports that the House Appropriations Committee’s fiscal 2026 VA spending bill would allocate about $453 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs — an $83 billion increase over this year. However, only 4% would be slated for medical care. Other news from Capitol Hill is on an FDA program that brings nonprescription drugs to market, PEPFAR funds, and more.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Editorial writers dissect these public health issues.
Tax Bill Would Slash $1 Trillion From Medicaid, Health Care System: CBO
Analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that $1 trillion would be cut over a decade, with Medicaid budget losses making up the biggest part — despite President Donald Trump’s claims that the bill would make “no cuts” to the social safety net program. Also in the news: ACA tax credits, Medicare drug prices, and more.
Biden’s Alleged Mental Decline Probed; Biden Calls Claims ‘Ridiculous’
President Donald Trump has called for an investigation into whether former President Joe Biden’s aides helped to cover up an alleged decline in his mental acuity. Biden states that all his decisions as president were his own. Other White House news covers vaccine policies, funding cuts, and more.
First Edition: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Mississippi Public Health Advocates Find Opioid Settlement Plan Unsettling
Some fear lawmakers will allow money to be spent on issues other than addressing and preventing overdoses. Other states making news include Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and California.
Survey Shows Health Care Workers Use More AI At Home Than At Work
This holds true across the board for nurses and physicians. Also in industry news: Orlando Health holds its second mental health conference; A judge denies a motion to dismiss lawsuits accusing Claritev of colluding with insurers to reduce pay for out-of-network providers; and more.
Opinion writers discuss the following public health issues.
Trump Eyes July 4 Deadline For Tax Bill As Senate Faces A Three-Week Sprint
AP points out that Democrats are loudly criticizing GOP proposals to cut Medicaid, food stamps, and green energy investments as part of the huge tax bill. Other news from Capitol Hill is on cuts to public broadcasting and foreign aid, and the bill’s impact on Obamacare.
New Study Links Cannabis Use With Compromised Heart Health
The small study, published in JAMA Cardiology, found the vascular effects applied whether the cannabis was eaten or smoked. Other science and research news is on anorexia in later life, MIS-C, Pepto Bismol, and more.
USDA Confirms Third Avian Flu Outbreak At A Large Arizona Farm
The H5N1 avian flu virus has affected nearly 1.4 million birds. With the most recent outbreak, three of Arizona’s largest layer farms have been infected, leading to the loss of more than 5 million birds. Other outbreak news reports on measles, norovirus, covid, and more.
Hospitals Aren’t Required to Perform Emergency Abortions, Feds Now Say
In reversing the Biden-era guidance, the Trump administration has lifted EMTALA measures that allowed doctors to perform abortions when necessary, irrespective of the legality of the procedure in the state. HHS and CMS say that this previous guidance does not “reflect the policy of this Administration.”
Immunotherapy Shows Promise As A ‘Potential Cure’ For Multiple Myeloma
In a small study, a third of the participants with multiple myeloma, a common blood cancer which has up until now been deemed incurable, seem to have had their cancer disappear, The New York Times reports. The immunotherapy was developed by China-based Legend Biotech. Plus, a suggestion to lower the screening age for colon cancer.
First Edition: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Brain-Implantable Device Companies Vie For FDA Approval
Paradromics’ Brain-Computer Interface has been tested briefly in a patient with epilepsy. Neuralink, Precision Neuroscience, and Synchron also have devices in the works. Other news looks at a combination drug to treat extensive-stage small cell lung cancer; the MIND diet to protect against Alzheimer’s; and more.
Kidney Care Company Vantive To Invest $1 Billion In New Technology
Vantive is putting more money toward research, development, and manufacturing. Other health industry news is on Advocate Health, Centene, Ballad Health, Sanofi, and more.
Traveling Internationally? The CDC Suggests Getting A Measles Vaccine
Other public health news is on a dip in the rate of childhood MMR vaccinations over the past five years; an increase in pertussis cases; a Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers; and more.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
