Latest KFF Health News Stories
Purdue Pharma, Sacklers Unveil New Settlement For OxyContin Lawsuits
The plan put forth Tuesday could see the Sackler family pay up to $7 billion. Also in the news: Merck prepares to close its manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania; Optum Rx, which includes UnitedHealth Group, has dropped the reauthorization requirements for 80 drugs; and more.
In First Wave Of 2,000 Planned Layoffs, Johns Hopkins Will Cut 200 In May
The layoffs come in the wake of the institution losing $800 million in federal grants. Also in industry news: DispatchHealth, UnitedHealthcare, patient access to health test results, and more.
Second Arrest Made In Texas Abortion Case
A medical assistant has been arrested in connection to a midwife who is accused of providing illegal abortions, reports AP. Also: Doctors plan to continue mailing abortion pills over state lines despite a recent indictment; Colorado plans to allow Medicaid coverage of abortion beginning in 2026; and more.
Lawmakers Look To ‘Site-Neutral’ Medicare Policies To Pay For Tax Cuts
Site-neutral Medicare reimbursements for outpatient care could help with the health care spending cuts. But hospitals are against the plan, which would require health systems to charge the same prices for services whether they are performed in a hospital or another location.
FDA Puts Infant Formula Under The Scope In Search Of Harmful Chemicals
The agency says it also will examine nutrients contained in formulas to ensure they “promote health and wellbeing during critical stages of development.” Meanwhile, as the White House saps the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, the HHS chief floats a plan to just let bird flu spread.
HIV Prevention At Risk In Latest Projected Federal Funding Cuts
The Department of Health and Human Services is considering drastically cutting the government’s funding for domestic HIV prevention. Meanwhile, experts worry that the days of rationing HIV drugs are back. Plus: more news on DOGE and funding cuts.
First Edition: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
74% Of Teachers Report Seeing Kids Coming To School Hungry Monthly
Axios reports on a new survey of 1,000 K-12 public school teachers, which also found that 78% of teachers reported they were concerned about food insecurity in the communities where they teach. Other nutrition news is on grass-fed beef and red dye No. 3. Also: Parkinson’s numbers are set to rise.
Colorado Disability Services Might No Longer Receive License Plate Revenue
Colorado lawmakers, facing a more than $1 billion budget shortfall, are considering whether to redirect millions of dollars generated from plate fees toward Medicaid and other programs. More news comes from: Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Mississippi.
Texas Midwife Accused Of Providing Illegal Abortions
According to NBC News, this appears to be the first time a health care provider in Texas has been criminally charged since the state implemented the ban in 2022. Also in abortion news: A conservative lawyer has been forced out of the FDA for previously defending mifepristone.
Shuttered Sharon Regional Medical Center Resuming Business Today
California-based Tenor Health Foundation has taken over the 163-bed hospital in Pennsylvania. More hospital news is about Anson General in Texas, Scripps Health in California, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Massachusetts. Also, chatbots feel the weight of heavy issues.
California’s Newsom Asks For An Extra $2.8 Billion To Close Medicaid Hole
The request comes on top of a $3.44 billion loan that was proposed last week in order to fully pay the bills for the state’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, through the end of the year. Other Medicaid and Medicare news is on county-owned hospitals in Indiana, work requirements, MA cuts, and more.
In DEI Sweep, Feds Remove Ban On ‘Segregated Facilities’ For Contractors
Businesses still must follow federal and state laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which makes segregated facilities illegal. Those facilities are described as work areas, restaurants, drinking fountains, transportation, housing, and more.
White House Abolishes Public Health Advisory On Gun Violence
The Biden-era warning was scrubbed from the HHS website in order to comply with President Trump’s order to protect Second Amendment rights, officials say. A gun violence prevention group warns the move takes away lifesaving resources.
Veterans Told To Look Outside The VA For Gender Dysphoria Treatment
Hormone therapy and gender dysphoria treatment will be offered only to those already receiving it. “If veterans want to attempt to change their sex, they can do so on their own dime,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said. Meanwhile, a study finds gender-affirming care may lower the risk of depression.
First Edition: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss the following public health issues.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on green beer, hologram doctors, spreading kindness, and more.
Texas GOP Legislators Come After Medication Abortion
A bill would target tech companies and nonprofits that assist people seeking care, The 19th reports. In other state news: the Florida Senate passes a bill to study autism; Missouri nursing home staff shortages are among the worst in the nation; and more.
