Latest KFF Health News Stories
RFK Jr. Improperly Reshaped US Policy On Trans Health Care, Judge Rules
The judge agreed with states that the government didn’t follow long-standing procedures when it altered policy, noting, “The notion that ‘I will go forward and issue a declaration and see if we can get away with it’ is not a principle of governance.” Plus, the uncertainty of ACIP.
9% Of ACA Marketplace Enrollees Drop Coverage, Cite Rising Health Care Costs
In a KFF poll, 80% of respondents said that all health care costs are higher than last year, and 55% said they will have to reduce spending on food and basic household expenses to afford care. Meanwhile, 9% have had to drop coverage altogether and are now uninsured.
First Edition: Friday, March 20, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Wisconsin Expands Postpartum Medicaid Coverage To 12 Months
The expanded coverage for new moms will begin July 1. Plus, looks at health care proposals that leaders and lawmakers are considering in Maine, Delaware, and Maryland.
Menopause Before 40 Leads To 40% Higher Risk Of Heart Attacks: Study
The study shows that women who undergo premature menopause have a higher risk of fatal and nonfatal heart attacks. Black women were found to be three times as likely as white women to experience premature menopause.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Medicare Issues Nationwide Enrollment Moratorium On New Medical Suppliers
As part of an ongoing Texas Medicare fraud case, the federal government has imposed a six‑month nationwide block for most new medical supply companies to prevent high‑risk suppliers from entering the system. Plus: AI delays care for some seniors; Stryker cyberattack disrupts surgery schedule; and more.
Covid Killed 155,000 More Americans In 2020-21 Than Thought, Study Finds
Scientists dug into the death certificates of people who died of the virus in hospitals and compared the symptomology with those who died outside of care. They estimate the U.S. death toll was undercounted by 16%. Plus, “medical freedom” is putting public health at risk.
363 Pregnant, Postpartum Immigrants Deported In 13 Months Of Crackdown
The 19th breaks down the data from the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration from January 1, 2025, through Feb. 16, 2026, noting an uptick from previous years of immigrants who were deported. It also offers a picture of what is happening with prenatal care in immigration facilities.
Senate Dems Unveil Framework To Try To Make Health Insurance Affordable
The three goals of the Democrats’ plan, Stat reports, are to make insurance affordable, make it simple, and end “corporate greed.” Meanwhile, a new survey finds that almost 1 in 10 Americans who had ACA plans last year dropped health insurance entirely, after federal subsidies expired and costs spiked.
First Edition: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Order To Restore Prior Vaccine Policy Leaves 20 States, Clinicians In Limbo
The CDC has not updated its guidance on the childhood vaccine schedule, putting the states that signed onto Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s pared-down recommendations in a tough spot. The ruling also inadvertently blocks the use of a free monoclonal antibody that protects against RSV.
In A First, Smoking Rates Fell Below 10%; CDC Missed It Due To Cuts
Only 9.9% of U.S. adults reported smoking cigarettes in 2024 — a historic low — down from 10.8% in 2023. But federal cuts put an end to the CDC’s Office of Smoking and Health last year, leaving them short on experts to analyze the data they had collected.
Study Links PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ To Decreased Bone Density In Kids
Researchers found that the chemicals, particularly PFOA, may interfere with children developing their full potential for bone density, possibly raising the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life. Also: Eating more ultra-processed foods raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and dying from heart disease.
Bill Targeting ‘Forever Chemicals’ Awaits Wisconsin Governor’s Signature
On Tuesday, Wisconsin’s Legislature sent the $133 million package to Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, who has said he will sign it.
Health Care Workers Might Get Relief From Trump’s $100K H-1B Visa Fee
The bipartisan Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act, intended to stem the clinician shortage, also would restrict other fees beyond what is stipulated in immigration law. Plus, President Trump has been mostly mum about his housing affordability proposal that is stalled in Congress.
VA Worker Hospitalized After Shooting At Outpatient Clinic In Rural Georgia
The injuries suffered by the unidentified employee, as well as their condition, are unclear. USA Today reported that police officers killed the shooter after confronting them at the clinic in Jasper, about 60 miles north of downtown Atlanta.
