Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Thursday, May 30, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: We Must Engage Anti-Vaccine Rhetoric With Compassion; FDA Cuts Will Increase Drug Prices
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
With Fewer Inspectors, Is US Food Safety System On ‘Brink Of Collapse’?
As part of federal staffing cuts and encouraged retirement, the U.S. corps of food safety inspectors has significantly shrunk. Remaining officials now carry double the workload, leading experts to sound warning bells about the future outlook for food safety in this country. Other public health news reports on gut infections, aging, covid, measles, and more.
Gene Delivery ‘Trucks’ Target Brain Cells, Hold Promise For Brain Diseases
The Washington Post reports on new tools that could lead to treatments for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Other science and research news is on childhood lead exposure, a non-opioid analgesic, the “first true urban pest,” and more.
States Take On Prior Authorization Reform As Congressional Efforts Stall
States are picking up the mantle on insurance reform as they await lawmakers’ next attempt to push through a bipartisan, health-industry-backed bill. Other news is on a gender-affirming care ban in Utah; votes against a fluoride ban in Louisiana; and more.
Wait Times Up For Doc Appointments Across Many Specialties, Survey Finds
A recent survey of six medical specialties in 15 U.S. metropolitan areas finds that the average wait time for physician appointments has increased significantly in recent years. Specialties most affected include OB-GYN and cardiology.
CMS Requests Hospitals’ Data Related To Transgender Care In Children
Hospitals will have to submit information on their policies and procedures as well as any adverse events related to gender-affirming procedures, The Hill reports. Plus, HHS has a new deputy general counsel to work on psychedelics policy, and news outlets list Medicaid’s defenders.
Health Experts, Industry Sound Alarm Over New Covid Vaccine Guidance
News outlets unpack the public health effects of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s revised vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant women. In other vaccine news, HHS cancels its bird flu vaccine contract with Moderna; ‘Hotel Influenza’ will aid in developing new flu vaccines.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
First Edition: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics and more.
Study: People With Autism At Higher Risk Of Early-Onset Parkinson’s
A Swedish study finds that the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease before age 50 is four times higher in people with autism than those without. But a Parkinson’s diagnosis before that age is rare, including in people with autism. Other research explores diabetes, aging, covid, and more.
Weight Loss Drug Prices Start To Drop; Will They Be Affordable?
Drugmakers are introducing discounts and lower-cost options for consumers who have to pay for GLP-1 drugs out of pocket. News outlets look at the trend in pricing for drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound. Other industry news is on CarePoint Health, layoffs, supplements, and more.
Less Shiny But Safer Skittles? Mars Removes Chemical Targeted By RFK Jr.
Skittles will no longer be made with titanium dioxide, a chemical additive that brightens colors and makes candy look shiny, but that has raised health concerns. Europe has banned the ingredient and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called it out as unhealthy.
Iowa, Nebraska See First Measles Cases As National Infection Rate Declines
Also in the news: A new covid variant has been detected in California and elsewhere in the U.S.; E. coli outbreak shows food safety pitfalls; and more.
Texas’ Newly Approved Bill Requires ‘Biological Sex’ On Official Documents
The bill, titled the “Women’s Bill of Rights” and passed in the middle of the night, next goes to Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, for signing. The legislation creates no criminal or civil penalties. More news comes from Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Planned Parenthood Missouri Again Halts Abortions After Court Ruling
The state filed a petition to the Missouri Supreme Court claiming that Judge Jerri Zhang’s earlier ruling, allowing abortions to resume, left abortion facilities “functionally unregulated” and women with “no guarantee of health and safety,” the Associated Press reports.
US Pulls Covid Shot Recommendation For Children And Pregnant Women
Health officials reiterate a “need for evidence” on the benefits of repeated COVID vaccines. Separately, after withdrawing from the WHO, U.S. and Argentina are launching their own “international health system”. Plus, a deeper look at the health implications of Republicans’ “big, beautiful bill.”
First Edition: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Denials Rose In 2024 As Insurers Asked For More Info, Medical Necessity
Modern Healthcare points out from the new report, however, that the initial denials were often overturned, and insurers ended up paying nearly 97% of dollars requested. Also in industry news: Florida Blue and Broward Health; Uber Health and Lyft Healthcare; medical errors and AI; and more.
