Latest KFF Health News Stories
Alarm Bells Sound Over Deep Health Care Cuts In House-Passed Tax Bill
Health groups and news outlets dive into the nitty-gritty of the legislation — provisions related to food stamps, insurance for low-income immigrants, and transgender health care — as well as the big changes to Medicaid. Meanwhile, Republican senators say some of those deep cuts won’t survive their chamber.
RFK Jr.’s MAHA Commission Draws Dark Picture Of Kids’ Health In Report
The Trump administration released a 72-page report Thursday outlining its take on what’s driving “a chronic disease crisis” among children in the U.S. Among the culprits cited are ultra-processed foods, excessive use of prescriptions drugs, and lifestyle factors.
FDA Advisory Panel Recommends Monovalent Covid Vaccine For Fall
Vaccine advisers to the FDA decided Thursday that only strains of the JN.1 variant should be targeted by updated versions of covid vaccines that will be available next fall and winter. Separately, cases of the new covid variant NB.1.8.1 have been detected in the U.S.
First Edition: Friday, May 23, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KFF Health News’ First Edition will not be published Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Look for it in your inbox Tuesday.
Lawmakers Push Bill Clarifying Exceptions To Texas Abortion Ban
The bill states that doctors cannot face criminal charges for performing an abortion in a medical emergency that could cause death to the mother. Other news comes from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Missouri.
Report: UnitedHealth Paid Off Nursing Homes To Avoid Hospital Transfers
An investigation by The Guardian finds the insurance giant UnitedHealth Group quietly paid thousands in bonuses to nursing home facilities that helped it gain Medicare enrollees and reduce hospitalization charges. Whistleblowers allege that the practice harmed some patients.
Federal Judge Declares AI Does Not Have First Amendment Rights
The lawsuit, filed by a Florida mother, claims her 14 year old’s use of Character.AI led to his suicide. The parent company, Character Technologies wants the lawsuit dismissed, claiming chatbots have free speech protections. The ruling means the lawsuit can proceed.
Moderna Pulls Combo Flu-Covid MRNA Vaccine Licensing Request For Now
Moderna voluntarily pressed pause on its request to license its vaccine candidate, mRNA-1083 — which combines vaccines for seasonal influenza and covid and is intended for people over 50 — until it can submit further efficacy data. Other news relates to chickenpox and measles shots.
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 delve into these public health topics.
FDA Expands Heart Risk Warning Labels On Covid Shots
Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna must carry expanded warning labels informing patients of the risk of rare heart inflammation. The FDA is also cracking down on off-brand GLP-1 drugs. Other administration news reports on RFK Jr. and the fallout from health funding cuts.
House Passes Trump’s Big Tax Bill Promising Changes For Medicaid, HSAs
Last-minute revisions to the multitrillion-dollar economic package, like speeding up Medicaid work requirement timelines, pushed President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful bill” to House passage during an overnight session. News outlets examine the latest provisions inside the legislation, which now moves to the Senate.
First Edition: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
UCSF’s New Scale To Assess Brain Injuries Will Help Concussion Care
The new scale, called the CBI-M framework, will use clinical data like blood biomarker and imaging results, as well as the patient’s mental health and preexisting conditions, among other things. Also in the news: a new way to predict heart attack risk, and more.
CDC Health Alerts Are Lagging As Diseases Spread
“We are functionally unable to operate communications,” said one CDC worker. “We feel like our hands are tied behind our backs.” Other news is on salmonella in cucumbers, measles, valley fever, and more.
Viewpoints: Lowering Prescription Drug Prices Will Harm Innovation; New Doctors Need PSLF Program
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Delaware Legalizes Physician-Assisted Suicide
After almost a decade of debate on the topic, legislation signed Tuesday made Delaware the 11th state to allow medical help in dying. Other states making news include Missouri, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New Hampshire.
Facing A Crisis, UnitedHealth Turns To Its Former CEO To Shape It — Again
Stephen Hemsley returns to his old job at a difficult time for the company. Other industry news is on Oak Street Health, Prime Healthcare, Optum Health, and more.
Biden’s Previous Prostate Screening Was At Age 71; Most Men Stop At 70
Experts say the former president’s cancer diagnosis at 82 is not unusual given that current guidelines recommend against screening for men older than 70. Doctors also note that men with advanced prostate cancer could have had normal prostate-specific antigen tests before a sudden spike.
Senate Panel Quizzes HHS Chief Over NIOSH, Disease Research, Other Cuts
Lawmakers concerned about various programs and funding questioned Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about programs and funding that would be cut if President Trump’s proposed 2026 budget passes. Plus, what RFK Jr. had to say about farmers and lead contamination in Milwaukee.
