Latest KFF Health News Stories
Taking Unusual Stance, Justice Dept. Urges Dismissal Of Abortion Pill Case
The lawsuit, which aims to restrict access to mifepristone, was to be heard in the Texas courtroom of Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee who opposes abortion. One legal expert said President Donald Trump might be acting cautiously on abortion ahead of the midterm elections.
Trump Blocks Some Gain-Of-Function Research Funding, Promotes Oversight
The latest executive order is aimed at preventing possible pandemics as scientists study viruses and other pathogens, the White House says. Separately, Harvard has been told it won’t receive any new research funding from the government.
FDA, EPA Are Tasked With Speeding Up US Pharma Manufacturing Process
President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting regulatory hurdles is intended to scale back the time it takes to get plants running. “We don’t want to be buying our pharmaceuticals from other countries because if we’re in a war, we’re in a problem, we want to be able to make our own,” he said.
First Edition: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on antivenom, prosthetics, autism, and more.
Overconsuming Cinnamon Might Interfere With Drug Absorption
A study shows cinnamon can rapidly clear prescription drugs from the body, which could limit their effectiveness. However, it does not specify how much cinnamon is too much. More news explores stomach cancer diagnoses, celiac disease, and more.
Huge Health Fair In St. Louis Offering Free Care To Uninsured, Underinsured
From May 5-8, more than 1,800 health care professionals and volunteers will converge at America’s Center in downtown to provide free medical, dental, and vision care for up to 1,200 people per day. Other states making news are Colorado, California, Massachusetts, and Alabama.
Major Supplier Of Medical Products Adding Surcharge To US Shipments
MilliporeSigma says the extra fees, which will take effect Monday, are a direct response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The company is owned by Merck KGaA, which is based in Germany.
Scientist In Charge Of US Preparedness Backed Debunked Covid Drug
Steven J. Hatfill, who pushed hydroxychloroquine against all scientific evidence in the early days of the pandemic, has joined the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and is now tasked with preparing the U.S. for disasters such as pandemics and biological and chemical attacks.
Trump Eyes Drugmakers’ Medicaid Revenues As One Way To Fund Tax Cuts
Other Medicaid news is on the effort to push back against Medicaid cuts and a warning from one House Republican. Also: a plan to reopen Alcatraz; children’s rights as part of the deportation debate; and more.
White House Requests 26% Cut To HHS’ Discretionary Budget
The massive cuts would apply to the 2026 fiscal year, which starts in October. As Stat reports, requests such as this are rarely passed by Congress without major changes.
First Edition: Monday, May 5, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on Agent Orange, aging, weight loss, and more.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
NY Eases Requirements To Forcibly Hospitalize Those With Mental Illness
New York state will now authorize first responders to involuntarily hospitalize New Yorkers who cannot meet their own basic needs such as food, shelter, or medical care. Other news comes from Texas, Florida, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Michigan.
CVS Chooses Novo Over Lilly, As Top GLP-1 Drugs Face Off Over Prices
Eli Lilly & Co. and Novo Nordisk A/S are competing for drug contracts in the aftermath of drug price scrutiny. Novo has managed to secure a contract with CVS, beating out its competitor. Other news is on cost-cutting; the fallout of tariffs; the quality of compounding pharmacies; and more.
Aetna Is Leaving ACA Marketplace
A million Affordable Care Act enrollees across 17 states will have to find alternate coverage in 2026. Separately, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services now has a center to fight waste, fraud, and abuse. Also, the Milken Institute is creating a Women’s Health Network to study women’s issues.
Delayed Medicaid Payments Force Hospitals To Make Tough Decisions
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has been unusually slow at processing state-directed payments, leading hospitals to withhold their own payments to medical suppliers and to trim staff. Plus, a look at the wrangling over Medicaid changes on Capitol Hill.
Kennedy Plans To Ask CDC To Create New Measles Treatment Guidance
According to CBS News, the new guidance he is requesting is to include existing drugs, vitamins, and other modalities. In other news: RFK Jr. renews the disproved claim of aborted fetal cells in vaccines; measles infections have reached Canada and Mexico; and more.
