Latest KFF Health News Stories
Changes In Brain Shape Linked To Aging Might Indicate Dementia Risk
A recent study shows how substantial alterations in brain shape are closely associated with declines in memory, reasoning, and other cognitive functions. Plus: Poor sleep contributes to brain aging; covid infections are linked to new-onset dementia; and more.
Venture Capital Firm Takes NeueHealth Private After $1.47 Billion Acquisition
Stockholders in May approved the deal for majority owner New Enterprise to take over the care management firm. More health industry news is about UnitedHealth, Humana, and Aetna.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Nebraska GOP Trying To Weaken Law On Voter-Approved Medical Marijuana
Following in the footsteps of other red states, Nebraska Republicans are pushing back by postponing licensing of marijuana growers, despite overwhelming support at the ballot box. Other news is on firearm injury costs, midwifery clinics, whooping cough, and more.
EPA To Again Allow Use Of Refrigerants Known To Cause Climate Change
Biden-era rules were phasing out hydrofluorocarbons — a family of chemicals used in cooling — that the EPA says lead to increased costs for consumers. Also in the news: ambient trichloroethylene’s link to Parkinson’s; wildfire smoke’s effect on sperm quality; and more.
RFK Jr. Ousts NIH Scientist Who Raised Alarm On Public Health Policies
Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo had filed a whistleblower complaint against the administration for actions she said had jeopardized research subjects, defied court orders, and undermined vaccine research, The New York Times reports. She is one of three scientists who was recently fired.
Second Generic Mifepristone Approved, Prompting Conservative Backlash
The FDA’s authorization of Evita Solutions’ abortion pill marks the second time a Trump administration has signed off on a generic option, this time coming just hours ahead of the federal shutdown. Plus, news outlets unpack the risks of a prolonged government closure.
First Edition: Friday, Oct. 3, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Many Minnesotans Are Losing Their Sober Housing Due To New State Law
An anti-kickback law went into effect in August, part of Minnesota’s attempt to address concerns over fraud in social service programs, but critics warn of a disastrous effect on addiction treatment in the state. Other health news from across the nation comes from Virginia, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, and Illinois.
Viewpoints: A Bipartisan Reform Package Would End The Shutdown; Yes, There Are Autistic Amish People
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
HHS Declares Coalition For Health AI Won’t Squeeze Out The Startups
Health and tech giants involved in the group evaluate artificial intelligence tools and then advise physicians and hospitals on how they work. The administration claims CHAI could become a “cartel,” but CEO Brian Anderson says the coalition’s 3,000 members include startups and smaller providers.
Summa Health Is First Health System Wholly Owned By Venture Capital Firm
General Catalyst’s Health Assurance Transformation Co. finalized the acquisition Wednesday and hopes to boost Summa’s efficiency by using AI to improve diagnoses and document patient visits. Also in the news: Johns Hopkins, CommonSpirit, Florida Blue, BayCare, and more.
Maine Family Planning Clinics End Primary Care Amid Medicaid Cuts
The clinics, with 18 locations and a mobile unit, provide birth control, sexually transmitted disease testing, cancer screenings, and routine OB-GYN visits, as well as primary care to nearly 1,000 patients. Also, a Texas judge transfers the abortion pill battle to Missouri; and more.
Genetic Analysis Finds Different Forms Of Autism, Study Shows
The study found that rather than being one single genetic condition, autism is instead a cluster of conditions with similar features. In other autism news: folate supplements vs. leucovorin; the dementia drug memantine may help a small subset of ASD youth with social functioning; and more.
White House Hedges Research Funds On Colleges’ Support For Trump Goals
Nine initial universities would enjoy “multiple positive benefits” if they agree to commit to strict definitions of gender, among other conditions. Plus, pharma tariffs have been delayed.
Health Agencies Stymied As Congress Remains Deadlocked On Funding Deal
The Department of Health and Human Services — particularly the National Institutes of Health — is seeing significant staff reductions as lawmakers continue the shutdown showdown largely over whether ACA subsidies should be extended. Plus, hospitals already filled to the brim are receiving an influx of patients now that CMS reimbursements for hospital at home care have been halted.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Scientists Find Twofold Rise In Long Covid Risk In Kids After Reinfection
Evidence indicates that over a six-month period, 1,884 per million young people developed long covid after two infections, twice the rate of 904 per million for young people with one infection, The New York Times reports. Plus, states have not been able to order updated covid shots for low-income children.
In Boon For Rural Health, Hospital In Rolla, Missouri, Will Double Size Of ER
The expansion at Phelps Health comes as 21 other hospitals, many of them in rural areas, have closed in the state in the past decade. Other states making news: Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Maryland, Minnesota, Maine, and New Hampshire.
Hospital At Home Programs Grind To A Halt Amid Government Shutdown
A pandemic-era program that allowed hospitals like UMass Memorial to deliver inpatient care in people’s homes comes to an end, putting extra strain on hospitals. Plus, Modern Healthcare looks at why some providers are betting on home health units, even now.
