Latest KFF Health News Stories
NYC Wipes Out $135M In Medical Debt, Easing Burden For 75,000 Residents
Residents who qualify for this one-time debt relief program will be notified by Undue Medical Debt. Separately, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore decries FEMA’s decision to withhold disaster aid.
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
Launch Prices For Some Medications Outpace Inflation, Review Finds
The cost when new drugs hit the market are up 51% after discounts, Stat reports. Other pharmaceuticals in the news include generic Trikafta, Enbrel, Blenrep, and more.
Howard University Hospital In D.C. Could Be Teetering On Edge Of Closure
The hospital is a lifeline for patients who are heavily reliant on Medicare and Medicaid, The Wall Street Journal reported. But after major cuts in federal funding, “This is a very vulnerable hospital,” said Dr. Andrea Hayes Dixon, senior VP of health affairs at Howard University College of Medicine.
Federal Judge Overturns Protections For Transgender Health Care
The Biden-era rule, which barred discrimination against sexual orientation and gender identity in certain health programs and activities, was struck down Wednesday by Judge Louis Guirola Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.
Furloughed CMS Employees To Return Temporarily For Open Enrollment
Employees have been furloughed since the government shut down three weeks ago. Meanwhile, federal workers have begun missing paychecks, and Democrats blocked a bill that would have allowed some workers to be paid.
First Edition: Friday, Oct. 24, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Study: Gum Disease Might Be Linked To Poor Heart And Brain Health
In two studies released Wednesday, both published in Neurology Open Access, researchers found associations between gum disease and damage to the brain’s white matter, as well as inflammation that can lead to atherosclerosis. Add cavities to the mix, and the risk of stroke increases by 86%.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
WVa Medical Cannabis Program Has Raked In $34 Million But Has Spent $0
West Virginia officials say the money will remain unspent until federal law, which classifies cannabis as an illegal drug, changes. Other news from around the nation comes out of North Carolina, Maryland, and California. Also: the fight to influence paid family leave policy.
FDA Redacts Names Of Drugs From Reports On Contaminated Factories
ProPublica reports that, according to the FDA, releasing the names of the drugs in inspection reports on foreign facilities would violate federal law protecting confidential commercial information. Experts worry that removing this data renders the reports useless for keeping Americans safe.
OB-GYN Group Urges Members To Support Contraception, Fight Misinfo
An official at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has stressed the importance of helping “patients get access to the evidence-based care they need and deserve.” Also: Nurses are going on strike at Tenet Health hospitals in California; a look at the maternity care deserts in Minnesota; and more.
Deportees Recount Horrors Of Hours Spent In ICE’s Full-Body Restraints
The use of the WRAP — also called “the burrito” or “the bag” — has been criticized as inhumane by deportees and their advocates. Federal lawsuits liken incorrect usage of the device to punishment and even torture, AP reports. Plus, pregnant people decry the care they receive at detention facilities.
Bird Flu Infections Surging In Poultry And Cattle; Measles Outbreaks Swelling
With no clear picture of the scope of the U.S. bird flu surge — federal agencies have stopped communicating during the shutdown — state health officials are left to fend for themselves to cope with outbreaks. Meanwhile, Utah, Arizona, and South Carolina are measles hot spots.
Trump Might Replace ACA, Oz Says; 25 States Will Halt SNAP Amid Shutdown
CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Wednesday that President Donald Trump “has a plan” to redo Obamacare, which is at the heart of the federal shutdown. Oz didn’t offer specifics but said, “There’s all kinds of ideas.” Meanwhile, dozens of states say they don’t have enough funding to run the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program after Nov. 1.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Hundreds Of Disability Advocates Urge NC Legislature To Repeal Medicaid Cuts
The state’s Department of Health and Human Services slashed reimbursement for Medicaid-covered services on Oct. 1, North Carolina Health News reported. Other health news is from Mississippi, Minnesota, New Jersey, California, and Montana. Plus: A nationwide shrimp recall widens.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
White House Warns Of Repercussions For Using Artificial Food Dyes
At a health industry conference on Tuesday, White House adviser Calley Means announced that regulations might be imposed on food companies that don’t switch away from synthetics. Also: The soda industry pits MAGA against MAHA; experts weigh in on the seed oil scandal; and more.
