Latest KFF Health News Stories
Measles Detected In Connecticut; US On Cusp Of Losing Elimination Status
An unvaccinated child traveler starting showing symptoms of the virus soon after returning home from abroad. As South Carolina becomes the latest hot spot, disease experts criticize the Trump administration — specifically HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — for continued transmission.
Illinois Enacts Medical Aid-In-Dying Law Despite Controversy, Protests
Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, said the legislation will help terminally ill patients “avoid unnecessary pain and suffering at the end of their lives.” More news comes out of California, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
Provision To Withhold Funding For Planned Parenthood Upheld In Court
The provision of the tax law enacted in July requires the government to stop making Medicaid reimbursements to a subset of the nation’s largest abortion providers, which Planned Parenthood says singled them out, The New York Times reports. The lawsuit will now return to a lower court.
With Clock Ticking Down On ACA Subsidies, Congress Is Still Deadlocked
The House will take up health care measures this week, but none of them will offer a straight, multiyear extension on enhanced Obamacare tax credits. Plus, more about the politics of Obamacare subsidies and what that could mean for U.S. health care.
First Edition: Monday, Dec. 15, 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 antibiotics, medically assisted death, acromegaly, organ donation, and more.
Oregon Breaks State Record Set In 1950 For Annual Cases Of Whooping Cough
“I worry people may not fully appreciate the risk pertussis poses,” said Dr. Howard Chiou, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division. Oregon has reported 1,475 cases so far in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 1,420.
Report: Top Health Insurers Not So Transparent On Negotiated Prices
An analysis shows that UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Cigna only partially disclosed price data, despite federal rules requiring full disclosure. The worry is that this could harm the nation’s employers when it comes time to choose workplace coverage. Plus: CMS’ new Medicare payment model focuses on digital health, chronic conditions, and prior authorizations.
Education Department Hands Out Mental Health Grants Worth $208M
This announcement comes after the Trump administration canceled more than 200 Biden-era mental health grants. The 65 new grant recipients are being encouraged to focus on “evidence-based student services,” with more than half of the grant money going to rural communities.
Viewpoints: Obamacare Dispute Exposes Political Dysfunction; CDC’s New Advisers Are Vaccine Skeptics
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Trump Weighs Reclassifying Pot; Study Cites Scant Benefit In Medical Use
Cannabis is currently a Schedule 1 substance, on par with heroin and LSD. Reclassifying it as a Schedule III drug would put it in the same category as mild prescription painkillers. The change would ease barriers to research, The Washington Post reports.
Covid Vaccines Might Soon Come With Cautionary FDA ‘Black Box’ Label
Dr. Vinay Prasad, the FDA’s director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, is said to be making plans to unveil by the end of this year a plan to include the most serious warnings on the inoculations. Moderna and Pfizer have maintained that their shots are safe and effective.
Senate Blocks Rival Health Care Bills; ACA Premiums Expected To Soar
Neither the Democrats’ proposal — extending Obamacare subsidies for three years — nor the Republicans’ plan — boosting health savings accounts — garnered enough votes to take the pressure off Americans facing higher health care costs. Lawmakers still have until next week to find a fix.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
Hundreds Are Quarantined Amid Measles Outbreak In South Carolina
As of yesterday, South Carolina reported 111 measles cases, with 27 of those reported in less than a week. State epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell attributes the rapid increase to holiday gatherings and a low vaccination rate. Also: news from California, Massachusetts, Florida, Indiana, and elsewhere.
Report: N.J. Nursing Home Owners Understaffed Facility, Filched Millions
“All indications are that what we have identified in this and in earlier reports is just the tip of the iceberg in the nursing home industry,” New Jersey Comptroller Kevin Walsh said after his office released the report Wednesday.
FDA Panel Urges Lifting Decades-Old Limits On Testosterone Medications
Urologists and experts on the committee say the drug labeling should be revised so that doctors may prescribe it for more uses. Testosterone replacement therapy has gained popularity on social media as a way for young men to increase muscle mass. Plus, Meta cuts some reproductive health accounts.
CDC: Suicide Rate Dropped Slightly In 2024, From Historically High Levels
AP reports that experts aren’t sure why the rate dropped, or whether that trend might continue. Other mental health news is on ChatGPT, social media, antidepressant tapering, and more.
