Latest KFF Health News Stories
Scientists Tap Into Mitochondria To Reverse Aging, Fight Dementia
A new method transforms a patient’s own cells by changing them into stem cells and adding “nanoflower” particles, resulting in increased mitochondria production that can target aging cells. Also: Researchers find reading is good for the aging brain; diabetes is linked to sudden cardiac death; and more.
Health Policy Experts Wary Over What Is In The Fine Print Of $50B Rural Fund
In a bid to get a larger piece of the funding, several states also vowed to change their own laws, Politico reported — making promises, for example, to restrict low-income people from using SNAP to buy junk food or to expand telehealth.
Congress Faces Make-Or-Break Timing On ACA Subsidies, Health Care Costs
Congress’ docket this week includes the introduction of a House leadership-endorsed health care plan and a potential Senate vote on Democrats’ three-year subsidies’ extension. Other news on health care costs is on a charge for pre-visit questionnaires, a rise in spending on prescription drugs, and more.
Unhappy With Zeldin’s Performance, MAHA Advocates Want EPA Chief Fired
President Trump “made a promise to the American people to address pesticides and reduce childhood chronic illnesses,” one influencer said. Lee Zeldin instead has weakened protections against toxic chemicals, activists contend. Plus, ProPublica examines the EPA’s revision of how the health dangers posed by formaldehyde are assessed.
After Hep B Guidance Change, Trump Orders Quick Review Of Vaccine Plan
In ordering the review of vaccine recommendations, the president said he thinks the United States’ core childhood vaccine schedule should be updated “to align with such scientific evidence and best practices from peer, developed countries.” Plus, insurers will still cover the hepatitis B shot.
First Edition: Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
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 relationships, mental health, Parkinson’s, rabies, and more.
New York Health System May See Cuts, Missed Payroll Without Urgent Aid
North Star Health Alliance in Ogdensburg, New York, is “facing imminent closure,” according to CEO Richard Duvall. Plus, news from California, Florida, and Missouri.
Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs, Humana May Join Forces To Lower Drug Costs
The two are in talks to explore how they can lower prescription drug prices with a direct-to-employer model. Plus: A look at why turning human blood into medications is big business; CMS wants to encourage technology-supported care through wearable reimbursements; and more.
American Cancer Society OKs Self-Swab Screening For Cervical Cancer
The updated recommendations were released Thursday and include new guidance on when women can stop being screened for cervical cancer. In other news, a new Texas law allows residents to sue those suspected of making, distributing, or mailing abortion pills in or out of the state.
Democrats Push For Vote On 3-Year Extension Of Enhanced ACA Subsidies
A vote for a straightforward, three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act subsidies is expected in the Senate next week, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer announced Thursday. The GOP still has not settled on an alternate plan.
US-Kenya Health Pact Is First Of Likely Many Global Deals After USAID’s Exit
It’s a five-year, $2.5 billion deal that focuses on preventing and treating diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis with an emphasis on faith-based medical providers, AP reported. Previously, there was a patchwork of health agreements run by the U.S. Agency for International Development before it was dismantled this year.
Vaccine Advisers Balk At Wording Of Proposed Hep B Guidance, Delay Vote
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices panelists are taking a closer look at the recommendation, which was revised three times just before the meeting. They could vote today on whether newborns should get the shot. Plus, ACIP’s trustworthiness is under the scope.
First Edition: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Texas Bathroom Law Limits How Trans People Can Use Public Facilities
Senate Bill 8 restricts the kind of bathrooms in public spaces that are available to transgender people and holds institutions liable for violations of the law. Meanwhile, the University of Texas San Antonio is forcing students to change dorms to comply with the new law. Also in the news: California, North Carolina, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio.
Court Ruling In India Shakes Up Global Market On Weight Loss Drugs
Indian drugmaker Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories will be allowed to make a generic version of Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide and export it even before some of Novo’s global patents expire in 2026.
Mangione Back In Court Exactly 1 Year After United Healthcare CEO’s Death
CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down Dec. 4, 2024, on a sidewalk outside a Manhattan hotel where UnitedHealth Group was holding its annual investors’ meeting. In the year since, the case against shooting suspect Luigi Mangione, 27, has played out in pop culture in a way unlike anything in the modern media age, Baltimore Magazine writes.
At Wednesday Hearing, Senators Leave Door Open To Extending ACA Subsidies
No major overhaul seems possible before the end of the year, but optimism remained for an extension. Other news from Capitol Hill is on fraudulent Obamacare signups, President Donald Trump’s role in any potential health care deal, health insurance affordability, and more.
Viewpoints: Removing Designations Will Worsen Nursing Shortage; Overdiagnosis Debate Gets It Wrong
Opinion writers delve into these public health topics.
