Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Doctor Who Called Covid Vaccines ‘Dangerous’ Is CDC’s New Deputy Chief
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s internal database lists Dr. Ralph Abraham, 71, as its principal deputy director, with a start date of Nov. 23, The New York Times reported. Abraham is also the former surgeon general of Louisiana and halted the state health department’s mass vaccination campaigns.
Medicare To Lower Prices On 15 More Prescription Drugs, Including Ozempic
Some prescription cancer drugs are also included in the negotiations. The announcement followed the second round of talks with pharmaceutical manufacturers under a new system implemented by the Biden administration as part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, The Washington Post reported.
First Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: The First Edition will not be published Thursday or Friday. Look for it again in your inbox on Monday, Dec. 1. Wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving!
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Promising Injectable Alzheimer’s Drug From J&J Fails In Mid-Stage Trial
Separately, Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide did not slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease more than a placebo, even though some disease-related biomarkers did show some improvement. Also: GLP-1s are being marketed to the non-obese; pregnancy risks from GLP-1s; and more.
CMS’ Plan To Recoup Billions In Outpatient Payments Delayed Until ’27
The clawback originally was set to go into effect in 2026. However, Stat says, Medicare will move forward with surveys that will pinpoint how much drugs cost for hospitals — surveys that hospitals have managed to push off for 20 years.
For 2nd Year In A Row, Pertussis Cases Are Higher Than Pre-Pandemic Levels
Also in the news: the spread of measles, covid, flu, RSV, CWD, and more.
Even With SNAP Restored, Food Banks Continue To See High Demand
Food banks and pantries across the country predict the increase in demand will continue through December. Other states making news: Missouri, North Carolina, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, and Maryland.
All HHS Workers Laid Off During Shutdown Have Been Brought Back
Thomas Nagy Jr., deputy assistant secretary for human resources at the Department of Health and Human Services, wrote in a federal court filing Friday that all 954 employees who received layoff notices were emailed Nov. 17 and told to return to work, The Hill reported.
Trump’s Supposed ACA Subsidy Plan Sidelined Before It Was Even Unveiled
Republicans were blindsided over news media reports that the plan would extend Obamacare subsidies, Axios reported. Meanwhile, more Americans say they will go without health insurance if subsidies aren’t renewed.
First Edition: Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Caregiving Has Gotten Harder For American Families; Technology Helps Elderly Stay Home
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Wash. Patient With Strain Of Bird Flu Never Before Seen In Humans Has Died
The resident of Washington state was an older adult with underlying conditions, The Washington Post reported, and was infected with the H5N5 strain. State health officials said the risk to the public is low. Other health news is on lung cancer screening, female crash-test dummy standards, and more.
Eli Lilly Becomes First Health Care Company To Hit $1 Trillion In Value
The company’s blockbuster GLP-1 weight loss drugs Zepbound and Mounjaro are slated to be the top-selling drugs in the world this year. Meanwhile, Bayer began to see positive results from its experimental stroke-prevention drug, asundexian, in a late-stage study.
DOGE Has Been Disbanded, Feds Say, But Effect On CDC Continues To Linger
Critics say the Department of Government Efficiency delivered few measurable savings, and many workers who were laid off were later offered their jobs back. But the roller-coaster ride of uncertainty left a huge dent in morale, particularly at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
RFK Jr. Personally Told CDC To Change Website On Vaccines And Autism
The New York Times reported that it is highly unusual for a health secretary to do so. Plus: Tatiana Schlossberg, the cousin of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, has revealed she has terminal cancer. She lashed out at her cousin for policy decisions that put her health at risk. Scroll down to our Editorials and Opinions section to read her story.
North Dakota Reinstates Abortion Ban After Court Overturns Earlier Ruling
The reversal makes abortion a felony, with doctors facing up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Patients, however, will be protected from prosecution. Also: Missouri, Kansas, and Idaho sue the FDA to stop generic mifepristone.
Trump Poised To Unveil Health Policy Plan With ACA Extension, Sources Say
The framework has been rumored to include a two-year extension of Obamacare subsidies, currently due to expire at the end of December, and could also include new limits on eligibility. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports on how Google searches for Obamacare can lead buyers to insurance programs that don’t offer comprehensive coverage.
First Edition: Monday, Nov. 24, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
