Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
More States Ban SNAP For Junk Food As Trump Admin Pushes MAHA Agenda
Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee have agreed to restrict SNAP recipients from purchasing certain sugary drinks and food. The total number of states with restrictions is now 18.
House Advances Biosecure Act, But Talks Go Awry Over AI In Health Care
A House hearing on technology and artificial intelligence almost immediately turned into a squabble over health care costs. Plus: The latest on the debate over Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Anti-Vaccine Group Founded By RFK Jr. Calls For Covid Shots To Be Pulled
Children’s Health Defense filed a citizen’s petition asking the FDA to deem Moderna’s and Pfizer’s covid vaccines “misbranded” and to revoke their licenses “due to a lack of compliance with FDA regulations.” Meanwhile, the FDA investigates adult deaths possibly linked to the covid vaccine.
First Edition: Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
MERS, Which Is Usually Confined To Arabian Peninsula, Sickens 2 In France
The two people, who were listed in stable condition, had recently traveled to the region. As Axios explains, MERS is a respiratory illness caused by a zoonotic virus that can spread from camels to people through direct contact; human-to-human transmission is possible but uncommon.
Online Abortion Pill Access Up In Early 2025, Despite GOP Efforts to Restrict It
A report shows an increase in medication abortions throughout the country in the first half of the year, while Republicans have made efforts to keep doctors in blue states from prescribing pills to women in states where abortion is illegal. Other news comes from Alabama, Georgia, and Illinois.
Over 100 Provider Groups Urge HHS To Drop Planned HIPAA Rule Change
The groups, including the American Medical Association, wrote to HHS this week, stating that the proposed changes create burdens — both financial and with the implementation schedule — and “should be immediately withdrawn without further consideration.”
House Democrat Files Articles Of Impeachment Against RFK Jr.
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Michigan accused the HHS secretary of an assault on the public health system that constitutes high crimes and misdemeanors, The New York Times reported. But with Republicans in control of Congress, the impeachment attempt will almost certainly go nowhere.
High Court Again Asked To Weigh In On ‘Skinny Labeling’ On Generic Drugs
The tactic of leaving patented uses off of labels has allowed generic drugmakers to move products to the market quicker. A dispute between Amarin and Hikma Pharmaceuticals prompted the call for another look. Other administration news is about climate change, racial discrimination, and more.
As Some Republicans Push For HSAs, IRS Updates Its Guidance On Eligibility
The use of Health Savings Accounts has become a prominent GOP strategy as the partisan squabble over making insurance more affordable continued Tuesday. Republicans have appeared to unite around a plan that lets Affordable Care Act subsidies expire.
Leading Health Organizations Unite Against Limits On Hepatitis B Vaccine
Representatives from six leading health organizations gave a joint news conference, during which they warned that the proposed changes to federal vaccine policy would lead to children’s deaths. Meanwhile, the FDA has launched a safety review for two RSV drugs already approved for infants.
First Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Judge Declares Mistrial In Florida Hospitals’ Opioid Case
The 16 Florida hospitals had accused Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens of driving up opioid sales. Jurors deliberated for 14 days but could not reach a unanimous verdict. Also: West Virginia sues United Healthcare over the opioid crisis.
Has Your Snail Mail Gotten Slower? It Might Be Affecting Your Rx Deliveries
People who live in rural areas are particularly at risk as the U.S. Postal Service continues to consolidate its mail processing system. But the USPS has denied that its new system will cause delivery delays, Axios reported.
HUD Withdraws Homelessness Funding Policy Change To Make Revisions
The government’s move to temporarily rescind its new policy just ahead of a court hearing drew rebuke from U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy. That policy would have significantly cut the funds available for permanent housing for people who are homeless.
FDA Has Delayed Abortion Pill Safety Study Until After Midterms: Report
A Health and Human Services Department spokesperson said, “FDA’s comprehensive scientific reviews take the time necessary to get the science right.” Also: States are more divided over abortion than ever; IVF expansion is stripped from Congress’ annual defense policy bill; and more.
