Latest KFF Health News Stories
Family Planning Clinics Have Just Days To Reapply For Title X Funding
The Department of Health and Human Services’ long-delayed guidance eliminates verbiage deemed inappropriate by the Trump administration and advises against “non-discriminatory services.” Current grants expire April 1.
More Businesses Adopting Tax Credit To Help Workers Pay For ACA
As Politico reported, at least six states are looking at offering the tax credits to businesses that adopt the Trump administration policy, known as Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements. ICHRAs allow businesses to give workers a tax-exempt subsidy to purchase ACA coverage, as opposed to offering a traditional group plan.
Covid Work Group Aims To Upend How ACIP Approaches Vax Injuries: Report
Among the group’s proposals outlined in its “Killer Jab?” report is a suggestion to create research centers to study harms from covid vaccines and the illness, The New York Times reported. The report relied on dubious data to reach its conclusions, an expert in pediatric infectious disease said.
Those Under 40 Should Watch, Manage Cholesterol, New Heart Guidelines Say
New heart disease guidelines out Friday recommend that people as young as 30 should consider lifestyle changes, statins, and other ways of managing cholesterol. More public health news is on marijuana use among teens, kidney stone prevention, and more.
First Edition: Monday, March 16, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
A New Normal: US Marks 6 Years Since Declaring A National Covid Emergency
What’s changed, and what hasn’t, since President Donald Trump declared the U.S. emergency on March 13, 2020. At the time, nearly 2,000 Americans were infected with the virus. But at-home covid tests and vaccines wouldn’t become available until much later that year.
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 USAID, social prescribing, the sex lives of seniors, and more.
Herbal Supplement Recalled After Tests Find Erectile Dysfunction Drug In It
A product named “Volume” from Primal Supplements Group has been pulled off the shelves after it was found to contain sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. The ingredient was not listed on the supplement’s label.
Despite Medical Groups’ Opposition, Fla. Might Again License Naturopaths
Legislation to license and regulate naturopathic doctors (NDs) has cleared the state Legislature. Florida stopped offering licenses to NDs in 1959. Meanwhile, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians have consistently stated that NDs are not physicians, MedPage Today reported.
CMS Issues Organ Donation Guidelines After Reports Of Families Being Rushed
Organ procurement organizations and hospitals said the guidelines are already being followed, MedPage Today reported. “Patient care and safety always come first,” Jeffrey Trageser, president of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations, said in an emailed statement. Plus: A woman who received a partial liver transplant says she no longer has evidence of liver cancer.
Medicare Advantage Spending A $76B Boon For Insurers, MedPAC Reports
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission is calling on Congress to rein in spending after it found tens of billions of dollars in overpayments. The insurance industry is pushing back on those findings.
Vaccine Panel Follows WHO’s Advice, Adds Subclade K To Fall Flu Shots
In fact, the Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee recommended that all three viral strains be changed in this fall’s doses. FDA Commissioner Martin Makary must sign off on the change. Meanwhile, as measles cases wane in South Carolina, other states report upticks.
First Edition: Friday, March 13, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Vaccine Panel To Weigh Which Strains Should Comprise This Fall’s Flu Shots
The gathering of the pared-down Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee — whose members all have expertise in infectious diseases, immunology, or global health and genetics — is seen as a good sign, public health advocates say.
For First Time In A Decade, LA County Sees Drop In Homeless Mortality Rate
The county saw a 10% decrease in the rate of homeless deaths from all causes in 2024, driven by a sharp decrease in overdose deaths. Public health officials credit the wide availability of naloxone but worry that a decrease in funding over the past year may reverse the positive trends.
Michigan MedTech Maker Falls Victim To Suspected Iran-Linked Hackers
Wednesday morning’s cyberattack targeted Stryker’s Microsoft programs across the globe. The company said it thinks the attack has been contained. Plus, news outlets look at how artificial intelligence is being used in the health sector.
Eye Doctor Tapped As EPA Adviser, Despite No Air Pollution Expertise
For 50 years, the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee that counsels the EPA’s leadership on scientific evidence about pollutants has filled the obligatory physician’s seat with pulmonologists or cardiologists. Now the role will be filled by an ophthalmologist and political commentator.
Opinion writers delve into these public health issues and others.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
