Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medical Specialty Groups Implore Congress To Thwart Medicare Pay Cut
The 34 groups contend the efficiency adjustment policy recently issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would “have wide-ranging consequences, including significant financial pressures that could limit patient access to medical care.”
Administration Will Partially Fund SNAP, But It Could Take Months
November benefits will be paid out from the remaining $4.65 billion available in contingency funds. However, because of states’ outdated systems, the reduced benefits rollout might be delayed. Up to 42 million Americans have been affected. Meanwhile, Maryland says it will pay full SNAP benefits.
First Edition: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
All Of The Americas Might Lose Measles-Elimination Status This Week
The hard-won status, which the Americas held for more than a quarter of a century, is on target to be lost because of a major outbreak in Canada of more than 5,100 confirmed and probable measles cases. The virus is considered endemic if an outbreak extends for 12 months.
New York Judge Upholds Abortion Shield Laws, Dismisses Texas Lawsuit
The lawsuit was an attempt by Texas’ attorney general to compel a New York court to enforce a penalty by a Texas judge on a physician, Dr. Margaret Carpenter, barring her from sending abortion medication out of state. More news comes from California, North Carolina, Kentucky, Missouri, Michigan, West Virginia, and New Jersey.
Domestic Violence Support Depends Heavily On Shaky Federal Funding
The 19th reports that many domestic violence support programs have already been reorganized or shuttered, and President Donald Trump’s proposed budget would defund more. Other administration news is on the impact of USAID cuts, Texas’ role in the Make America Healthy Again movement, and more.
Most Doctors Get A Medicare Pay Raise, But Some Specialists Will Get A Pay Cut
As Modern Healthcare reported, most primary care physicians who treat Medicare beneficiaries will receive a 2.5% raise next year under a new regulation issued Friday. However, there will be a 2.5% cut next year to payments for services like radiology and gastroenterology that are based on more than time spent delivering the service, Axios reported.
FDA Drug Official Steps Down, Is Sued By Drugmaker Over ‘Personal Vendetta’
George Tidmarsh left his post after a former business partner filed a complaint alleging Tidmarsh’s personal animosity, through his actions and public comments, was hurting his company. Tidmarsh denies any wrongdoing. Also: Kimberly-Clark is buying embattled Tylenol maker Kenvu.
Help With Heating Bills, Head Start, AIDS Funding At Peril Amid Shutdown
As millions of Americans await SNAP benefits, states are now warning low-income Americans that the money for energy assistance isn’t available. Plus, it’s ACA enrollment season.
First Edition: Monday, Nov. 3, 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 read. Today’s selections are on Napoleon’s army, cancer immunotherapy, memory manipulation, and more.
Telltale Signs Of Bird Flu Infection Aren’t Always Evident, Review Finds
Researchers delve deeper into the perception that human H5N1 infections are apparent and severe. They also examine the likelihood of transmission among people. Also: A listeria outbreak tied to pasta salads claims two more lives; an ill Utah resident refuses a measles test; and more.
Insurers Blame Hospitals’ Use Of AI, ‘Aggressive’ Coding For Price Spikes
Health insurers are ready to fight fire with fire, as they cite the overzealous uses of AI in billing and coding for the surge in claims that are cutting into their profits. Other news looks at a class-action lawsuit by nurses and doctors in Montana, racial disparities in maternal care, and more.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
HHS Drafts Plan To Effectively End Trans Care For Youths Nationwide
The proposal, obtained by NPR, says the Trump administration would halt all Medicaid and Medicare funding for any services at hospitals that provide pediatric gender-affirming care. Other news is on reproductive health care in Maine, homelessness in Utah, asbestos in D.C., and more.
FDA’s Block Of Mifepristone Access Is Unlawful, Federal Judge Rules
U.S. District Judge Jill Otake of Hawaii said in her ruling that the FDA violated the law by failing to provide reasonable scientific justification. She did not seek an immediate elimination of the restrictions.
Many States — But Not All — Step Up To Help SNAP Beneficiaries Amid Deadline
Meanwhile, a federal judge in Boston appeared skeptical of the Trump administration’s decision to suspend food aid until the government spending stalemate is resolved.
Kennedy Softens Warning On Tylenol; Study Ties Covid In Pregnancy, Autism
Health and Human Services chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Wednesday there is not “sufficient” evidence that Tylenol causes autism. Earlier this month, Kennedy had said, “We’re doing the studies to make the proof.” In related news, a study of more than 18,100 births found that children born to mothers infected with covid during pregnancy faced a higher risk of autism.
First Edition: Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 🎃
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
