Latest KFF Health News Stories
Biden’s Previous Prostate Screening Was At Age 71; Most Men Stop At 70
Experts say the former president’s cancer diagnosis at 82 is not unusual given that current guidelines recommend against screening for men older than 70. Doctors also note that men with advanced prostate cancer could have had normal prostate-specific antigen tests before a sudden spike.
Senate Panel Quizzes HHS Chief Over NIOSH, Disease Research, Other Cuts
Lawmakers concerned about various programs and funding questioned Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about programs and funding that would be cut if President Trump’s proposed 2026 budget passes. Plus, what RFK Jr. had to say about farmers and lead contamination in Milwaukee.
Trump Warns Holdout Republicans To Stop Messing With Medicaid
Modern Healthcare reports that the president issued the message — using stronger language — during a private meeting with Republican lawmakers Tuesday. Other news on the megabill and Medicaid covers med school loans, ACA enrollment, GLP-1s, and more.
Future Covid Shots Limited To Adults 65+, Those At Risk Of Severe Illness
Revised FDA guidelines also require placebo testing on updated covid vaccines. The new plan has pediatricians concerned for young ones in their care, but one MAHA influencer says the new rules aren’t restrictive enough.
First Edition: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Medical Cannabis Eases Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Study Finds
The data come from Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management. Also in the news: UTI meds, “menstrual cycle syncing,” and a possible height gene.
Nebraska Receives First USDA Waiver To Ban Soda, Energy Drinks From SNAP
Gov. Jim Pillen, a Republican, said “There’s absolutely zero reason for taxpayers to be subsidizing purchases of soda and energy drinks.” Nebraska’s waiver takes effect Jan. 1. More news comes from Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New York, and California.
23andMe Agrees To Sell Data To Drug Developer Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
The bankrupt genetic-testing firm will hand over its entire data bank, including DNA samples of around 15 million people. Regeneron has said it will abide by 23andMe’s privacy policy, allowing customers to request deletion of their data. Also: Mayo Clinic looks to extend donor heart preservation; J&J’s antitrust violation; and more.
VA Makes It Easier For Veterans To Get Medical Care From Private Providers
The Department of Veterans Affairs will nix a requirement that any referral for private medical care be reviewed by another VA doctor. Other health industry news is on Ascension, Lifepoint Health, AdventHealth Orlando, and more.
Questions, Conspiracy Theories Swirl Over Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis
As The Wall Street Journal wonders why Biden’s cancer went undetected, and as President Trump’s allies suggest those in Biden’s circle schemed to conceal the news, health experts explain why the diagnosis might have been missed. Also: colorectal cancer, glioblastoma brain cancer, and more.
WHO Adopts New Pandemic Treaty Without The US
The treaty, which has been in negotiations for more than three years, was adopted in Geneva on Tuesday. One of its main goals is to improve equitable access to vaccines, Stat reported.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Bipartisan Take It Down Act That Bans ‘Revenge Porn’ Becomes Law
It is now illegal to publish or threaten to publish real or AI-generated intimate images of a person without their consent. Tech sites and companies also must take down such images within 48 hours of notice from a victim and try to delete duplicate content.
Medicaid Work Requirements Could Be Instituted In Early 2027
As GOP leadership works to mend internal divisions to get its One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed, President Trump plans to visit Capitol Hill to shore up support. Wall Street’s worries over a burgeoning debt might complicate their efforts, Politico reported.
First Edition: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on mental health, an in-flight emergency, cancer, organ transplants, and more.
Compounding Pharmacies Again Skirt Crackdown On GLP-1 Knockoffs
As the government tries to end the sale of compound diabetes and weight loss drugs, some drugmakers and telehealth companies are finding new ways to keep them on the shelves by tweaking the dosage or delivery method. Plus, a Rite Aid deal, a UnitedHealth insurance denial, and more.
Novavax’s Covid Jab Wins FDA Backing For People 65 And Older, Those At Risk
In other vaccine news, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially ordered placebo testing on new vaccines, a change that experts claim will be costly and — harkening back to polio vaccine trials in the 1950s — unethical. Plus, news about long covid, bird flu, measles, and more.
First Diagnostic Blood Test For Alzheimer’s Cleared By FDA
This new test gives a less-invasive option to aid in diagnosis and makes it more available because patients will not have to wait for a neurologist to start the process. The FDA warns that blood tests are prone to false results. Also: the danger of an undiagnosed ministroke; food recalls; and more.
