Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Deaths Doubled Between 1999-2022
The report in JAMA Network Open noted that the pandemic “further exacerbated these trends.” Also in the news: recalls due to fungal contamination and mold, climate disasters and their effects on babies’ brains, and more.
Democratic Governors Scale Back State-Funded Health Care For Immigrants
The cuts, which would freeze or pare down funded health care for undocumented immigrants, have been largely attributed to budget restraints. The governors in question come from California, Illinois, and Minnesota. Other news comes out of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, and Colorado.
UnitedHealth Group’s Credit Rating Downgraded From ‘Stable’ To ‘Negative’
Moody’s and S&P Global noted their downgrades were unusual for the insurance giant and expressed optimism that the company will overcome multiple operational difficulties, Modern Healthcare reported.
Megabill Scraps ‘Silver Loading,’ Potentially Disrupting ACA Plans
Although the measure would reduce Silver plan premiums, an estimated 300,000 people would lose health coverage, experts say. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans won’t be targeting Medicare Advantage changes after all.
CDC Rehires More Than 400 People Who Had Received Layoff Notices
Politico reports that roughly half of those rehired work for the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention. Also: the effect of CDC cuts on women with chronic diseases; the oncology community sounds the alarm over budget cuts; and more.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
RFK Jr. Picks Covid Skeptics For CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel
News outlets dig into the histories of the new members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and find immunization skeptics and nonspecialists among the group. One has experience in epidemiology. One promoted hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin to treat covid-19.
First Edition: Thursday, June 12, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Proposed PFAS Reclassification Isn’t Backed By Science, Experts Warn
A group of 20 scientists has warned that narrowing the definition of what constitutes “forever chemicals” could be detrimental, lead to more lax laws, and is entirely politically and economically motivated. Also in the news: climate mandate reversals, “dirty dozen” list, and more.
Opinion writers dissect these public health issues.
LAPD’s ‘Less Lethal’ Methods Used At Protests Still Cause Harm, Cost State
News outlets break down the health effects rubber bullets and tear gas have on people, and how the use of such methods could open up governments to civil liability claims. Other states making news: Texas, Louisiana, Oregon, Alabama, Florida and South Carolina.
After Staff Layoffs, FDA Says It Will Use AI To Improve Drug Approval Efficiency
Officials at the FDA say they want to speed up approvals for new drugs and devices using tech like the new “Elsa” AI system. More news is on other uses of AI in health care, Eli Lilly refusing to work with telehealth firms over copycat drug sales, and more.
Congressional Report Alleges Organ Procurement Numbers Are Miscounted
The bipartisan report alleges that organ procurement organizations use a loophole to boost ratings and stay certified. In other news: UnitedHealth faces whistleblower claims; CVS and Cigna settle lawsuit; many physicians would consider assisted suicide for themselves; and more.
Anti-Vaxxers Won’t Have A Place On CDC’s Advisory Panel, RFK Jr. Says
The Health and Human Services secretary will announce on X the “highly credentialed physicians” who will replace the 17 committee members he just fired. More are calling for Kennedy’s resignation as frustration grows.
All Of USAID’s International Workforce Will Be Eliminated By Sept. 30: Report
In a cable sent Tuesday and obtained by The Guardian, the State Department said it will “assume responsibility for foreign assistance programming previously undertaken by USAID” starting June 15. Plus: What NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya told a Senate panel Tuesday about recent budget cuts.
House GOP Alters Portions of Megabill That Jeopardized Quick Senate Passage
SNAP is among the provisions being revised after Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) complained about it. Meanwhile, states are working to cushion the blow the GOP tax bill will have on their budgets.
First Edition: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: RFK Jr.’s Take On Rebuilding Public Trust In Vaccines; MAHA Report Falls Short
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Although Rare, Appendix Cancer More Prevalent In Under-50s, Study Shows
As many as one-third of cases are among young adults. Meanwhile, the number of fentanyl and other drug overdose deaths in those under 35 dropped by nearly 47% between 2021 and 2024. Other news is on treatment for OCD, a study on dementia risk, and more.
