Latest KFF Health News Stories
Alleged Medicare Overpayments Cost Seniors $13.4B In Premium Increases
The Joint Economic Committee found that last year, the average American senior’s Medicare premiums were about 10% higher, or more than $200 annually, because of the alleged overpayments. Also: a CBS News analysis of alleged fraud among hospices in Los Angeles.
FDA OKs Leucovorin For Neurological Disorder, But Not As Autism Treatment
The Trump administration has touted the synthetic vitamin B9 as a way to treat autism, but there is insufficient data to support the drug’s use for it, an FDA official said. The new approval is for the treatment of cerebral folate deficiency.
Vaccine Advisers Have Abandoned Plan To Rethink Covid Vaccine, Sources Say
The Washington Post, citing two people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity, reported that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has dropped its questioning of covid shots’ safety amid Republicans’ fears that more changes to vaccine policy could hurt the party in the midterm elections.
First Edition: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Study Finds Multivitamins May Delay Biological Aging In Older Adults
Meanwhile, a small study has linked wildfire smoke inhalation to a decline in mental well-being. The data show that even a few days of exposure can lead to temporary bouts of depression.
VA Would Fund Psychedelic Treatments For Veterans Under Proposed Bill
The bill is sponsored by Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat and Marine Corps veteran. The legislation would designate the Department of Veterans Affairs’ medical facilities as “innovative therapies centers of excellence” and calls for $30 million to be appropriated each fiscal year “to support the research and education activities of the centers.”
To Remedy Past Bias, Black Patients Get Credit On Kidney Transplant List
Researchers reported Monday that thousands of Black kidney transplant candidates have moved up in priority on the waiting list. This comes as a remedy for a racially biased medical test that’s no longer in use. Other industry news is on infection-related cancers after transplants, shrinking health care jobs, and more.
ACA Enrollment Might Be Artificially High Due To Dubious Sign-Ups, Oz Says
The CMS administrator says he thinks fraud, duplicative sign-ups, and enrollment mistakes might have contributed to “too high of a number” of participants. Plus, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is proposing to remodel the health insurance exchanges.
FDA Aims To Streamline Rules To Boost Development Of Biosimilar Drugs
According to the Food and Drug Administration, biologic medicines make up about 5% of prescriptions, yet they account for 51% of drug spending. Other FDA news is on a probe into rare-disease drug denials, flavored e-cigarettes, and more.
Wyoming Outlaws Most Abortions If Fetal Heartbeat Can Be Detected
The procedure will be allowed to protect the life of a woman. Abortion advocates plan to ask the courts to block the ban. “Regrettably, this act represents another well-intentioned but likely fragile legal effort with significant risk of ending in the courts,” Republican Gov. Mark Gordon has said.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
First Edition: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
About 3 Out Of Every 4 American Teens Aren’t Getting Enough Sleep
Researchers aren’t sure what’s behind the rise in insufficient sleep, but screen time doesn’t seem to be the cause. Other wellness news is on a baby sleepsuit recall, the pandemic’s impact on the cognitive development of young children, and more.
North Carolina Health Plan Offers Free Surgeries To State Workers
The North Carolina State Health Plan is rolling out to more than 700,000 teachers, state workers, and their families. The unusual approach is an effort to save the state money on health care in the long run. Plus, news from New Hampshire, Colorado, Illinois, Florida, and elsewhere.
Discord Among Oregon Lawmakers, Docs, Corporate Health Care Deepens
State lawmakers had tried to prevent national chains from moving in and replacing local physicians, but nonprofit PeaceHealth tapped an Atlanta-based company to staff its Oregon emergency rooms, STAT reports. Doctors, lawmakers, and others are pushing back on that decision.
Novo Nordisk, Hims & Hers Reportedly End Obesity Drug Feud, Aim To Partner
The potential partnership comes a month after Novo sued Hims over obesity drug knockoffs. Also: A new study finds that generic versions of Ozempic and Wegovy could be sold for less than $3 a month.
FDA Shifts Away From Advisory Panel Meetings; Transparency Worries Grow
Industry leaders and academics are concerned that decision-making input from agency leaders, drug developers, patients, and physicians has largely been cast aside during the Trump administration. Plus, Democrats are going to drugmakers directly for information about Trump’s drug deals.
Vinay Prasad Leaving Role As FDA’s Top Vaccine And Biotech Regulator
Prasad, who has been embroiled in recent controversial decisions at the Food and Drug Administration, will leave in late April. Separately, surgeon general nominee Casey Means is facing opposition on multiple fronts. Also, 11 more children have died from flu-related complications.
First Edition: Monday, March 9, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
