RFK Jr. Considering Whether Autism Symptoms Qualify For Vaccine Redress
September 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
The HHS secretary’s proposed changes to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program would overwhelm the program, a researcher says. Plus, more news about Tylenol, flu deaths, and hep B.
Despite Broad Global Support, Kennedy Spurns UN Health Declaration
September 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
The U.S. health secretary takes exception to policies he decries as “radical gender ideology.” Some health experts contend Kennedy’s decision to reject the declaration is counterintuitive to his MAHA movement. Plus: The U.N. looks at dementia and drug trafficking; an ADHD lobbying alliance debuts; and more.
FDA Doing Own Review Of Mifepristone In Effort To ‘Properly Protect’ Women
September 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
In other news, the National Institutes of Health has launched a five-year, $37 million stillbirth consortium, ProPublica reported. And Planned Parenthood Wisconsin will stop abortions because of funding cuts.
Regional Nonprofit Insurers See Largest Dip In Operating Margins
September 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
Smaller insurers were also found more susceptible to Medicaid cuts, a report found. Meanwhile, 29 states see at least a 20% increase in insurance rates from the top insurers. Also in the news: Medicare drug prices, Medicare Advantage, and more.
Morning Briefing for Friday, September 26, 2025
September 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
Behind on your reading? Catch up on this week's KFF Health News stories with The Week in Brief, delivered every Friday to your inbox. Sign up here !
Except For Drugmakers On US Soil, Pharma Products Will See 100% Tariff
September 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
President Donald Trump has levied tariffs on “any branded or patented pharmaceutical product” entering the country, starting Oct. 1. The president also is eyeing a measure to bring drug costs in line with what other wealthy countries pay.
First Edition: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025
September 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Listen: Young Adults Turning 26 Face Health Insurance Cliff
By Elisabeth Rosenthal
September 26, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The erosion of the Affordable Care Act has created an insurance cliff for Americans who are turning 26 and don’t have a job that provides medical coverage. Scared off by high price tags and the complexity of picking a policy, some young adults are going without insurance.
Off-Label Drug Helps One Boy With Autism Speak, Parents Say. But Experts Want More Data.
By Céline Gounder
September 26, 2025
KFF Health News Original
This week, the FDA began the process of approving leucovorin, an inexpensive, generic drug derived from folic acid, to help children diagnosed with autism.
20 Years After Katrina, Louisiana Still Struggles With Evacuation Plans That Minimize Health Risks
By Halle Parker, Verite News
September 26, 2025
KFF Health News Original
As the climate changes, hurricanes are intensifying more quickly, leaving Louisiana’s current mass evacuation plan in limbo. But transportation officials say the price is too high to switch to methods used in Florida and Texas.
What the Health? From KFF Health News: Public Health Further Politicized Under the Threat of More Firings
September 25, 2025
Podcast
In a rambling news conference that shocked public health experts, President Donald Trump — without scientific evidence — blamed the over-the-counter drug acetaminophen, and too many childhood vaccines, for the increase in autism diagnoses in the U.S. That came days after a key immunization advisory panel, newly reconstituted with vaccine doubters, changed several long-standing recommendations. Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official Demetre Daskalakis joins KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss those stories. Meanwhile, Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call and Anna Edney of Bloomberg News join Rovner with the rest of the news, including a threat by the Trump administration to fire rather than furlough federal workers if Congress fails to fund the government beyond the Oct. 1 start of the new fiscal year.
Air Pollution Might Be To Blame For Worsening Eyesight In Kids, Study Says
September 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
The study showed that although genetics is a main factor, extended exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter might contribute to higher rates of nearsightedness among children. Also, about 1.6 billion people will be affected by toxic air from burning fossil fuels, data indicate.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
September 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Tylenol Hard Line Eases As Oz, Vance, Thune Advise Taking Doctor’s Advice
September 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
The CMS administrator, vice president, and Senate Republican leader have broken with President Donald Trump on whether pregnant women should avoid taking acetaminophen to alleviate pain and fever. Former President Barack Obama also spoke out, saying the current administration’s claims undermine public health.
Oklahoma Hospital Loses Part Of Roof In Storm, Evacuates Some Patients
September 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
Damaging storms tore off a section of the roof at the Northeastern Health System hospital in Sallisaw and forced the evacuation of nine patients. Other states making news: Pennsylvania, North Carolina, California, Kansas, Illinois, Florida, Colorado, and elsewhere.
Trump Plans To Shift USAID Funds To Boost ‘America First’ Agenda
September 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
The effort to retool the United States’ foreign aid approach retreats from the longstanding practice of helping to treat and cure diseases, ending famines, and promoting democracy, The Washington Post reports. Plus, the U.N. outlines its health goals, Ben Carson returns to government, and more.
Admin Costs Outpace Health Spending In Ga.’s Medicaid Work Program: GAO
September 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage is the nation’s only Medicaid work requirement program and has been touted by congressional Republicans as a model for the nation. As of April, the Georgia program has spent $54.2 million on administrative costs since 2021, compared to $26.1 million spent on health care costs.
Experimental Gene Therapy Curbs Progression Of Huntington’s Disease
September 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
The results of the small trial have not been published or peer reviewed, but the gene therapy company uniQure is looking to seek approval for the experimental treatment early next year. Plus, news on junk genes, anti-malaria baby wraps, the rollout of cheaper HIV drugs, and more.
