Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
CMS Will Cover Vaccines On Updated Schedule: ‘Go Get Your Measles Shot’
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz is urging uptake of the MMR shot as the country’s measles outbreak shows no signs of ending. He vowed that parents and patients will have access to inoculations and that the government will pick up the tab.
Proposed $7B Settlement Could Resolve Thousands Of Roundup Cancer Claims
The settlement would still need the court’s approval. However, it would guarantee a payout for cancer patients and would protect Bayer from higher costs should the Supreme Court rule against it when the case goes in front of justices in April.
Study Links Air Pollution To Increased Risk Of Alzheimer’s, Dementia
Researchers examined data from more than 27.8 million Americans. There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, which affects about 57 million people worldwide. Plus: Alzheimer’s affects women at an increased rate to men.
Illinois Wipes Out More Than $1.1B In Medical Debt From 500,000 Residents
Illinois has spent about $10 million on the program so far, with each dollar spent equating to more than $100 of medical debt erased. Other news from around the nation comes out of Massachusetts, Wyoming, Florida, Connecticut, Hawaii, Michigan, and Maryland.
Military Rations Rife With Pesticides, Study Finds; US Floats ‘Real Food Pilot’
The Department of Health and Human Services has launched a program to improve meal quality at 20 military bases. Plus: Courts are receiving conflicting answers about the Trump administration’s policy on pregnant detainees; the FDA no longer warns against junk autism treatments; and more.
First Edition: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Deepfake Doctors Are Damaging Public Trust; Coffee To Prevent Dementia? Yes, Please.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
HRSA Seeks Feedback On 340B Drug Rebate Pilot Program Reboot
After the first attempt at a 340B rebate pilot stalled in court in December, the Health Resources and Services Administration is looking into a pilot that would require 340B program participants to pay full price for covered medications up front, then receive a rebate from manufacturers later. This time it is requesting feedback from providers, drugmakers, and others before moving forward.
Colorado Deals Losses To People With Disabilities, Minors Seeking Trans Care
A governor-appointed board has preliminarily approved cutting Medicaid disability services that paid for cleaning, cooking, and laundry services. Separately, a Denver judge on Friday sided against families who sued after Children’s Hospital Colorado halted gender-affirming care for youths.
Eldercare Workers Lead Job Market Growth; Many Straddle Poverty Line
NBC News reports how nationwide nearly 4 million people work as home health or personal care aides. Most of them are women. Another roughly 1.5 million people work as nursing assistants. The pay for these roles is often just above the poverty line and below the national annual median wage.
US Stands To Lose Its Scientific Edge, Vaccine Maker Warns
Moderna claims the Food and Drug Administration moved the goalposts when it rejected the company’s application for a new flu vaccine. Citing the uncertainty of innovation under the Trump administration, the CEO says the FDA’s move “threatens U.S. leadership in innovative medicines.” Meanwhile, vaccine makers are readjusting their plans.
Indian Health Service To Stop Use Of Mercury Dental Fillings By Next Year
The amalgam fillings were reclassified from low to moderate risk by the FDA in 2009. Meanwhile, the Department of Veterans Affairs looks to expand access to dental care for the roughly 2.3 million veterans who currently qualify.
RFK Jr. Takes Aim At Ultra-Processed Food, Additives In Newest Reform Push
“Americans deserve to know what is in their food so they can make the best choices for their health,” an HHS statement released Monday said. No formal plan or timeline has yet been released. More MAHA news looks at pesticide reform, baby formula guidelines, autism diagnoses, and more.
First Edition: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026
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 enjoy. Today’s selections are on colorectal cancer in younger people, maternal mortality, tips for choosing residential care, and more.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
‘A Scam’: Trump, EPA Revoke Scientific Proof That Climate Change Is Harmful
According to experts, “health risks are increasing because human-cause climate change is already upon us.” But at a White House event Thursday, President Donald Trump disagreed with that scientific finding, saying, “It has nothing to do with public health. This is all a scam, a giant scam.”
ICE Surge To End In Minn., But Partial Federal Shutdown May Be Unavoidable
Border czar Tom Homan said Thursday that “a significant drawdown” will begin this week and continue into next week, NBC News reported. Meanwhile, lawmakers have left Capitol Hill for a weeklong recess without agreeing on Department of Homeland Security funding, which all but ensures that a partial government shutdown will begin Saturday, The Washington Post noted.
Kennedy Shores Up Leadership Ranks With Installation Of Senior Counselors
A slew of Health and Human Services personnel will take on dual roles as they serve as go-betweens for Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the agency. Plus, a federal judge for now has put the kibosh on the Trump administration’s plan to cut health care funding from four Democratic-led states.