Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
18 Have Died From Bitter Cold In NYC; City Opens More Warming Centers
“It’s actually colder today in New York City than in parts of Antarctica,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Sunday on X. Meanwhile, nearly 1,000 Con Edison customers in Brooklyn were without power Sunday into Monday because of an electrical problem, The New York Times reported.
MultiCare Agrees To Settle Claims That It Permitted Unnecessary Surgeries
The health system settled with the federal government and Washington state over spinal surgery procedures at its facilities between 2019 and 2021. Other health industry news is on Molina, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Epic, and more.
Female Gulf War Veterans More Likely To Hit Menopause Earlier, Study Finds
Researchers found that of the veterans exposed to toxins, 15% said they had reached menopause before age 45, three times faster than women who had not deployed to the Gulf War, Military.com reported. Separately, an Arizona judge ordered the state to stop enforcing abortion restrictions that “infringe on a woman’s ‘autonomous decision making.’”
Cheaper Generics Exist For Many Drugs Promised At Lower Cost On TrumpRx
Stat reports that at least 18 brand-name drugs on TrumpRx are available in generic form for cheaper through GoodRx or Cost Plus Drugs. Plus: Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon called TrumpRx “nothing more than a glorified coupon book.”
CMS Chief Alleges Social Services Fraud In Maine, Calls It ‘Another Big Crisis’
Dr. Mehmet Oz has likened the alleged fraud in Maine to Minnesota’s welfare fraud scandal, which led to the immigration crackdown efforts run by ICE in that state. Plus: A New York judge extended a preliminary injunction blocking social service cuts in five Democratic-led states.
Amid Surging Measles Cases, Dr. Oz Implores People To Get The Vaccine
As the United States flirts with losing its measles elimination designation, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator endorsed the vaccine: “We have a solution for our problem.” His statement came as the CDC reported another spike across the nation and as health officials worked to contain the spread of the virus after a contagious person attended the March for Life rally.
First Edition: Monday, Feb. 9, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on making art accessible for people with disabilities, mental health care for veterans, giving hope to breast cancer survivors, and more.
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 Guardian Caps, near-death experiences, dissociative identity disorder, and more.
HHS Requests Inquiry of Johns Hopkins Over Alleged ‘Sex-Rejecting Procedures’
The Health and Human Services Department’s general counsel, Mike Stuart, said he has referred the Baltimore-based hospital and health system to the Office of Inspector General. In other news from Baltimore, the Justice Department is investigating the city’s health department over allegations that it holds racially segregated trainings, CBS News reported.
After Long Wait, Texas Is Training Doctors On Permitted Abortions
The Life of the Mother Act passed last year requires the state board to provide guidance to doctors on when they can legally intervene and terminate a pregnancy to protect the life of the patient. Plus: Several doctors who led the pandemic response in their states are now running for office.
World Trade Center Health Program Receives Full Funding Through 2040
The program has helped more than 150,000 people get long-term care and medical monitoring after being exposed to toxins after the 9/11 attacks. Also, the latest news about the immigration crisis.
RFK Jr. Claims Dietary Changes Can Cure Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder
Scholars quickly pointed out that although scientists are studying whether diet “might be helpful” in patients with schizophrenia, “no credible evidence” exists to support the claim made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
CDC Ordered To Revoke $602M In ‘Woke’ Health Funds From Blue States
The health programs facing cuts include HIV prevention efforts in Illinois, health disparity mitigation in Colorado, and LGBTQ studies in California. The Trump administration also moved to eliminate job protections from as many as 50,000 federal workers.
TrumpRx Website Opens For Business
The government-run portal allows people to search for meds — about 40 were available at launch — and either buy them through manufacturers’ direct-to-consumer sites or get coupons to use at certain pharmacies. Uninsured people and those who “self-pay” for prescriptions are most likely to benefit from the website, but experts remain skeptical that the platform will meaningfully affect affordability.
First Edition: Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
