Latest KFF Health News Stories
Instagram To Alert Parents If Teens Search Suicide Content Frequently
Instagram announced Thursday that it will begin alerting parents who are enrolled in the company’s parental supervision program if their teenagers are repeatedly searching for terms related to suicide or self-harm. Plus: Demand for the 988 crisis hotline is on the rise.
FDA To Offer Its Workers Monetary Incentives For Faster Drug Reviews
The bonus program is designed to reward reviewers who find ways to be more efficient. The pilot program presentation stressed the importance of maintaining quality. Plus: The Trump administration has put a nationwide moratorium on new suppliers for certain medical equipment.
Casey Means’ Surgeon General Confirmation Isn’t A Sure Thing
Two Republican senators on the health committee say they have not decided whether to support the wellness influencer’s bid to become the country’s top doctor. Three others, including Republican Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, are mum on how they will vote. Plus, others weigh in on the nominee.
First Edition: Friday, Feb. 27, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Why So Many Girls With Autism Don’t Get Diagnosed; Anti-Vax Rhetoric Endangers Seniors
Opinion writers delve into these public health topics.
PFAS Chemicals May Be Making Men In Their 50s Age Faster, Study Suggests
The study indicates that men between 50 and 65 are most affected by “forever chemicals,” exposure to which has been linked to accelerated epigenetic aging. Meanwhile, 5 out of 6 adults in the U.S. want the government to do more to protect them against toxic chemicals, according to a Pew survey.
Sex, Abortion Are Taboo Topics For Meta Chatbots, Leaked Papers Show
According to leaked documents, company policy forbids AI chatbots from offering underage users “content that provides advice or opinion about sexual health” or information “that helps a user obtain or carry out an abortion,” Mother Jones reports. A spokesperson for Meta disputes the claims.
With Little Notice, Trans Kansans Will Have Driver’s Licenses Canceled Today
A Senate bill was passed by a Republican supermajority in the Kansas Legislature last week and will go into effect today, despite the governor’s veto. Other states making news: New Hampshire, Michigan, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and California.
New Guidance On Psychotropic Meds Focuses On Deprescribing
The task force convened by the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology focused on recognizing situations and circumstances where deprescribing would be appropriate as opposed to the logistics of how to do it. Also in the news: radiation doses from heart scans; the FDA approves a drug for allergic fungal rhinosinusitis; and more.
In Interview For Top Doc Post, Means Sidesteps Vaccine Recommendations
Although surgeon general nominee Casey Means acknowledged vaccines are a key public health tool, she would not specifically say she endorses them. Separately, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has parted ways with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
$259M In Medicaid Funds Is Withheld From Minn.; More States May Follow
The Trump administration announced the move Wednesday, warning that similar crackdowns may be coming for other states, including California. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, called the move “devastating for veterans, families with young kids, folks with disabilities, and working people across our state.”
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
First Edition: Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Medical Puzzle: Calif. Officer Dies From Fentanyl Ingestion After Giving Narcan
Highway Patrol Officer Miguel Cano began feeling unwell shortly after administering Narcan to a DUI suspect. But precisely how Cano ingested a deadly amount of fentanyl remains unclear. Other news from the Golden State is on autism training for police, a possible San Francisco ban on retail sales of laughing gas, and more.
Major Health Care Changes May Be Ahead For Nearly 800,000 Hawaiians
Lawmakers met with the Hawaii Medical Service Association and Hawaii Pacific Health to outline a plan to fix the state’s health care crisis. The deal would likely affect about 760,000 residents and their doctors, news media reported. Plus, news from Tennessee, Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, and Minnesota.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
Ozempic, Wegovy Maker Announces List Price Cut By Up To 50% For 2027
This is the latest move in the ongoing war between weight loss drug rivals Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. Lowering the list price makes GLP-1 drugs more accessible for patients, including those who have high deductibles and those who pay coinsurance for medications.
Texas Medical Supplier At Center Of Global Medicare Billing Scam, Feds Say
Investigators allege that two companies reportedly linked to a Russian citizen living in Texas billed Medicare and other health programs for urinary catheters that patients did not need or receive. CBS News reported that millions of dollars were allegedly funneled overseas, according to a federal criminal complaint.
Casey Means Faces Senate Today Over Qualifications To Be Surgeon General
The wellness influencer and MAHA architect — who does not hold an active medical license — will sit for the confirmation hearing after a monthslong maternity delay. Plus, 15 Democratic-led states are suing to reverse the government’s decision to pull back on the number of recommended immunizations children receive.
