Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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.
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.
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.
Viewpoints: Deepfake Doctors Are Damaging Public Trust; Coffee To Prevent Dementia? Yes, Please.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
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.
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.
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.
First Edition: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
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.
New Tech Helps Retrieve More Viable Eggs In Fertility Treatments
The device, called OvaReady, uses AutoIVF technology to isolate eggs so they can be fertilized by sperm. It successfully found hidden eggs in over 50% of cases. AutoIVF is in discussions with the Food and Drug Administration.
Minnesota Becomes Epicenter Of Sexually Acquired Ringworm Outbreak
Minnesota health department officials have confirmed more than 30 cases of the fungal-based STD, with the area’s first case showing up in July 2025.
Number Of Health Insurance Claims For Millennials, Gen Z Growing Fast
In a comparison of generational data, trends show that people in these populations are filing claims at a faster pace than the previous generation did, that they are developing health conditions at an earlier age, and that they are less likely to seek out primary care providers.
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.
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.
‘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.”
First Edition: Friday, Feb. 13, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: The First Edition will not be published Monday in observance of Presidents Day. Look for it again in your inbox Tuesday.
Viewpoints: Medicaid Work Rules Punish Unpaid Caregivers; Surprise At A MAHA Roundtable
Opinion writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
