Phantom Exchange Enrollees May Haunt Health Insurers As Sign-Ups End
January 20, 2026
Morning Briefing
Some insurers are still seeing enrollees who were automatically enrolled when their previous carrier left the market, and they are not counting on them paying their premiums. Early evidence suggests that more exchange enrollees than usual will not keep their plans this year. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump focuses blame on insurance companies for rising health care costs.
Future Of Abortion Rights In Virginia Will Be Decided By Voters
January 20, 2026
Morning Briefing
A proposed constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights cleared the Virginia General Assembly last week. The issue will go before voters in November. Virginia currently allows abortion through the second trimester of pregnancy.
Minnesota Residents ‘Holding Off’ On Medical Care In Order To Avoid ICE
January 20, 2026
Morning Briefing
Also: More older adults are protesting in California; geriatricians say it can be beneficial to their health. Other news from around the nation comes from Maryland, Florida, Oregon, and Illinois.
As Vaccinations Dip, Experts Warn That Few ERs Can Fully Care For Sick Kids
January 20, 2026
Morning Briefing
Only about 17% of hospitals met standards for high pediatric readiness in a 2024 national study of almost 5,000 emergency departments, Axios reported. In related news, the United States is on the cusp of losing its measles elimination status.
Maternal Acetaminophen Use Does Not Increase Autism Risk, Review Confirms
January 20, 2026
Morning Briefing
Acetaminophen remains “the first-line treatment that we would recommend if the pregnant women have pain or fever in pregnancy,” said Dr. Asma Khalil, the lead author of the study. Other MAHA news looks at fluoridated water, whole milk, and more.
First Edition: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
January 20, 2026
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
GOP Promotes MAHA Agenda in Bid To Avert Midterm Losses. Dems Point to Contradictions.
By Stephanie Armour
January 20, 2026
KFF Health News Original
As fractures emerge in the Make America Great Again movement, some Republicans see its health-focused “MAHA” counterpart as the party’s next big thing. But doubts abound.
Readers Balk at ‘Gold Standard’ of Autism Treatment
January 20, 2026
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.
Physician-Journalist Shines Light on Measles Upsurge and New GLP-1 Study
January 17, 2026
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News’ editor-at-large for public health recently took to the airwaves to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of her appearances.
Native American Leaders Target High Maternal Mortality in Indian Country
By Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez
January 16, 2026
KFF Health News Original
Get our weekly newsletter, The Week in Brief, featuring a roundup of our original coverage, Fridays at 2 p.m. ET.
NY Hospitals Woo Replacement Nurses With $9,000-A-Week Pay During Strike
January 16, 2026
Morning Briefing
As the New York City nurses’ strike enters its fifth day, Continuum Health Center is offering to pay travel nurses nearly three times the average salary typically offered by New York hospitals. As of Thursday evening, only one of the three hospital systems affected by the walkout has returned to the negotiating table, but no resolution has been reached.
14 Psychiatric Disorders Have Genetic Similarities, Large Study Finds
January 16, 2026
Morning Briefing
The new study suggests that many disorders may not need to be treated as distinct illnesses, as they involve similar genes. Scientists believe this could lead to better treatment for millions of psychiatric patients. Other news discusses Lyme disease, measles, avian flu, and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
January 16, 2026
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on psilocybin, bigorexia, eating disorders, the stigma of HIV in dating, and a new autistic Barbie.
Morning Briefing for Friday, January 16, 2026
January 16, 2026
Morning Briefing
The Morning Briefing will not be published Monday in observance of MLK Day. Look for it again in your inbox Tuesday.
Trump’s ‘Great Healthcare Plan’ Skirts Issue Of Skyrocketing Obamacare Costs
January 16, 2026
Morning Briefing
The president’s initiative, which would need a nod from Congress, does not include estimates of what the plan would cost or save the federal government. Experts noted the plan does not help people facing higher ACA premiums or help people with preexisting conditions.
ACA Enrollment Ends In Most States; Dems Push To Keep No-Premium Plans
January 16, 2026
Morning Briefing
Republicans argue that zero-dollar premiums invite fraud, while Democrats warn that higher premiums will lead lower-income enrollees to drop coverage.
Democrats Threaten Federal Shutdown Over ICE Raids, Minnesota Shooting
January 16, 2026
Morning Briefing
The Hill reported that Democratic lawmakers in both houses of Congress are vowing to oppose funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless the legislation includes tougher rules governing the conduct of ICE officers. The deadline for the next shutdown is Jan. 30.
HHS Studying Cellphone Effects On Health — After Deleting Data On Safety
January 16, 2026
Morning Briefing
“The FDA removed webpages with old conclusions about cellphone radiation while HHS undertakes a study on electromagnetic radiation and health research,” HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon said. Plus, the updated dietary guidelines are drawing scrutiny.
