Veteran Furor Prompts VA To Halt Rule Tying Disability Ratings To Treatment
February 20, 2026
Morning Briefing
The new Department of Veterans Affairs rule would have factored in whether medication effectively treats an ailment in determining compensation for veterans with a disability. “Disabled veterans should never be forced to choose between following their doctor’s orders and protecting their earned benefits,” VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore said.
MAHA Supporters Reel As RFK Jr. Backs Trump’s Order To Produce Glyphosate
February 20, 2026
Morning Briefing
Glyphosate is the most commonly used herbicide for a slew of U.S. crops and also the chemical in the weed killer Roundup, which is under fire in scores of lawsuits that allege it causes cancer. Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group, called the move a “middle finger to every MAHA mom.”
FDA’s Top Drug Regulator To Examine Safety Of SSRIs And RSV Monoclonals
February 20, 2026
Morning Briefing
Tracy Beth Høeg, the fifth director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research since last year, says she is prioritizing the health of women and babies. Meanwhile, ACIP is postponing its meeting set for next week. Plus, measles cases continue to spread.
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Nurses Make Tentative Deal To End Walkout
February 20, 2026
Morning Briefing
The last set of holdouts picketing for better working conditions will vote on whether to ratify the agreement in the coming days. Other companies making headlines include EmblemHealth, Community Health Systems, UnitedHealthcare, Change Healthcare, Banner Health, and more.
Wis. Bills To Expand Medicaid, Cancer Screenings Await Governor’s Signature
February 20, 2026
Morning Briefing
The Medicaid measure would extend coverage for new moms up to a year after giving birth. The second bill requires insurance companies to cover extra cancer screenings for women with dense breast tissue. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is expected to sign them next week, AP reported.
Morning Briefing for Friday, February 20, 2026
February 20, 2026
Morning Briefing
Behind on your reading? Catch up on this week's KFF Health News stories with The Week in Brief, delivered every Friday to your inbox. Sign up here !
First Edition: Friday, Feb. 20, 2026
February 20, 2026
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Should Drug Companies Be Advertising to Consumers?
By Paula Span
February 20, 2026
KFF Health News Original
Aging means “becoming a target” of the industry, one expert said. After decades of debate, politicians of all stripes are proposing bans.
When It Comes to Health Insurance, Federal Dollars Support More Than ACA Plans
By Julie Appleby
February 20, 2026
KFF Health News Original
Questions of fairness came up in last year’s congressional debate about extending Obamacare’s enhanced subsidies. Critics wondered why the federal government should underwrite coverage costs for people with ACA coverage. In truth, though, almost all health insurance in the U.S. comes with some federal help.
What the Health? From KFF Health News: Turnarounds and Shake-Ups
February 19, 2026
Podcast
The twists and turns continue at the nation’s health agency, where this week’s announcements included notice that the FDA will review Moderna’s new flu vaccine after all and that a handful of top agency officials are getting new jobs. Those developments and others can be traced to a White House looking to shake things up before the midterms — and win over voters on health care. Tami Luhby of CNN, Shefali Luthra of The 19th, and Lauren Weber of The Washington Post join KFF Health News’ Mary Agnes Carey to discuss these stories and more.
Blood Tests May Give Patients A ‘Clock’ For Alzheimer’s Disease, Study Finds
February 19, 2026
Morning Briefing
Although the findings are not yet accurate enough to predict a patient’s exact trajectory, The Washington Post reports that scientists created a model that could use blood test results to forecast the start of symptoms within a margin of three to four years. Other public health news is on social media, foodborne bacteria, and more.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
February 19, 2026
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Trump’s FDA To Require Only One Study For Drug Approvals, Not Two
February 19, 2026
Morning Briefing
In changing the longtime standard, administration officials aim to speed up the approval process. Also in the news: domestic production of glyphosate, fluoride in drinking water, and more.
More Pregnant People Are Putting Off Prenatal Care, CDC Data Indicate
February 19, 2026
Morning Briefing
Although nearly all racial and ethnic groups experienced a downward trend, minority groups had more of a decrease in early prenatal care. The report didn’t touch on reasons for the shift in care, but doctors noted access has become challenging as maternity care deserts pop up across the nation.
New National Specialty Care Coalition Will Focus On Rural Patient Access
February 19, 2026
Morning Briefing
More than 20 health systems have joined forces to improve health care access in rural and underserved communities, Modern Healthcare reported.
NYU Langone Ends Transgender Youth Health Program, To Dismay Of Many
February 19, 2026
Morning Briefing
Months after the Trump administration proposed a withdrawal of federal funds from hospitals providing gender transition treatments to young people, NYU Langone has announced the end of its health program. Advocates are calling for the reinstatement of the program, while hoping the city and state will help fill gaps in care.
NIH Director Bhattacharya Takes On Double Duty Leading CDC — For Now
February 19, 2026
Morning Briefing
Jay Bhattacharya’s acting role gives the Trump administration time to find a permanent replacement for ousted director Jim O’Neill. Plus, Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine application will be reviewed by the FDA after all.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, February 19, 2026
February 19, 2026
Morning Briefing
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First Edition: Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026
February 19, 2026
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
