Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
March 12, 2026
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
1 In 3 Americans Has Cut Back Daily Spending To Pay For Health Care
March 12, 2026
Morning Briefing
Two new Gallup polls also found that roughly half of middle-income households reported delaying a major life event in order to afford health care costs. Meanwhile, food stamp recipients are suing the Agriculture Department over sugary drink bans.
Trump Admin Aims To Move Hundreds Of Veterans Into Guardianship
March 12, 2026
Morning Briefing
Under the new effort, the Justice Department would give Veterans Affairs officials authority to initiate guardianship proceedings in state courts for veterans who lack family and are “unable to make their own health care decisions,” including some veterans who are homeless or “at risk of homelessness.”
Morning Briefing for Thursday, March 12, 2026
March 12, 2026
Morning Briefing
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First Edition: March 12, 2026
March 12, 2026
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
As Lung Disease Threatens Workers, Lawmakers Seek Protections for Countertop Manufacturers
By Céline Gounder
March 12, 2026
KFF Health News Original
Crystalline silica, which is released into the air when workers cut and polish engineered stone, can scar human lungs beyond repair. Kitchen countertops made with this stone have triggered an increased rate of this fatal illness, doctors say.
Republicans Fret Over RFK Jr.’s Anti-Vaccine Policies While MAHA Moms Stew
By Amanda Seitz Stephanie Armour
March 12, 2026
KFF Health News Original
A top GOP pollster has said anti-vaccine policies could create risks for the Trump administration in the midterm elections. But backing away from those policies — and other initiatives that have been high on the Make America Healthy Again to-do list — threatens to upset a key voting bloc.
Seeking Fresh Start From Its Troubles, Cassava Changes Its Name To Filana
March 11, 2026
Morning Briefing
As FiercePharma explains, the company is attempting to rebrand itself in the wake of a Justice Department investigation, a class-action lawsuit, and a failed attempt at treating Alzheimer’s. Plus: The FDA says Novo failed to report suspected incidents of GLP-1 side effects, as required by law.
Study: New Blood Test May Forecast Women’s Dementia Risk 25 Years Early
March 11, 2026
Morning Briefing
Researchers looked at levels of p-tau217 among women with no signs of cognitive issues and found that those with higher levels were “much more likely” to develop dementia. Also: Psilocybin might be better at helping smokers quit than nicotine patches, researchers say.
Viewpoints: Fourth-Year Med Student Unprepared To Treat Chronic Diseases; Filling Top Spot At CBER Is Tough Feat
March 11, 2026
Morning Briefing
Opinion writers discuss medical school, the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, and more.
Vaccine Advisers Have Abandoned Plan To Rethink Covid Vaccine, Sources Say
March 11, 2026
Morning Briefing
The Washington Post, citing two people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity, reported that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has dropped its questioning of covid shots’ safety amid Republicans’ fears that more changes to vaccine policy could hurt the party in the midterm elections.
FDA OKs Leucovorin For Neurological Disorder, But Not As Autism Treatment
March 11, 2026
Morning Briefing
The Trump administration has touted the synthetic vitamin B9 as a way to treat autism, but there is insufficient data to support the drug’s use for it, an FDA official said. The new approval is for the treatment of cerebral folate deficiency.
Alleged Medicare Overpayments Cost Seniors $13.4B In Premium Increases
March 11, 2026
Morning Briefing
The Joint Economic Committee found that last year, the average American senior’s Medicare premiums were about 10% higher, or more than $200 annually, because of the alleged overpayments. Also: a CBS News analysis of alleged fraud among hospices in Los Angeles.
Florida Senate Votes To Restore Access To AIDS Drug Assistance Program
March 11, 2026
Morning Briefing
The legislation includes $31 million to reinstate eligibility to thousands of people who lost coverage March 1 in the wake of a $120 million budget shortfall caused by federal funding cuts, WUSF reported. Separately, Missouri lawmakers have cleared the way for pregnant people to get a divorce.
First Edition: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
March 11, 2026
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Primary Care Is in Trouble. So Doctors Band Together To Boost Their Market Power.
By Karen Brown, New England Public Media
March 11, 2026
KFF Health News Original
Thousands of primary care practices are fighting to remain financially viable and independent. Many are banding together to form Independent Physician Associations, or IPAs, to increase their market power.
Cosmetic Surgery Investigation Prompts Warnings for Patients, and a Push for Tighter Safety Standards
By Fred Schulte
March 11, 2026
KFF Health News Original
A national plastic surgeons group is warning people to “do their homework” before having liposuctions, Brazilian butt lifts, or other cosmetic procedures after an investigation into cosmetic surgery chains by KFF Health News and NBC News.
