A Germy Mix Of Flu, Coupled With Covid And RSV, Is Afflicting The Nation
February 2, 2026
Morning Briefing
Influenza A rates have remained stable, but influenza B is starting to spread. This comes as the CDC reports evidence of a covid upsurge in 11 states and respiratory syncytial virus in 21 states. Plus, two more children sick with flu have died this season. “It is not too late to get vaccinated,” the CDC says.
Kidney Disease-Heart Failure Link May Be Traced To A Tiny Toxin, Study Finds
February 2, 2026
Morning Briefing
Researchers have discovered that diseased kidneys secrete tiny particles that are harmful to the heart. Other public health news looks at heart disease among women, how to guard against hypothermia and frostbite, and a salmonella outbreak.
Morning Briefing for Monday, February 2, 2026
February 2, 2026
Morning Briefing
Only a few days left to enter our Health Policy Valentines contest! We want to see your clever, heartfelt, or hilarious tributes to the policies that shape health care. Submit your poem — whether conventional, free-form, or haiku — by noon ET on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Click here for the rules and to enter!
First Edition: Monday, Feb. 2, 2026
February 2, 2026
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
When Health Insurance Costs More Than the Mortgage
By Renuka Rayasam
February 2, 2026
KFF Health News Original
As health care costs skyrocket and federal lawmakers pull back help on insurance premiums, more middle-income families are facing tough choices on health care.
It’s 2026 and You’re Uninsured. Now What?
By Renuka Rayasam
February 2, 2026
KFF Health News Original
Many Americans are expected to lose ACA or Medicaid coverage in coming months and years as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the expiration of enhanced pandemic-era subsidies that helped people afford Obamacare plans. Doctors and researchers say there are still ways to find affordable care.
Your Next Primary Care Doctor Could Be Online Only, Accessed Through an AI Tool
By Martha Bebinger, WBUR
February 2, 2026
KFF Health News Original
The largest hospital chain in Massachusetts is offering a new AI-assisted telehealth tool to patients who need primary care. Mass General Brigham says this and other AI tools can help relieve staff burnout and worker shortages, but some primary care physicians in the MGB system see it as a way to avoid fixing structural problems.
Cuando el seguro médico cuesta más que la hipoteca
By Renuka Rayasam
February 2, 2026
KFF Health News Original
A pesar de las intensas discusiones y del cierre del gobierno más largo en la historia, el Congreso permitió que los subsidios mejorados de ACA expiraran el pasado 31 de diciembre.
Es 2026 y no tienes seguro médico. ¿Y ahora qué?
By Renuka Rayasam
February 2, 2026
KFF Health News Original
Los cambios en las políticas de salud en Washington están teniendo repercusiones en todo el país y haciendo que millones de personas pierdan su cobertura de Medicaid o de ACA. Pero hay opciones.
Trump’s Covid Views Don’t Track With Reality That Recent Studies Suggest
By Stephanie Armour
January 30, 2026
KFF Health News Original
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January 30, 2026
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Covid Exposure In Utero Could Affect Brain Development, Researchers Find
January 30, 2026
Morning Briefing
Scientists investigating the mysteries of SARS-CoV-2 are finding subtle differences in brain structure among babies exposed to the virus before they were born. They say their findings underscore the need for vaccination. Also, a study debunks the theory that covid vaccines affect fertility.
Genetics Play Greater Role In Lifespan Than Previously Thought, Study Shows
January 30, 2026
Morning Briefing
A study published Thursday suggests the genetic contribution to a person’s longevity could be as high as 55%, which is in stark contrast to the previously estimated 6% to 33%. Plus: GLP-1s are linked to pancreatitis; a lower risk of amputation for people with diabetes on GLP-1s; B6 toxicity; and more.
Colorado Democrats Move To Update Red Flag Law And Regulate Gun Barrels
January 30, 2026
Morning Briefing
Democrats in the Colorado legislature have given approval of Senate Bill 4, which would allow behavioral health co-responders to ask a judge to order the removal of an individual’s firearms. Also in the news: Iowa, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, and California.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
January 30, 2026
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on lung transplants, male birth control, a power struggle at the NIH, and more.
Morning Briefing for Friday, January 30, 2026
January 30, 2026
Morning Briefing
We want to see your clever, heartfelt, or hilarious tributes to the policies that shape health care. Submit your poem — whether conventional, free-form, or haiku — by noon ET on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The winning poem will receive a custom comic illustration in the Morning Briefing on Feb. 13. Click here for the rules and to enter!
Nurse’s Death Looms Large As Senators Make Last Attempts To Avoid Shutdown
January 30, 2026
Morning Briefing
The Senate will reconvene at 11 a.m. Friday to see if they can reach an agreement, ABC News reported. Modern Healthcare explains how health care would be affected if no deal is reached before Saturday. Plus: Nurses across the U.S. hold vigils for slain Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Pretti.
Trump Unveils Plan To Prevent Drug Use, Boost Treatment And Recovery
January 30, 2026
Morning Briefing
The president’s executive order is intended “to help Americans struggling with all forms of addiction … get the help and the support they need.” Plus, TrumpRx won’t launch this month after all.
Finalized CMS Rule Sets Limits On State Provider Taxes Funding Medicaid
January 30, 2026
Morning Briefing
The new regulation will crack down on the provider taxes states use to help finance their share of Medicaid spending. CMS is expecting the policy to reduce federal expenditures by $78 billion over the next decade. Also, tech firms are vying to implement Medicaid work requirements; CMS incentivizes hospitals to buy American; and more.