Journalists Explain Colorectal Cancer Risk and Federal Pullback on Georgia Disability Oversight
February 21, 2026
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News journalists made the rounds on national and local media recently to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
State Lawmakers Seek Restraints on Wage Garnishment for Medical Debt
By Rae Ellen Bichell
February 20, 2026
KFF Health News Original
At least eight states are considering legislation to curtail wage garnishment over unpaid medical bills, as health care costs rise and more people become underinsured.
Trump’s Transparent Hospital Pricing Pays Off for Industry — But Not So Much for Patients
By Darius Tahir
February 20, 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.
Influencers Push Cognitive, Health Benefits Of Nicotine In Image Makeover
February 20, 2026
Morning Briefing
Companies are now marketing “clean,” “modern” nicotine pouches with minimalist packaging, aimed at helping people “lock in” and achieve their goals. The catch is that most of these products have not been cleared by the FDA for sale in the U.S.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
February 20, 2026
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on Black paramedics, limb lengthening, mammograms, gene-editing, and more.
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.
