The Host
Julie Rovner
KFF Health News
Julie Rovner is chief Washington correspondent and host of KFF Health News’ weekly well being coverage information podcast, “What the Health?” A famous skilled on well being coverage points, Julie is the writer of the critically praised reference ebook “Health Care Politics and Policy A to Z,” now in its third version.
As had been rumored for weeks, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled a plan to reorganize the division. It entails the downsizing of its workforce, which previously was roughly 80,000 individuals, by 1 / 4 and consolidating dozens of businesses that have been created and approved by Congress.
Meanwhile, in simply the previous week, HHS abruptly lower off billions in funding to state and native public well being departments, and canceled all analysis research into covid-19, in addition to ailments that would become the subsequent pandemic.
This week’s panelists are Julie Rovner of KFF Health News, Maya Goldman of Axios News, Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico Magazine, and Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico.
Panelists
Maya Goldman
Axios
Joanne Kenen
Johns Hopkins University and Politico
Alice Miranda Ollstein
Politico
Among the takeaways from this week’s episode:
As federal well being officers reveal the targets of a big workforce purge and reorganization, the GOP-controlled Congress has been notably quiet in regards to the Trump administration’s intrusions on its constitutional powers. Many of the administration’s makes an attempt to revoke and reorganize federally funded work are underway regardless of Congress’ earlier approval of that funding. And whereas adjustments could be warranted, reviewing how the federal authorities works (or doesn’t) — within the public boards of congressional hearings and flooring debate — is a part of Congress’ tasks.
The information of a significant reorganization at HHS additionally comes earlier than the Senate finishes confirming its management workforce. New leaders of the National Institutes of Health and the FDA have been confirmed simply this week; Mehmet Oz, the nominated director of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, had not but been confirmed when HHS made its announcement; and President Donald Trump solely just lately named a alternative nominee to guide the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after withdrawing his first decide.
While adjustments early in Trump’s second time period have focused the federal authorities and workforce, the impacts proceed to be felt far exterior the nation’s capital. Indeed, cuts to jobs and funding contact each congressional district within the nation. They’re additionally being felt in analysis areas that the Trump administration claims as priorities, equivalent to power illness: The administration mentioned this week it’s going to shutter the workplace dedicated to learning lengthy covid, a power illness that continues to undermine hundreds of thousands of Americans’ well being.
Meanwhile, within the states, docs in Texas report an increase in instances of kids with liver harm attributable to ingesting an excessive amount of vitamin A — a complement pushed by Kennedy in response to the measles outbreak. The governor of West Virginia signed a sweeping ban on meals dyes and components. And a lady in Georgia who skilled a miscarriage was arrested in reference to the improper disposal of fetal stays.
Also this week, Rovner interviews KFF senior vp Larry Levitt in regards to the fifteenth anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act and the threats the well being regulation continues to face.
Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists recommend well being coverage tales they learn this week that they suppose you need to learn, too:
Julie Rovner: CNN’s “State Lawmakers Are Looking To Ban Non-Existent ‘Chemtrails.’ It Could Have Real-Life Side Effects,” by Ramishah Maruf and Brandon Miller.
Alice Miranda Ollstein: The New York Times Wirecutter’s “23andMe Just Filed for Bankruptcy. You Should Delete Your Data Now,” by Max Eddy.
Maya Goldman: KFF Health News’ “‘I Am Going Through Hell’: Job Loss, Mental Health, and the Fate of Federal Workers,” by Rachana Pradhan and Aneri Pattani.
Joanne Kenen: The Atlantic’s “America Is Done Pretending About Meat,” by Yasmin Tayag.
Also talked about on this week’s podcast:
The New York Times’ “West Virginia Bans 7 Artificial Food Dyes, Citing Health Concerns,” by Alice Callahan.
The Washington Post’s “Why I Left My Job Leading Public Health Messaging for the CDC,” by Kevin Griffis.
Politico’s “The Limits of RFK Jr.’s Power,” by Joanne Kenen.
Credits
Francis Ying
Audio producer
Emmarie Huetteman
Editor
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