HHS

Measles outbreaks threaten the United States, with MMR coverage falling to 92.4% among kindergarteners and exemptions rising significantly. Measles poses serious risks like pneumonia and immune amnesia, while two doses of the MMR vaccine provide approximately 97% protection against it. Furthermore, large population studies have repeatedly found no increased risk of autism associated with MMR vaccination.

The Trump administration announced a new rule barring Medicaid and CHIP funding for treatments like hormone blockers, surgeries, and therapy for minors with gender dysphoria. HHS Assistant Secretary Brian Christine warned that these procedures carry potentially irreversible ramifications and stressed that competent counseling is the scientifically supported approach. Officials stated that cutting federal funds aims to protect children from potential harm.

An HHS official warned that treating gender dysphoria in minors should rely on counseling rather than 'mutilating surgeries' due to potentially irreversible ramifications. The article reports on a new rule implemented by the Trump administration that will bar Medicaid and CHIP from funding treatments such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries for minors.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director in a 51-44 vote, making her the agency's 22nd leader. The CDC has faced political interference and workforce losses, with Schwartz becoming the third Trump nominee for the role in 18 months. Previous nominees included Dr. David Weldon and Susan Monarez, both of whom failed to secure long-term positions.

The article claims that Dr. Anthony Fauci's past actions and reputation, now criticized, have indirectly contributed to the rise of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his controversial conspiracy theories. It contrasts RFK Jr.'s public statements with Fauci's former status as a public health figure.

Healthcare leaders pledged support for behavioral health best practices during an HHS roundtable event. A key law addressing insurance coverage for mental health remains unresolved.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is defending his department's handling of the cyclospora outbreak, stating it is 'under control.' The outbreak has sickened thousands of people across the country.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing a countermeasures injury table for conditions presumed to result from COVID-19 vaccines and other countermeasures. The table would establish compensation for individuals experiencing these conditions.

Trust in the FDA has dropped from 75% to 50% in two years, driven by public concerns about political interference in decision-making. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly criticized the FDA as 'corrupt' and pressured it to loosen oversight of therapies, conflicting with scientific recommendations.

The article highlights ongoing developments in biotech, including discussions on Biogen’s tau therapy for Alzheimer’s at a London meeting, research on daraxonrasib for pancreatic cancer, and U.S. regulatory updates such as HHS guidance on tapering SSRIs and FDA approval of Sanofi’s wearable injector for a myeloma drug.

Bipartisan lawmakers urged HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to implement strict hospice reporting rules to prevent discrimination and coercion in medically assisted suicide. They warned that older adults and people with disabilities risk being pressured to end their lives.

Obamacare premiums are set to rise by a median of 14% in 2027, the second consecutive year of double-digit increases, driven by rising healthcare costs and expired subsidies. Higher out-of-pocket costs are causing some healthier enrollees to drop coverage, worsening the affordability crisis and shrinking the insurance market, which now has 19.2 million enrollees, down 3 million from the previous year.

Dr. Debra Houry, former CDC chief medical officer, described 'pure chaos' during Robert F. Kennedy's leadership at HHS and warned about threats to the scientific integrity of federal health agencies. She left the CDC in protest after the firing of then CDC director Susan Monarez.

A CDC scientist used emails to demand changes and criticize agency leaders, sometimes copying the HHS secretary, as revealed by recently released CDC emails.

Federal data shows a 3 million decrease in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance coverage in February compared to the same period last year, attributed to expired subsidies and rising costs.

The Trump administration’s Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya faces criticism from public health experts, who argue it may deter American volunteers from participating in outbreak response efforts. Local protests and legal challenges have also emerged, with a Kenyan court suspending the project over constitutional concerns, though construction continues. The U.S. government cites proximity and logistical needs as reasons for the facility.

HHS responded coolly to a paper on alcohol risk. The article also mentions a report by Lauren Chan on a sugary soda study.

A HHS report found that Medicare Advantage plans denied prior authorization requests at unusually high rates. The findings highlight concerns about access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.

A HHS report states that California was the primary driver of the national welfare flow to illegal immigrants, accounting for approximately 59,600 households and $617.5 million.

HHS is investigating CAIR for alleged terror ties and the use of $30 million allocated for Afghan refugee resettlement. The agency is demanding a probe from the governors of California and Washington regarding funds given to a Muslim group for settling Afghan refugees.

The article argues that foreign drug price controls in countries like Germany, France, and Japan force Americans to pay higher healthcare costs by limiting what these nations pay for medicines. It claims these policies shift global R&D costs onto the U.S. and suggests using U.S. trade law, specifically Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, to address the issue.

Distillers who produced emergency hand sanitizer during the pandemic faced FDA penalties, prompting public outcry and a fee reversal. The FDA under HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra later reopened the issue, leading to renewed pressure and a dropped investigation.

The risk of hantavirus to the general public is very low, according to HHS. ABC News discusses the latest updates regarding the hantavirus with Victor Oquendo and Dr. Darien Sutton. The discussion focuses on the latest information about the virus.

An American passenger has tested positive for hantavirus and will be transported to the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit, while another passenger is symptomatic. The unit is hosted by Nebraska Medicine.

The article discusses potential political interference at the FDA and its connection to the Ohio gubernatorial race. Former DOGE co-founder and former state Covid-19 czar are involved in the race. The article is part of STAT's newsletter, D.C. Diagnosis.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, according to a former HHS official. The statement highlights the significant public health impact of lung cancer in the female population.