HHS

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.