At @tradeoffs.org, we’re committed to cutting through the noise with clear, evidence-based reporting on America’s complex health care system. Now, we’ve made it even easier to find the stories that matter. Check out our new website and explore key topics like the cost of care & health law.

@melanie-evans.bsky.social explains how RFK Jr. could push his vaccine cynicism through an obscure CDC committee. Helpful context as Senate Finance holds HHS confirmation hearing.

I started Tradeoffs to help people have smarter health policy discussions. With policy changes potentially ahead, that mission is more crucial than ever. So is your support. Join the 70 new donors this year and help us meet our fundraising goal today! tradeoffs.org/donate/

So psyched to share Melanie Evan’s 1st story as a @tradeoffs.bsky.social reporter! Her topic: one of Trump’s most lasting health policy moves: public pricing. tradeoffs.org/2024/12/19/t...

“Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford physician and economist, is considering a plan to link a university’s likelihood of receiving research grants to some ranking or measure of academic freedom on campus, people familiar with his thinking said.”

Are you looking to follow really cool people and read some awesome research? I thought so. Give this starter pack a go! go.bsky.app/6S4Q9Mn

Your support goes a long way to keeping @tradeoffs.bsky.social going strong! Thanks in advance!

One way the incoming Trump administration can affect health policy is by not defending existing laws and regulations against lawsuits. www.kff.org/medicare/iss...

New: Officials will issue proposed rules today to cover weight-loss drugs like Ozempic for millions of patients on Medicare and Medicaid. But. It’s up to Trump’s admin whether to finalize the rules. And RFK Jr. is no fan of Ozempic. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/...

The power of a platform.

@dariustahir.bsky.social lays out the many potential conflicts of interest Oz would face running CMS.

Q: Where might you and others on the left have some common ground with RFK, Jr.? “I make a pretty sharp distinction between his medical ideas, which I think are really unsound and dangerous, and his critique of the food system.” www.politico.com/news/magazin...

Helpful read from @kff.org “While there are limits, federal officials have significant authority to influence and alter vaccine policy, which could affect vaccine availability, views about vaccines, and vaccine use in the U.S.” www.kff.org/policy-watch...

The first question I got after RFK Jr.’s nomination: how much power would he have? So @ryan-levi.bsky.social and I dialed up former Obama HHS Sec. Sebelius for her take. tradeoffs.org/2024/11/21/r...

RFK Jr. wants to reduce the American Medical Association's role in determining what Medicare pays for medical services. For those who follow billing codes and the RUC, big scoop from @rachelcohrs.bsky.social: www.statnews.com/2024/11/20/r...

#Medicaid “is going to be where the action is.” GOP eyes seismic changes to the program that enrolls 70+ million people. @sarahkliff & @noahweiland with a strong state-of-play story. www.nytimes.com/2024/11/20/h...

Guessing this chart - or one like it - gets a lot of play during Senate confirmation hearings for RFK.

Former CMS chief (a Republican) told me you need to have HHS Sec. and head of CMS to get along. What does a Kennedy/Oz marriage look like?

Thanks @cynthiaccox.bsky.social!

How much power does HHS Sec actually have? Interviewing former federal health official for upcoming @tradeoffs.bsky.social episode. What questions do you have? Thanks!

“It took the FDA 15 years to define peanut butter.” Good primer on the influence and limits of the HHS Sec. www.wsj.com/health/healt...

Four years ago, his call to end covid lockdowns made him a public health pariah. The NIH director dismissed his ideas as “fringe.” Now JAY BHATTACHARYA, an author of the Great Barrington Declaration, is poised for power in Trump’s Washington — perhaps as NIH director himself. Our look at his rise.

Late Friday news drop: Telehealth prescribing flexibilities for controlled substances extended for another year by DEA and HHS — leaving long-awaited permanent rule making to the next administration www.statnews.com/2024/11/15/t...

Excellent thread as we ponder all the potential damage that could be done by the incoming administration. Most of that is focused nationally, but the international repercussions will also be awful.

Smart take the public health risks that come with undermining vaccines.

Hey #healthpolicy crew! Looking into RFK Jr.’s beliefs on chronic conditions. Hoping to interview a few chronic condition experts on best evidence to treat cc. All suggestions welcome. RT’s (or what they’re called here appreciated)

Great starter pack for folks looking to dig into health policy.