The State of Federal Health Agencies Is Uncertain

The Host

Can the Trump administration refuse to spend cash appropriated via Congress by firing federal staff and canceling current contracts? And if the courts say it can’t, will the administration obey these directives? That key confrontation crept nearer this week because the Supreme Courtroom weighed in, suggesting the federal authorities couldn’t refuse to pay for providers already offered.

 In the meantime, the measles outbreak that began in Texas continues to broaden, whereas the secretary of Well being and Human Companies, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist, presents a less-than-full-throated endorsement of the vaccine that has lengthy checked the unfold of measles within the U.S.

 This week’s panelists are Julie Rovner of KFF Well being Information, Stephanie Armour of KFF Well being Information, Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins College College of Public Well being and Politico Journal, and Lauren Weber of The Washington Submit.

 Additionally this week, Rovner interviews Sandy West, who reported and wrote the newest KFF Well being Information’ “Invoice of the Month” function, a few runner hit by a automotive — after which by a really costly ambulance invoice.

Among the many takeaways from this week’s episode:

• The Supreme Courtroom rejected the Trump administration’s try to proceed its freeze on international assist. One notable lesson of the administration’s efforts to shutter the U.S. Company for Worldwide Growth is that well being spending overseas not solely helps international communities but in addition helps defend People from infectious ailments.
• In the meantime, Jay Bhattacharya, Trump’s decide to steer the Nationwide Institutes of Well being, appeared earlier than a Senate committee this week as huge adjustments on the company rippled via the nation. NIH grants pump key analysis funding into each state, and turning off funding is predicted to have important financial ramifications. Some universities are pausing or revoking graduate pupil acceptances, probably shutting down analysis avenues and a key supply of future educators.
• As anticipated, the Trump administration stated it will not pursue a authorized effort to dam Idaho’s abortion ban for its lack of compliance with the federal Emergency Medical Therapy and Energetic Labor Act, generally known as EMTALA. However the state ban stays on maintain as a result of the state’s largest hospital system has stepped in to interchange the federal authorities in difficult it.

Plus, for “further credit score” the panelists recommend well being coverage tales they learn this week that they assume it’s best to learn, too: 

Julie Rovner: KFF Well being Information’ “Way forward for Most cancers Protection for Ladies Federal Firefighters Unsure Beneath Trump,” by Kylie Mohr. 

Joanne Kenen: ProPublica’s “How Illinois’ Arms-Off Strategy to Homeschooling Leaves Youngsters at Threat,” by Molly Parker and Beth Hundsdorfer, Capitol Information Illinois. 

Stephanie Armour: The New York Occasions’ “Organ Transplant System ‘in Chaos’ as Ready Lists Are Ignored,” by Brian M. Rosenthal, Mark Hansen, and Jeremy White. 

Lauren Weber: The Washington Submit’s “Amid West Texas Measles Outbreak, Vaccine Resistance Hardens,” by Fenit Nirappil and Elana Gordon. 

Additionally talked about on this week’s podcast:

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