The State of Federal Health Agencies Is Uncertain

Can the Trump administration refuse to spend money appropriated through Congress by firing federal workers and canceling existing contracts? And if the courts say it cannot, will the administration obey those directives? That key confrontation crept closer this week as the Supreme Court weighed in, suggesting the federal government could not refuse to pay for services already provided.

Meanwhile, the measles outbreak that started in Texas continues to expand, while the secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist, offers a less-than-full-throated endorsement of the vaccine that has long checked the spread of measles in the U.S.

This week’s panelists are Julie Rovner of KFF Health News, Stephanie Armour of KFF Health News, Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health and Politico Magazine, and Lauren Weber of The Washington Post.

Also this week, Rovner interviews Sandy West, who reported and wrote the latest KFF Health News’ “Bill of the Month” feature, about a runner hit by a car — and then by a very expensive ambulance bill.

Plus, for “extra credit” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too:
— Julie Rovner: KFF Health News’ “Future of Cancer Coverage for Women Federal Firefighters Uncertain Under Trump,” by Kylie Mohr.

— Joanne Kenen: ProPublica’s “How Illinois’ Hands-Off Approach to Homeschooling Leaves Children at Risk,” by Molly Parker and Beth Hundsdorfer, Capitol News Illinois.

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

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

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Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
01:03 – Government Cuts
10:52 – NIH
20:02 – Measles
25:22 – Abortion
28:58 – ‘Bill of the Month’ Interview with Sandy West
34:50 – Extra Credits

#podcast #rfkjr #hhs #federalworkers

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