Weekly Spotlight

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The U.S. public health landscape is currently experiencing a seismic shift following actions taken by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., particularly concerning the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. These changes have ignited controversy, raising concerns about the politicization of public health and the future of vaccine policy.

Secretary Kennedy fired all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a move described as a necessary step to restore public trust in vaccine science, according to his op-ed in the Wall Street Journal.

Eight new members were appointed to the ACIP, including individuals known for their critical views on vaccines, raising concerns about a potential shift in vaccination policy away from established scientific consensus.

Medical groups, including the American Medical Association, have condemned the overhaul. The AMA has called for a Senate investigation, and public health leaders have voiced fears that these changes could endanger public health by politicizing vaccine recommendations. Many sources call these actions “reckless, shortsighted, and severely harmful.”

Alongside these changes, the HHS is facing scrutiny over proposed budget cuts affecting the National Institutes of Health and various CDC programs. Some 400 CDC employees were recently reinstated after mass layoffs, adding to the instability.

Secretary Kennedy’s actions represent a dramatic departure from established public health norms, intertwining public health policy with political ideology. The changes have triggered widespread concern among health professionals and organizations, who fear that the integrity of vaccine recommendations and public trust in health authorities are at risk. The long-term implications of these changes are still unfolding, but the immediate impact is a significant erosion of confidence in the CDC’s guidance and a heightened sense of uncertainty about the future of public health policy in the U.S. The situation is very dynamic, as shown by the quick reversal of the CDC layoffs. Moving forward, it will be crucial to monitor the ACIP’s new recommendations and assess the public’s response to ensure that public health decisions remain grounded in scientific evidence and prioritize the well-being of all Americans.

• Four CDC committee termination notices and new federal documents
• RFK Jr. fires CDC vaccine advisers
• RFK fires entire vaccine committee at CDC
• RFK Jr. to fire all members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee
• RFK Jr. Ousts All of CDC’s Vaccine Advisors
• RFK Jr. Removes All C.D.C. Vaccine Panel Experts – The New York Times
• ‘People inside Moderna are afraid’: As anti-vaccine climate intensifies, the company has much to lose
• Firing of CDC’s vaccine advisers puts spotlight on RFK Jr.’s promises to Cassidy
• AMA resolution opposes RFK Jr.’s dismantling of vaccine panel
• Opinion: RFK Jr.’s attack on vaccine experts endangers every American
• Hundreds of Laid-Off CDC Employees Are Being Reinstated
• RFK Jr. Announces Eight New Members of CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel
• Opinion: By remaking CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, RFK Jr. is destroying public trust
• CDC backtracks on layoffs, rehires more than 400 people
• HHS reverses hundreds of CDC firings
• RFK Jr. names new members of CDC’s vaccine advisory panel
• Opinion: By remaking CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, RFK Jr. is destroying public trust
• ‘Reckless, shortsighted and severely harmful’: Medical groups condemn ACIP overhaul

Other Regulatory News

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

Medicare Advantage sector’s hopes dashed as Trump keeps up pressure

The article outlines the challenges faced by the Medicare Advantage sector as the Trump administration continues to exert pressure on healthcare policies, impacting the future of the program.

#PAYER, #PROVIDER

Tracking the Medicare Provisions in the 2025 Reconciliation Bill – KFF

This article outlines the Medicare provisions included in the 2025 reconciliation bill, detailing the impact on various healthcare programs and funding.

#PAYER, #PROVIDER, #PATIENT

Medicare’s Innovation Center Charts New Direction: Part 2 – Digital Health and AI

JD Suprra discusses the new strategic direction at CMMI.

#PROVIDER

Should the AMA Be Giving Members Advice on How to Opt Out of Medicare

Members of the AMA are divided over whether the organization should provide guidance on opting out of Medicare. This reflects broader concerns about the future of Medicare and the implications for healthcare providers.

#PAYER, #PROVIDER, #PATIENT

How Trump broke the politics of Medicaid

The article discusses the changing political dynamics surrounding Medicaid under Trump, highlighting how proposed cuts are being framed as strengthening the program. Democrats see an opportunity to leverage this issue to regain support among working-class voters.

#HOSPITAL, #PROVIDER, #PATIENT

Trump administration demands pharma companies begin drug price negotiations

The Trump administration is urging pharmaceutical companies to begin negotiations on drug pricing to align U.S. prices with those in other countries, where prices are typically lower. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) claims that companies are obstructing progress towards fair pricing and insists that they should comply with negotiations similar to those in other economically comparable nations. Specifics regarding which drugs will be negotiated remain unclear.

#DRUG, #PATIENT, #PAYER

HHS tries pushing pharma to the negotiating table

The Trump administration is intensifying pressure on pharmaceutical companies to negotiate drug prices to be more in line with prices in other wealthy nations. This initiative includes a potential plan for Americans to purchase drugs directly from manufacturers at these benchmark prices. However, the details and logistics of this plan remain unclear, leaving industry executives awaiting further information.

#DRUG, #PATIENT, #PAYER

What’s wrong with Medicare physician payment?

The American Medical Association discusses the ongoing issues with Medicare physician payment systems, highlighting the need for reform.

#PAYER, #PROVIDER, #ALL

Health and Human Services (HHS)

Scores of NIH Scientists Go Public in Declaring Dissent Over Trump’s Funding Cuts

A report highlights dissent among NIH scientists regarding funding cuts proposed by the Trump administration. The dissent is framed within the context of Jay Bhattacharya’s confirmation hearings, where he expressed a commitment to scientific dissent as essential to the scientific process.

#ALL

Several hundred NIH employees sign a letter of protest to the agency’s director

Hundreds of NIH employees have protested against the agency’s recent actions, including cuts to critical research areas and layoffs, expressing concerns about the future of public health research under the current administration.

#PROVIDER, #ALL

NIH walks back ban on new grants for universities with DEI programs or Israel boycotts

The NIH has rescinded a controversial policy that required universities to certify they do not have diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs or boycotts of Israel to receive research funding. The decision to walk back the policy is pending further federal guidance and raises questions about the motivations behind the initial ban.

#ALL

NIH details how Trump budget would cut support for grants, training, and research centers

President Trump’s 2026 budget proposes a 43% cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), significantly affecting grant funding, training programs, and internal research. The budget cuts would drastically reduce the number of new grants awarded, impacting ongoing research and support for emerging scientists.

#PROVIDER, #ALL

University coalition proposes NIH indirect cost reforms

A coalition of universities is proposing reforms to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding structure in response to proposed cuts by the Trump administration. The coalition believes that their alternative plans can provide more sensible and measured approaches to funding scientific research, especially in light of significant reductions in overhead payments that could impact research capabilities.

#ALL

Oncology Community Rallies, Rails Against ‘Draconian’ Budget Cuts for NIH, NCI

The oncology community has expressed strong opposition to the Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts for the NIH and National Cancer Institute, which could reach nearly 40%. These cuts are seen as detrimental to cancer research and treatment advancements.

#HOSPITAL, #PROVIDER

Federal budget cuts endanger academic health systems: AAMC

The Association of American Medical Colleges has warned that proposed federal budget cuts threaten academic health systems and biomedical research. Terminations of NIH grants have already impacted numerous clinical trials, and further cuts to Medicaid and student aid programs could significantly affect healthcare services and workforce stability.

#ALL

RFK Jr.’s chronic disease agency would eliminate or reduce funding for some prevention programs

The proposed Administration for a Healthy America, led by RFK Jr., is set to cut funding for several health prevention programs, including those focused on chronic diseases, as part of its budget priorities. This shift raises concerns about the future of public health initiatives.

#PATIENT, #PROVIDER, #ALL

Hill Happenings

MedPAC Calls for Higher Medicare Doc Payments Based on Healthcare Inflation Rate

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has recommended annual increases in Medicare physician payments based on the Medicare Economic Index, which measures healthcare inflation.

June 2025 MedPAC Report to Congress

#PAYER, #PROVIDER

GOP senators zero in on Medicaid policy in Trump’s tax bill that has little impact on enrollment

A group of Republican senators is seeking to reverse cuts to Medicaid funding included in President Trump’s tax bill. However, the proposed changes are unlikely to significantly help individuals retain their insurance. The article notes the discontent from states, hospitals, and voters regarding the funding cuts, and highlights that the Senate plans to negotiate privately without public hearings.

#PAYER, #PROVIDER, #PATIENT

Megabill timeline in flux as House and Senate spar over changes

The timeline for the Republicans’ ambitious domestic policy megabill is uncertain as House and Senate leaders negotiate changes. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism about meeting a July 4 deadline, contingent on the Senate passing a similar version of the bill.

#ALL

Four Ways Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Would Undermine Access to Obamacare

Proposed changes in the Trump administration’s healthcare policies could significantly affect the 24 million individuals covered under the Affordable Care Act, impacting enrollment processes and premium costs.

#PATIENT, #PAYER, #ALL

Cassidy is circulating a proposed law to push down U.S. drug prices, backing a key Trump ambition

Senate health committee Chair Bill Cassidy is proposing legislation to link U.S. brand drug prices to lower prices in other wealthy countries, aligning with President Trump’s drug pricing ambitions.

#DRUG, #PAYER

ASNC speaks to members of Congress about major trends in cardiology

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) advocated for legislative changes to repeal Medicare payment cuts and to link payments to inflation during discussions with Congress. They also addressed issues related to prior authorization and proposed tariffs on radioisotopes.

#PAYER, #PROVIDER, #DEVICE

Notable Notes

This Musk counterpart actually knows how to use the government to dismantle it

Russ Vought, the current director of the Office of Management and Budget, is strategically executing the Trump administration’s agenda to reduce federal government size and influence. His methodical approach contrasts with Elon Musk’s more chaotic style, focusing on institutional channels for change.

#ALL

Opinion: Trump’s ‘gold standard’ order is a blueprint for politicizing science

The Trump administration’s executive order titled Restoring Gold Standard Science” is criticized for potentially undermining scientific integrity and enabling political manipulation of scientific policy, despite its stated intentions to enhance rigor and public trust.”

#ALL

Tariffs may create headaches for $34.5B cardiovascular device market

The U.S. cardiovascular device market, valued at $34.5 billion, may face challenges due to ongoing tariff policies. Analysts suggest that without clear and stable tariff regulations, manufacturers will struggle to maintain consistent production and financial forecasts, potentially leading to reduced revenues and growth in the sector.

#DEVICE, #HOSPITAL, #PAYER

Specialty Pharmacy Model Improves HIV Treatment Outcomes in Young Patients

A recent study indicates that the implementation of a specialty pharmacy program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has significantly improved treatment outcomes for young HIV patients. The program has led to better medication adherence and has helped more patients achieve undetectable viral loads, showcasing the effectiveness of specialized pharmacy services in managing chronic conditions.

#DRUG, #PATIENT, #PROVIDER

STAT+: Gilead pauses trials of HIV combination therapy

Gilead has paused trials for a combination therapy for HIV, amidst a broader context of pharmaceutical companies strategizing in response to Trump’s drug pricing policies. The industry is awaiting further details from the administration.

#DRUG, #PAYER

Opinion: A broken system forces parents to DIY hospital-level care for their medically complex children

The author highlights the struggles of parents of medically complex children who often have to resort to makeshift solutions for essential medical equipment due to inadequate coverage by Medicaid, reflecting systemic issues in healthcare access.

#PATIENT, #PROVIDER, #ALL

The confidential memo UnitedHealth accidentally sent to STAT

An internal memo from UnitedHealth, mistakenly sent to a STAT reporter, reveals the company’s strategy to address investor concerns regarding its business practices and assure them of a return to profitability. The memo highlights the challenges faced by executives in managing investor relations amidst operational issues.

#PAYER, #ALL

News from AMA House of Delegates

AMA Needs to Be More Aggressive in Fighting Trump’s Health Funding Cuts

AMA’s new president to focus on improving patient experience

The AMA is not properly representing physicians

Here are the recommendations to come out of the 2025 AMA meeting

New AMA President Credits NIH Research for His Brain Tumor Drug