Trump nominees, UnitedHealth, whooping cough

Last updated: November 25, 2024 2:13 pm

flu vaccines, said it’s possible the virus has been circulating at low levels and is now being picked up because global surveillance has improved. But he cautioned that more evidence is needed to confirm the finding.

Read more about this potential comeback from extinction in Helen’s story.

Inside STAT: Our reporting on the health implications of climate change

STAT’s Sharon Begley recently talked to some of our reporters about their work covering the health implications of climate change. They discussed how covering climate change is different from reporting on other topics, the challenges they face, and what they hope to achieve with their reporting. Check out the interview.

And Sharon also spoke to Dr. Aaron Bernstein, interim director of the Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment at Harvard. He discussed the impact of climate change on health and how the health care industry needs to adapt to address the challenges posed by a changing climate. Read the interview.

As always, thanks for reading Morning Rounds. Have a great day, and we’ll see you tomorrow.

— Theresa

Flu shots have always been a crucial part of preventive healthcare, especially during the flu season. However, a recent report stating the absence of a genetic sequence has left experts cautious about the implications. Wenqing Zhang, the head of the WHO’s global influenza program, emphasized the need for further investigation before drawing any conclusions. The Dutch lab responsible for the report will monitor the circulation of B/Yam viruses in the upcoming flu season to determine if they are indeed present.

See also Eliminating Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Medicaid My Administration has been relentlessly committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in Government programs to preserve and protect them for those who rely most on them. The Medicaid program was designed to be a program to compassionately provide taxpayer dollars to healthcare providers who offer care to the most vulnerable Americans. To keep payments reasonable, billable costs for such care were historically capped at the same level that healthcare providers could receive from Medicare. The State and Federal Governments jointly shared this cost burden to ensure those of lesser means did not go untreated. Under the Biden Administration, States and healthcare providers were permitted to game the system. For example, States "taxed" healthcare providers, but sent the same money back to them in the form of a "Medicaid payment," which automatically unlocked for healthcare providers an additional "burden-sharing" payment from the Federal Government. Through this gimmick, the State could avoid contributing money toward Medicaid services, meaning the State no longer had a reason to be prudent in the amount of reimbursement provided. Instead of paying Medicare rates, many States that utilize these arrangements now pay the same healthcare providers almost three times the Medicare amount, a practice encouraged by the Biden Administration. These State Directed Payments have rapidly accelerated, quadrupling in magnitude over the last 4 years and reaching $110 billion in 2024 alone. This trajectory threatens the Federal Treasury and Medicaid's long-term stability, and the imbalance between Medicaid and Medicare patients threatens to jeopardize access to care for our seniors. I pledged to protect and improve these important Government healthcare programs for those that rely on them. Seniors on Medicare and Medicaid recipients both deserve access to quality care in a system free from the fraud, waste, and abuse, that enriches the unscrupulous and jeopardizes the programs themselves. We will take action to continue to love and cherish the Medicare and Medicaid programs to ensure they are preserved for those who need them most. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall therefore take appropriate action to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid, including by ensuring Medicaid payments rates are not higher than Medicare, to the extent permitted by applicable law. This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. DONALD J. TRUMP

In another study published in JAMA Health Forum, researchers found significant racial disparities in the use of hearing aids among older adults. The data revealed that Black and Hispanic individuals reported lower usage of hearing aids compared to their white counterparts. This trend persisted across different income levels, prompting the need for more in-depth research to understand the underlying factors contributing to this disparity.

On a concerning note, whooping cough cases in the U.S. have seen a sixfold increase compared to the previous year. Experts attribute this surge to a return to pre-pandemic patterns, but there are fears that the current season could be more severe due to a decline in vaccinations. Meanwhile, Senator Rand Paul’s plans to investigate the origins of Covid-19 have raised eyebrows, as he assumes the role of chair of a committee with unique investigative powers.

Amidst these developments, there are several noteworthy articles worth reading. From Rep. Jennifer Wexton’s emotional meeting with families to the challenges faced by elderly individuals in accessing healthcare appointments, these stories shed light on important issues. Additionally, concerns about travel bans reinstatement, institutionalization of individuals with disabilities, and the healthcare workforce crisis further highlight the complexities of our healthcare system.

As we navigate through these evolving healthcare landscapes, it is essential to stay informed and engaged with the latest research and developments. By addressing disparities, investigating emerging threats, and advocating for equitable access to care, we can work towards a healthier future for all.