Health Policy
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The Sydney Morning HeraldAustralian Writer Describes Antidepressant Withdrawal While Discussing U.S. Health Secretary's Proposal
A freelance writer detailed personal withdrawal symptoms after stopping venlafaxine. The account references U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s announced campaign to reduce psychiatric drug use.
Washington ExaminerTexas Attorney General Wins Senate Primary Runoff
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated four-term Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican Senate primary runoff on Tuesday. Washington Examiner healthcare reporter Gabrielle Etzel said Paxton’s investigations into food ingredients and clothing chemicals align with the Make America…
manilatimes.netCMS Releases Updated Strategic Priorities at May 20 Event
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services presented four strategic priorities during a May 20, 2026, discussion hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center. The agency oversees coverage for more than 160 million Americans through Medicare, Medicaid, and the federal exchanges.
mg.co.zaGhana Nutrition Experts Urge Parliament to Fund Malnutrition Commitments
Nutrition experts called on Ghana's Parliament to meet international nutrition pledges and add therapeutic foods to the national insurance scheme. The appeal came at a roundtable in Accra organized by a non-governmental group.
ksl.comHHS and states disagree on reasons for lower Obamacare enrollment
Federal and state officials differ over why signups for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act have slowed. The disagreement comes ahead of midterm elections.
thehindu.comU.S. Fertility Rate Falls to Record Low of 53.1 Births per 1,000 Women in 2025
The U.S. general fertility rate reached a new low of 53.1 births per 1,000 women aged 15-44 in 2025. Officials and analysts cited smartphones, marriage trends, and costs of child-rearing as contributing factors.
Washington ExaminerBill Would Create National Education Effort on Long-Term Care Planning
Legislation introduced by Rep. Tom Suozzi would establish a public education program on long-term care needs and costs. The measure aims to improve awareness before retirement age.
New York PostHHS Secretary Discusses Screen Time Limits for Children
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Iowa to support a state bill and highlighted a new Surgeon General advisory on screen use. The report recommends school restrictions and age-appropriate limits at home.
kff.orgWorld Health Assembly Adopts 13 Resolutions on Stroke, TB, Radiation and Health Workforce
Member States passed more than 20 decisions and 13 resolutions at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva. The measures address stroke, tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance, radiation protection, and ethical recruitment of health workers.
nbcnews.comTrump Surgeon General Pick Reports Farm Income on New Jersey Tax Return
President Trump's nominee for surgeon general lists income from a New Jersey farm on state tax filings while working as a radiologist. The filing uses a state tax provision available to qualifying agricultural operations.
upi.comSenate Democrats Propose Medicare Home Care Benefit
A group of Senate Democrats led by Sen. Ron Wyden proposed adding in-home care coverage to Medicare. The plan is the final part of a three-part health care package aimed at long-term care and workforce support.
Washington ExaminerSenate Democrats Outline Long-Term Care Goals for Future Medicare Expansion
Senate Democrats sent a letter outlining goals to expand home-based care under Medicare. The letter was sent ahead of the 2028 election cycle. It focuses on workforce pay, nursing home quality, and home care access.
upi.comSenate Democrats Propose Medicare Coverage for In-Home Long-Term Care
A group of Senate Democrats has proposed adding an in-home care benefit to Medicare. The plan forms the final part of a three-part health care package and does not include cost estimates or funding details.
prnewswire.comFormer FDA Commissioner Says Acting Head Can Stabilize Agency
Former FDA commissioner David Kessler said acting commissioner Kyle Diamantas has the background to bring stability to the agency during a period of leadership changes. Kessler spoke at the STAT Breakthrough Summit West in San Francisco on Tuesday.
focustaiwan.twNorway and India to Expand Health Cooperation Through New Agreement
Norway's prime minister announced plans to strengthen health ties with India. The two countries will sign a memorandum of understanding covering digital health, artificial intelligence, and research.
nbcnews.comFederal Judge Rules HHS Changes to Vaccine Advisory Committee Likely Illegal
A federal judge ruled in March that the Health and Human Services secretary's removal of six vaccines from routine recommendations and the reconstitution of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices were likely unlawful. The ruling restored most vaccine recommendations to…
StatU.K. Advocacy Groups Threaten Legal Action Over U.S. Pharma Trade Deal
Two advocacy groups are demanding the United Kingdom revoke regulations tied to a recent pharmaceutical trade agreement with the U.S. The groups say the regulations could allow outside influence on decisions about medicine cost-effectiveness and have stated they are preparing cou…
Government Plans to Cut Private Health Insurance Rebates for Older Australians
The federal government announced plans to reduce private health insurance rebates for people over 65, aligning them with rates for younger Australians. Officials said the change would save about $3 billion over the forward estimates and fund additional aged care services.
forbes.comCongress Ends Medicare Reimbursement Pilot for CBD Products
A Medicare pilot program reimbursing patients for hemp-derived products faces uncertainty after a hemp ban passed by Congress last November. The ban would take effect in November and restrict most products containing any THC.
The IndependentHospitals Face New Federal Dietary Guidelines Prioritizing Animal Proteins
The Department of Health and Human Services released updated dietary guidelines directing hospitals to include more red meat, eggs and full-fat dairy. Several hospital systems had already adopted plant-based default menus before the change.
The HillTrump-Endorsed Candidates Run in Louisiana Senate Primary Against Cassidy
Sen. Bill Cassidy faces a tough Republican primary Saturday against two Trump-endorsed candidates in Louisiana. Recent polling shows him potentially finishing third and missing the June runoff. His 2021 impeachment vote and reluctance to fully back certain Trump health officials…
StatActing Director of FDA Drug Center Tracy Beth Høeg Leaves Agency
Tracy Beth Høeg, acting director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, is departing the agency. The departure comes days after Commissioner Marty Makary submitted his resignation. Michael Davis, the center’s current deputy director, will a…
citizen.co.zaRFK Jr. Announces He Will Not Run for President in 2028
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told KFF Health News he has no plans to seek the presidency again as a Republican. His remarks came amid tensions with some MAHA supporters over vaccine policy and recent Trump administration nominations at the CDC and sur…
usmagazine.comHHS Secretary Kennedy Says He Will Not Run for President in 2028
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated he has no plans to seek the presidency in 2028. Kennedy faces competing pressures from Make America Healthy Again supporters who want stronger action on vaccines and pesticides and from the Trump administration. He…
NewsweekCleveland Clinic Clarifies RFK Jr. Did Not Control Robotic Instruments During Live Heart Surgery
KFF Health News revised its story after Cleveland Clinic clarified that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did not operate robotic surgical instruments on a live heart patient. The initial version prompted social media backlash, including a widely viewed post by Brandy Zadrozny. Surgeon Vamsi…
medpagetoday.comNHS Approves Durvalumab for Treatment of Resectable Stomach Cancer
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has approved the immunotherapy drug durvalumab, also known as Imfinzi and made by AstraZeneca, for use by the NHS in adults with stomach cancer that has not spread extensively and can be surgically removed. An estimated 1,500…
thehindu.comTrump Administration Seeks Next FDA Commissioner to Rebuild Trust and Advance Reforms
The administration is moving quickly to find a successor after FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned on Tuesday. Officials want the next leader to rebuild trust with agency staff, emphasize food policy and continue drug-approval reforms. The search is expected to take several we…
sixthtone.comPatient Groups Seek Exemptions From Medicaid Work Requirements
Patient advocacy organizations are requesting automatic exemptions from new Medicaid work requirements for people with HIV and sickle cell disease. Federal officials must issue implementation guidance to states by June 1 with a deadline for states to enact the changes by Jan. 1.…
WiredAdministration Officials Discuss Fertility Rates and IVF Coverage at Maternal Health Event
Officials at a maternal health care event addressed declining fertility rates in the United States and announced a proposal for employers to offer coverage for in-vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments. Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited s…
france24.comEuropean Union Reaches Provisional Deal on Critical Medicines Act
The European Union reached a provisional agreement to boost domestic production of essential medicines and reduce reliance on imports. The Critical Medicines Act targets supply-chain weaknesses for more than 200 critical medicines, including antibiotics, insulin, vaccines, painki…
azernews.azStates Prepare Medicaid Work Requirements as Patient Groups Seek Exemptions for Chronic Illnesses
Patient advocates for sickle cell disease and HIV are pressing federal officials for automatic exemptions from new Medicaid work rules included in President Trump’s tax cut bill. Federal guidance is due by June 1 with states required to implement systems by Jan. 1. The accelerate…
The BbcMarty Makary Resigns as FDA Commissioner
President Donald Trump confirmed the departure of Marty Makary, who had served as FDA commissioner since March 2025. Kyle Diamantas, the agency's top food regulator, will step in as acting commissioner. Makary is the latest top health official to leave under Health and Human Serv…
StatMedicare Spending on New Alzheimer’s Drugs Falls Below Projections
Medicare payments for recently approved Alzheimer’s medications are coming in well below earlier forecasts. A spokesperson for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said uptake of the drugs has been muted and the agency is not projecting significant spending in 2026 or 2…
thehindu.comTanzania Health Ministry Outlines 11 Priorities for 2026/27 Budget
The Ministry for Health presented its budget review for the current financial year and estimates for 2026/27 to Parliament in Dodoma. Officials said the government will focus on expanding access to quality health services in urban and rural areas through 11 priorities.
StatMedicare Spending on Alzheimer’s Drugs Leqembi and Kisunla Far Below Initial Projections
Uptake of the recently approved intravenous medications has been far lower than anticipated, prompting the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to project no significant spending in 2026 or 2027. The muted adoption marks a sharp reversal from projections made two years ago.
NewsweekAdministration Proposes Standalone Fertility Benefits Including IVF Coverage
The administration announced a proposed federal rule Monday that would let employers offer fertility benefits such as in vitro fertilization coverage outside traditional health insurance plans. The measure creates a new category of limited excepted benefits with a $120,000 lifeti…
kff.orgOpenAI Releases Health Policy Proposals, Dexcom Updates CGM Devices
OpenAI has issued a set of health policy recommendations. Dexcom announced updates to its continuous glucose monitoring technology. The STAT Health Tech newsletter also reported industry pushback against whole body scans.
fda.govFDA Hires 350 Staff After Cutting 3,500 Positions Last Year
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired around 3,500 workers from the Food and Drug Administration last year. The agency is now seeking to hire more than 3,200 people, including scientific reviewers and investigators. As of late April, it had hired about 3…
france24.comZimbabwe Government Validates New National Health Strategy for 2026-2030
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora outlined the new five-year plan in Harare on 6 May 2026, calling it a roadmap tied to Vision 2030. The strategy was shaped through broad consultations and builds on recent gains in life expectancy, HIV targets and maternal mortality. Mombeshora…
iphoneincanada.caHealth Canada Launches Voluntary Breast Implant Registry
Health Canada has introduced a voluntary registry allowing patients and health-care professionals to receive direct alerts on breast implant recalls and safety issues. Patient advocates, doctors and a former committee member said the opt-in system falls short of recommendations f…
The FederalistAppeals Court Pauses FDA Mail-Order Mifepristone Permissions in Louisiana Case
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit granted Louisiana a stay that halts the Food and Drug Administration's mail-order distribution permissions for mifepristone. The decision follows a lawsuit citing state costs and health risks to women. The U.S. Supreme Court issued a…
prnewswire.comFDA Commissioner Defends Rejection of Two Drugs
The FDA commissioner defended recent drug rejections in a CNBC interview, citing adherence to scientific reviews amid reports of agency turmoil. Criticism includes a high-profile denial of a melanoma treatment from Replimune and pressure from President Trump over vape approvals.…
Usa TodayPoll Shows Paxton Leading Cornyn in Texas GOP Senate Runoff
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton holds a narrow lead over Senator John Cornyn in a recent poll for the Republican U.S. Senate runoff election set for May 26. The survey shows Paxton at 48% and Cornyn at 45% among likely voters, with 7% undecided. Key issues driving voter prefere…
winnipegfreepress.comPresident Trump Signs Executive Order Promoting Ibogaine Research for Mental Health Issues
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to encourage research on the psychedelic substance ibogaine for treating conditions including substance use disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This action follows the introduction of over 220 psychedelic…
manilatimes.netDrugmaker Asks Supreme Court to Review Mifepristone Mail-Order Limits
A pharmaceutical company producing the abortion pill mifepristone has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to block a federal appeals court ruling that prohibits mail-order distribution of the drug nationwide. The Fifth Circuit's decision restores in-person requirements for obtaini…
thewrap.comTrump Nominates Radiologist Dr. Nicole Saphier as Surgeon General After Withdrawing Dr. Casey Means Nomination
President Donald Trump nominated Dr. Nicole Saphier, a Fox News contributor and radiologist, for U.S. Surgeon General on Thursday. The move follows the withdrawal of Dr. Casey Means' nomination due to lack of Senate support. Anti-abortion groups praised Saphier for her personal s…
intuitiveaccountant.comFederal Agencies Debate Definition of Ultraprocessed Foods for MAHA Agenda
Federal regulators are working to define ultraprocessed foods as part of the Make America Healthy Again initiative. The process involves multiple agencies and remains unresolved. A strict definition could classify nearly three-quarters of U.S. foods as ultraprocessed.
thehindu.comPresident Trump Orders Agencies to Accelerate Research on Psychedelic Drugs
President Trump directed federal agencies to expedite research into therapeutic uses of psychedelic substances like LSD, peyote and MDMA. This follows a recent Justice Department action to loosen medical marijuana restrictions. The move contrasts with decades of conservative oppo…
insidermonkey.comNebraska Adds Work Requirements for Medicaid
Nebraska has become the first U.S. state to enforce new federal Medicaid work requirements under President Trump's recent tax and spending bill. The policy mandates 80 hours per month of work or approved activities for able-bodied adults aged 19 to 64 without dependents. Estimate…
thenation.comNebraska Implements Work Requirements for Medicaid
Nebraska implemented work requirements for certain Medicaid enrollees starting May 1, becoming the first state to do so under a federal law mandating such rules by 2027. The policy affects about 70,000 people and includes exemptions for health conditions and caregiving. Officials…
fda.govFDA Advisory Committee Schedules July 2026 Review of Compounding Pharmacies' Peptide Production
An FDA advisory committee is scheduled to evaluate authorizing compounding pharmacies to produce certain injectable peptides in July 2026. This follows a March 2026 public meeting where peptide inclusion in oral dietary supplements was discussed. The moves come amid ongoing debat…
thewrap.comTrump Withdraws Casey Means Nomination, Selects Nicole Saphier as Surgeon General
President Trump withdrew the stalled nomination of Casey Means for U.S. Surgeon General on Thursday and nominated radiologist Nicole Saphier instead. The move follows Senate resistance to Means, a key figure in the Make America Healthy Again movement. Trump blamed Sen. Bill Cassi…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewUS Appeals Court Upholds Kennedy Vaccine Policy Changes
The Department of Health and Human Services has appealed a federal judge's decision that halted changes to vaccine policies proposed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The lawsuit, filed by the American Association of Pediatrics and others, claims the changes violated admi…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewJudge Strikes Down RFK Jr.'s Directive on Minors' Medicaid Gender Care
A federal judge in Oregon ruled that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s December 2025 declaration on gender-affirming care for minors violates the law, following a lawsuit by 19 states and the District of Columbia. The ruling halts threats to withhold Med…
upi.comU.S. Updates Hepatitis B Vaccine Guidelines to Target Newborns at Risk of Infection
A new U.S. policy limits hepatitis B vaccine recommendations at birth to babies at risk of neonatal infection. Separately, Intellia Therapeutics reported positive trial results for its CRISPR treatment, and federal regulators announced new pathways for device coverage and psyched…
Mike Burdett from CROMER, UK / Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 2.0)Dozens of MPs Oppose Health Secretary's New NHS Drug Payment Powers
Dozens of MPs have expressed opposition to a health secretary's decision to gain authority over NHS drug pricing. The move involves overriding an institute's judgments on cost-effectiveness amid concerns about legality and potential benefits to pharmaceutical companies. Critics i…
Office of the President of the United States / Wikimedia (Public domain)Trump Administration Requests Pause in Lawsuit Over Vaccine Guidance Changes
The Trump administration has asked a federal court to pause proceedings in a lawsuit challenging updates to vaccine recommendations. Lawyers stated they are considering an appeal of a ruling that blocked the changes. The case involves health care groups opposing revisions made un…
nypost.comThe View Co-Hosts Criticize RFK Jr.'s Health Policies
Co-hosts of ABC's The View expressed concerns about Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s fitness for office and the administration's health policies during a Thursday broadcast. They referenced his Senate hearings and past personal struggles. The discussion…
theweek.comUK Assisted Dying Bill Fails to Pass Due to Time Constraints in House of Lords
A bill to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill people in England and Wales has failed after running out of parliamentary time in the House of Lords. The legislation, which passed the House of Commons in June 2025, did not complete scrutiny before the session's end. Advocate…
salon.comSenate Rejects Amendment to Defund Planned Parenthood
The U.S. Senate rejected an amendment proposed by Sen. Josh Hawley to ban federal funding for Planned Parenthood during a reconciliation bill vote-a-rama. Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted with Democrats against the measure. Pro-life groups and Hawley are no…