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(dot) Gov: The Government Workers Behind Justice And Intelligence
Jan 9, 2025
Julie Rovner, Chief Washington correspondent for KFF Health News, Dan Diamond, National health reporter for The Washington Post, and Samuel Bagenstas, former general counsel of HHS, dive into the inner workings of the Department of Health and Human Services. They discuss the profound impact of HHS on American healthcare, potential vaccine policy changes under new leadership, and the looming threat of bird flu. Their insights reveal the tension between political influences and the vital role of career public servants in safeguarding public health.
38:35
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights the Department of Health and Human Services' vital role in ensuring public health through regulation and funding of health programs.
- It warns that potential leadership changes, such as appointing Robert F. Kennedy Jr., could impact vaccine policies and public health trust significantly.
Deep dives
Roles and Responsibilities of HHS
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plays a crucial role in managing health care delivery in America. It administers health insurance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, regulates food and drugs through the FDA, and oversees public health initiatives via the CDC. HHS's functions, including the development and distribution of vaccines, impact Americans' daily lives, often without their knowledge. By ensuring safe food, drugs, and health insurance, HHS operates quietly in the background, maintaining the health and safety of the nation.
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