The Gist Healthcare Podcast Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Jul 30, 2025
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is gearing up to dismiss a key panel for preventive services, raising concerns among critics. UnitedHealth Group has cut its earnings forecast for 2025 due to rising medical costs, with hopes for recovery in 2026. Alarmingly, pediatric flu deaths have surged, reaching unprecedented levels outside of pandemic seasons, alongside low vaccination rates. Meanwhile, Doximity is launching an Ambient AI Scribe to ease documentation struggles for clinicians.
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Task Force Removal Could Politicize Prevention
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to remove the 16-member U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which guides insurer coverage of preventive care under the ACA.
- The move follows a Supreme Court decision confirming HHS oversight and raises concerns about politicizing evidence-based preventive recommendations.
Advocate To Protect Nonpartisan Advisory Roles
- Health groups like the American Medical Association advise HHS to preserve the Task Force's nonpartisan role in preventive care recommendations.
- Advocate publicly and via professional organizations to protect evidence-based advisory bodies from political replacement.
UnitedHealth Lowers 2025 Outlook
- UnitedHealth cut its 2025 earnings outlook sharply due to rising medical costs and higher utilization driving a worse medical loss ratio.
- The company expects to reposition operations and return to earnings growth in 2026 despite near-term profit pressure.