The Gist Healthcare Podcast Friday, June 13, 2025
Jun 13, 2025
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shakes things up by removing members from the CDC's vaccine advisory panel, aiming to restore trust in vaccine science. Meanwhile, Moody's downgrades UnitedHealth Group’s credit rating due to rising Medicare costs and cyber threats. In a surprising twist, states file lawsuits to protect consumers’ genetic data from 23andMe's sale amidst its financial downfall and impending bankruptcy. Tune in for insights on these hot topics and their implications for public health.
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Major Shakeup At CDC Vaccine Panel
- HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed ACIP members claiming conflicts and then named eight new advisors with prominent vaccine critics.
- The new panel includes figures like Robert Malone and Martin Kulldorff who have publicly opposed COVID measures.
New Appointees Bring Anti-Vaccine Views
- Several new ACIP appointees have histories of criticizing vaccines or pandemic policies, shifting the panel's public stance.
- This change could reshape ACIP recommendations and influence vaccine policy and insurance coverage.
Watch UnitedHealth's Credit Outlook
- Monitor UnitedHealth's financial signals if you rely on MA networks or payers because rating agencies revised outlooks to negative.
- Prepare for potential operational or billing disruptions tied to cyberattacks and DOJ scrutiny.