The Gist Healthcare Podcast Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Jun 11, 2025
All 17 members of the independent vaccine panel have been fired, raising eyebrows about transparency. Recent polling reveals widespread public concern over Medicaid cuts linked to new legislation. On a brighter note, Omada Health achieves a noteworthy IPO, setting the stage for AI innovations in health management. Additionally, job growth in the healthcare sector remains robust, with significant gains reported across various facilities. Meanwhile, a pharmacy benefit manager group prepares to challenge Arkansas laws.
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ACIP Entirely Dismissed
- HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the CDC's ACIP citing conflicts of interest and to "re-establish public confidence."
- The move is notable because ACIP usually guides vaccine policy and Kennedy had earlier promised to keep the panel during his confirmation.
Conflict Claims Without Examples
- Kennedy justified the removals by alleging persistent conflicts of interest and pharma funding among committee members but provided no specific examples.
- The abrupt action risks replacing experts with politically-aligned appointees and prompted concern from Sen. Bill Cassidy about vaccine expertise.
Medicaid Cuts Drive Public Concern
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act would cut about $1 trillion in federal health spending over a decade, with $864 billion from Medicaid and policies like work requirements.
- KFF polling shows major public concern that these cuts would increase uninsured rates and strain local health providers.