The Gist Healthcare Podcast Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Jun 4, 2025
The Trump Administration unveils a contentious budget proposal that slashes funding for the Department of Health and Human Services. A staggering $18 billion cut to NIH raises eyebrows, alongside plans to consolidate its institutes. Meanwhile, the FDA introduces ELSA, an AI tool aimed at streamlining safety processes. Hospitals grapple with the financial burden of violence response, revealing hidden costs beyond direct treatment. Plus, Epic's progress in data exchange under TEFCA marks a significant evolution in healthcare connectivity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Large HHS Cuts And Consolidation
- The proposed HHS discretionary budget drops more than 25%, from $127B to ~$95B, signaling major federal health spending retrenchment.
- The plan consolidates NIH institutes and HHS divisions while eliminating programs and thousands of contracts to drive those cuts.
NIH Funding Slashed And Reorganized
- NIH funding would drop roughly $18 billion, from about $48.5B to $27.5B, and the agency would shrink from 27 institutes to 8.
- The budget also creates a new Administration for a Healthy America to consolidate SAMHSA and HRSA with ~$14B proposed.
Workforce Reductions To Save Billions
- The proposal reduces HHS workforce toward ~90% of pre-COVID staffing, projecting about $3B annual savings.
- It also plans to close regional offices and cancel over 5,000 contracts to achieve cuts.