Berkeley Lovelace Jr.
@berkeleyjr.bsky.social
💊 🏛️ NBC News Medical Reporter mainly health policy, drugs & FDA
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Reposted by Berkeley Lovelace Jr.
Reposted by Berkeley Lovelace Jr.
LATEST: Rebelling against their leaders, four House Republicans sign onto a “discharge petition,” giving Democrats the 218 signatures needed to force a vote on a three-year extension of the Obamacare subsidies that are set to expire for millions of Americans on Dec. 31.
Centrist Republicans revolt, signing a petition to force a vote on Obamacare funding
The Affordable Care Act subsidies are still expected to expire at the end of this year, however, raising insurance premiums for millions of Americans.
nbcnews.to
December 17, 2025 at 3:27 PM
LATEST: Rebelling against their leaders, four House Republicans sign onto a “discharge petition,” giving Democrats the 218 signatures needed to force a vote on a three-year extension of the Obamacare subsidies that are set to expire for millions of Americans on Dec. 31.
Reposted by Berkeley Lovelace Jr.
NEW: More people appear to be walking away from Obamacare coverage or switching to cheaper plans for 2026 compared to this time last year, according to early enrollment data from several states.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
With Obamacare premium hikes, more people opting for no coverage or cheaper plans
Early state data reflects signs of financial strain for people who can’t afford to pay hundreds of dollars more in monthly premiums once enhanced federal subsidies expire at the end of the year.
www.nbcnews.com
December 11, 2025 at 8:53 PM
NEW: More people appear to be walking away from Obamacare coverage or switching to cheaper plans for 2026 compared to this time last year, according to early enrollment data from several states.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
CDC advisory panel rolls back universal hepatitis B vaccine recommendation
www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-...
www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-...
CDC advisory panel rolls back universal hepatitis B vaccine recommendation
The change upends decades of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and goes against widespread public health consensus.
www.nbcnews.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:52 PM
CDC advisory panel rolls back universal hepatitis B vaccine recommendation
www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-...
www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-...
NEW: Novo Nordisk says it still thinks GLP-1 drugs could be a promising treatment for Alzheimer’s, despite two major trials last month that found an older drug similar to Ozempic had no effect in slowing early-stage disease.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Novo Nordisk still sees potential for GLP-1 drugs for Alzheimer’s, despite trial setback
GLP-1 drugs, which include Ozempic and Wegovy, have become one of the most closely watched experimental approaches for slowing Alzheimer’s — a disease with few treatment options.
www.nbcnews.com
December 4, 2025 at 12:55 PM
NEW: Novo Nordisk says it still thinks GLP-1 drugs could be a promising treatment for Alzheimer’s, despite two major trials last month that found an older drug similar to Ozempic had no effect in slowing early-stage disease.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Reposted by Berkeley Lovelace Jr.
NEW: Hopes fade in Congress for a health care deal before premiums soar in January
Two weeks before recess, they're nowhere close.
Senate to vote on a bill of Dems' choosing; expected to fail.
Enhanced ACA funds set to expire, as many Republicans want.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Two weeks before recess, they're nowhere close.
Senate to vote on a bill of Dems' choosing; expected to fail.
Enhanced ACA funds set to expire, as many Republicans want.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Hopes fade in Congress for a health care deal before premiums soar in January
Billions of dollars in tax credits under the Affordable Care Act are poised to expire at the end of the year. Lawmakers in both parties say they're nowhere close to a deal to renew them.
www.nbcnews.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:40 PM
NEW: Hopes fade in Congress for a health care deal before premiums soar in January
Two weeks before recess, they're nowhere close.
Senate to vote on a bill of Dems' choosing; expected to fail.
Enhanced ACA funds set to expire, as many Republicans want.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Two weeks before recess, they're nowhere close.
Senate to vote on a bill of Dems' choosing; expected to fail.
Enhanced ACA funds set to expire, as many Republicans want.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
NEW: The FDA is claiming the Covid vaccine killed at least 10 children. Vaccine experts said the memo was irresponsible and omits key details about how officials arrived at the conclusion.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
FDA claims Covid shots killed 10 children and vows new vaccine rules
Vaccine experts said the memo was irresponsible and omits key details about how officials arrived at the conclusion.
www.nbcnews.com
November 29, 2025 at 6:36 PM
NEW: The FDA is claiming the Covid vaccine killed at least 10 children. Vaccine experts said the memo was irresponsible and omits key details about how officials arrived at the conclusion.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
NEW: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Tuesday announced lower prices on 15 costly prescription drugs under Medicare, including Ozempic and Wegovy.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Medicare announces price cuts for 15 prescription drugs, including Ozempic
The lower prices stem from the Medicare negotiation program created under the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act.
www.nbcnews.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:34 PM
NEW: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Tuesday announced lower prices on 15 costly prescription drugs under Medicare, including Ozempic and Wegovy.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Reposted by Berkeley Lovelace Jr.
What the government shutdown's end means for Obamacare subsidies
Story with @berkeleyjr.bsky.social: www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Story with @berkeleyjr.bsky.social: www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
What the government shutdown's end means for Obamacare subsidies
Open enrollment is well underway, and people who get their insurance through the Affordable Care Act have seen how much their costs will rise without the tax credits.
www.nbcnews.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:28 PM
What the government shutdown's end means for Obamacare subsidies
Story with @berkeleyjr.bsky.social: www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Story with @berkeleyjr.bsky.social: www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
NEW: The government shutdown has ended, but ACA subsidies are still set to expire. Premiums could double or triple for millions next year, and Congress has only weeks left to prevent it. ⏰💰
Reporting with @sahilkapur.bsky.social
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Reporting with @sahilkapur.bsky.social
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
What the government shutdown's end means for Obamacare subsidies
Open enrollment is well underway, and people who get their insurance through the Affordable Care Act have seen how much their costs will rise without the tax credits.
www.nbcnews.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:02 PM
NEW: The government shutdown has ended, but ACA subsidies are still set to expire. Premiums could double or triple for millions next year, and Congress has only weeks left to prevent it. ⏰💰
Reporting with @sahilkapur.bsky.social
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Reporting with @sahilkapur.bsky.social
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
As Trump touts new deals to cut the cost of blockbuster drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound, he’s barely mentioned Medicare’s drug price negotiation program — even though the government is expected to announce lower prices before the end of the month.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Trump’s drug pricing push sidelines Medicare negotiation program
Lower prices for 15 drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, are expected to be announced by the end of the month. The price negotiation program was created under Biden.
www.nbcnews.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:53 PM
As Trump touts new deals to cut the cost of blockbuster drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound, he’s barely mentioned Medicare’s drug price negotiation program — even though the government is expected to announce lower prices before the end of the month.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
NEW: Trump's weight loss drug deal promises big savings — but some details are murky
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Trump's weight loss drug deal promises big savings — but some details are murky
Experts say the deal to lower the cost of the drugs is ambitious, but left some with more questions than answers.
www.nbcnews.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:02 PM
NEW: Trump's weight loss drug deal promises big savings — but some details are murky
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Reposted by Berkeley Lovelace Jr.
As health insurance costs rise, more Americans may skip coverage or seek cheaper care outside their health plan.
USC Schaeffer’s Erin Duffy tells @nbcnews.com @berkeleyjr.bsky.social why that’s risky and explains how patients can negotiate to make #MedicalBills more manageable.
USC Schaeffer’s Erin Duffy tells @nbcnews.com @berkeleyjr.bsky.social why that’s risky and explains how patients can negotiate to make #MedicalBills more manageable.
Is it cheaper to pay for medical care without health insurance?
Hospitals or clinics may offer cash-only discounts to people who pay without insurance. But experts warn that health care isn't the place to bargain for the best deal.
www.nbcnews.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:36 PM
As health insurance costs rise, more Americans may skip coverage or seek cheaper care outside their health plan.
USC Schaeffer’s Erin Duffy tells @nbcnews.com @berkeleyjr.bsky.social why that’s risky and explains how patients can negotiate to make #MedicalBills more manageable.
USC Schaeffer’s Erin Duffy tells @nbcnews.com @berkeleyjr.bsky.social why that’s risky and explains how patients can negotiate to make #MedicalBills more manageable.
NEW: Faced with rising ACA premiums, some Americans say they plan to drop their coverage and instead put the money into savings.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
‘It’s only gotten worse’: As ACA premiums are set to climb, some Americans opt to go uninsured
Enhanced subsidies for Obamacare have kept premiums affordable. Absent action from Congress, they will expire at the end of the year.
www.nbcnews.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:02 PM
NEW: Faced with rising ACA premiums, some Americans say they plan to drop their coverage and instead put the money into savings.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Idaho kicks off Affordable Care Act open enrollment as premiums are set to rise nationwide www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Idaho kicks off Affordable Care Act open enrollment as premiums are set to rise nationwide
About 25,000 Idahoans are likely to drop their coverage for next year when enhanced subsidies expire.
www.nbcnews.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Idaho kicks off Affordable Care Act open enrollment as premiums are set to rise nationwide www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Reposted by Berkeley Lovelace Jr.
Millions of Americans are set to see their insurance premiums spike in 2026 if enhanced Obamacare subsidies aren't extended. As open enrollment approaches, many are starting to get letters informing them of just how much those increases will be.
by @berkeleyjr.bsky.social @nbcnews.com
by @berkeleyjr.bsky.social @nbcnews.com
Without Obamacare subsidies, this couple’s insurance premiums are set to go up almost $2,000
The subsidies are a key sticking point in the government shutdown: Democrats in Congress say that in order to secure their votes to reopen the government, they must be extended.
www.nbcnews.com
October 10, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Millions of Americans are set to see their insurance premiums spike in 2026 if enhanced Obamacare subsidies aren't extended. As open enrollment approaches, many are starting to get letters informing them of just how much those increases will be.
by @berkeleyjr.bsky.social @nbcnews.com
by @berkeleyjr.bsky.social @nbcnews.com
Your health insurance through work could face higher premiums next year www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Your health insurance through work could face higher premiums next year
Employer surveys estimate health plan costs will climb about 9% next year, which may show up in workers’ monthly premiums or through higher deductibles and copays.
www.nbcnews.com
October 7, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Your health insurance through work could face higher premiums next year www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Reposted by Berkeley Lovelace Jr.
“a family of four earning $113,000 a year could see its monthly premium jump by about $1,550”
Middle-class families on Obamacare brace for higher health care premiums next year www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Families on Obamacare brace for higher health care premiums next year
Tax credits made ACA plans affordable for middle-class families. They're set to expire at the end of this year.
www.nbcnews.com
September 13, 2025 at 2:11 PM
“a family of four earning $113,000 a year could see its monthly premium jump by about $1,550”
Middle-class families on Obamacare brace for higher health care premiums next year www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Families on Obamacare brace for higher health care premiums next year
Tax credits made ACA plans affordable for middle-class families. They're set to expire at the end of this year.
www.nbcnews.com
September 13, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Middle-class families on Obamacare brace for higher health care premiums next year www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Scoop! — Polling showing that a majority of Trump’s voters support vaccines was shared with several GOP lawmakers’ staffers in a closed-door meeting Wednesday, per two people familiar.
The poll results may explain the shift in tone from some GOP senators Thursday.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
The poll results may explain the shift in tone from some GOP senators Thursday.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Ahead of Kennedy hearing, GOP saw poll showing Trump voters support vaccines
The poll, conducted by veteran Republican pollsters, found that a majority of Trump voters believe vaccines save lives and support immunizations against measles and hepatitis B.
www.nbcnews.com
September 5, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Scoop! — Polling showing that a majority of Trump’s voters support vaccines was shared with several GOP lawmakers’ staffers in a closed-door meeting Wednesday, per two people familiar.
The poll results may explain the shift in tone from some GOP senators Thursday.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
The poll results may explain the shift in tone from some GOP senators Thursday.
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
NEW - During today's Senate hearing, Health Secretary RFK Jr. repeated false claims about Covid shots and, on several occasions, called Democratic senators liars. Notably, a number of GOP senators pressed Kennedy on vaccines.
Reporting w/ Aria Bendix
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Reporting w/ Aria Bendix
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Kennedy draws bipartisan pushback at Senate hearing over moves to limit vaccines
The health secretary got into heated exchanges with senators who questioned his vaccine policies and his decision to oust the CDC director.
www.nbcnews.com
September 4, 2025 at 8:36 PM
NEW - During today's Senate hearing, Health Secretary RFK Jr. repeated false claims about Covid shots and, on several occasions, called Democratic senators liars. Notably, a number of GOP senators pressed Kennedy on vaccines.
Reporting w/ Aria Bendix
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Reporting w/ Aria Bendix
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Reposted by Berkeley Lovelace Jr.
At least four top officials have resigned in the wake of CDC director Monarez's firing
@erikaedwards.bsky.social @berkeleyjr.bsky.social
@erikaedwards.bsky.social @berkeleyjr.bsky.social
CDC director pushed out, flood of top resignations follow
The ouster comes at a tumultuous time for the embattled health agency. Other top officials also submitted their resignations Wednesday.
www.nbcnews.com
August 27, 2025 at 10:16 PM
At least four top officials have resigned in the wake of CDC director Monarez's firing
@erikaedwards.bsky.social @berkeleyjr.bsky.social
@erikaedwards.bsky.social @berkeleyjr.bsky.social
Reposted by Berkeley Lovelace Jr.
I appreciated the opportunity to discuss with @berkeleyjr.bsky.social the research toward my forthcoming book on health insurance denials and how they drive administrative burdens of appealing — an endurance contest that many patients forego. www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcn...
Why a Michigan man waited over a month in the hospital for stroke rehab
His doctors recommended that he start an intensive rehab program within days of his stroke.
www.nbcnews.com
August 20, 2025 at 12:44 AM
I appreciated the opportunity to discuss with @berkeleyjr.bsky.social the research toward my forthcoming book on health insurance denials and how they drive administrative burdens of appealing — an endurance contest that many patients forego. www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcn...
NEW: The FDA warned about unapproved thyroid pills, then — after MAHA backlash— said it'll "ensure access" to them
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
FDA warns about unapproved thyroid pills — then says it'll "ensure access" to them
The apparent reversal illustrates the power of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, particularly with its focus on “natural” drugs.
www.nbcnews.com
August 14, 2025 at 9:53 PM
NEW: The FDA warned about unapproved thyroid pills, then — after MAHA backlash— said it'll "ensure access" to them
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...