Daniel Payne
@danielpayne.bsky.social
Washington Correspondent @statnews.com
daniel.payne (at) statnews (dot) com
Signal: danielp.100
@politico.com / Ole Miss alum
daniel.payne (at) statnews (dot) com
Signal: danielp.100
@politico.com / Ole Miss alum
Reposted by Daniel Payne
So about TrumpRx: We crunched the numbers today and about half of the drugs on there have cheaper generics available already. www.statnews.com/2026/02/06/t...
February 6, 2026 at 11:09 PM
So about TrumpRx: We crunched the numbers today and about half of the drugs on there have cheaper generics available already. www.statnews.com/2026/02/06/t...
TrumpRx claims to offer the lowest prices. But many drugs have cheaper generics.
(Full story below)
(Full story below)
February 7, 2026 at 3:59 PM
TrumpRx claims to offer the lowest prices. But many drugs have cheaper generics.
(Full story below)
(Full story below)
In a break from other major U.S. medical groups, plastic surgeons society recommends delaying gender-affirming procedures until age 19
w/ @theresagaff.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/02/03/g...
w/ @theresagaff.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/02/03/g...
Plastic surgeons society recommends delaying gender-affirming procedures until age 19
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommended that gender-affirming surgeries be delayed until a patient is at least 19 years old
www.statnews.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:20 PM
In a break from other major U.S. medical groups, plastic surgeons society recommends delaying gender-affirming procedures until age 19
w/ @theresagaff.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/02/03/g...
w/ @theresagaff.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/02/03/g...
Reposted by Daniel Payne
In a @kff.org survey from fall '25, nearly half of likely undocumented immigrant adults, and one in seven who are lawfully present, said they had avoided medical care since January '25 due to immigration-related concerns -- recent increases in ICE presence could further exacerbate these challenges
February 3, 2026 at 4:10 PM
In a @kff.org survey from fall '25, nearly half of likely undocumented immigrant adults, and one in seven who are lawfully present, said they had avoided medical care since January '25 due to immigration-related concerns -- recent increases in ICE presence could further exacerbate these challenges
Reposted by Daniel Payne
The ICE crackdown is having all kinds of far-reaching consequences — including on immigrants' health. @danielpayne.bsky.social reports on how patients are delaying or avoiding treatment because of the risks of leaving their homes, leading to unnecessary suffering
www.statnews.com/2026/02/03/i...
www.statnews.com/2026/02/03/i...
Fearing ICE crackdown, immigrants nationally are avoiding treatment, sometimes with dire consequences
Doctors nationally are describing harrowing consequences for patients who put off medical care because of fears of ICE.
www.statnews.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:32 PM
The ICE crackdown is having all kinds of far-reaching consequences — including on immigrants' health. @danielpayne.bsky.social reports on how patients are delaying or avoiding treatment because of the risks of leaving their homes, leading to unnecessary suffering
www.statnews.com/2026/02/03/i...
www.statnews.com/2026/02/03/i...
Doctors nationwide are seeing patients avoid care amid ICE crackdowns, sometimes with dire consequences.
Health providers are now employing pandemic-era tactics to keep care accessible.
How immigration policy is changing American health care:
www.statnews.com/2026/02/03/i...
Health providers are now employing pandemic-era tactics to keep care accessible.
How immigration policy is changing American health care:
www.statnews.com/2026/02/03/i...
Fearing ICE crackdown, immigrants nationally are avoiding treatment, sometimes with dire consequences
Doctors nationally are describing harrowing consequences for patients who put off medical care because of fears of ICE.
www.statnews.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Doctors nationwide are seeing patients avoid care amid ICE crackdowns, sometimes with dire consequences.
Health providers are now employing pandemic-era tactics to keep care accessible.
How immigration policy is changing American health care:
www.statnews.com/2026/02/03/i...
Health providers are now employing pandemic-era tactics to keep care accessible.
How immigration policy is changing American health care:
www.statnews.com/2026/02/03/i...
Top Trump officials push Senate Republicans on new drug price legislation
www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/m...
www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/m...
Oz, other officials meet with key senators to push Trump’s ideas for lower drug prices
Trump wants lawmakers to force pharma companies to lower their prices, but it's not clear the GOP is on board.
www.statnews.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Top Trump officials push Senate Republicans on new drug price legislation
www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/m...
www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/m...
Reposted by Daniel Payne
#CDC sets the list of vaccinations recommended for all kids. But decisions about which inoculations kids require for school entry are made at the state level. Anti-vax forces are shifting their focus there @danielpayne.bsky.social & @isabellacueto.bsky.social report. www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/v...
With new vaccine schedule secured, RFK Jr. allies head to statehouses
The overhaul of the federal vaccine schedule sent shockwaves through American health care. Now battles over vaccine laws are moving to statehouses across the country.
www.statnews.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:35 PM
#CDC sets the list of vaccinations recommended for all kids. But decisions about which inoculations kids require for school entry are made at the state level. Anti-vax forces are shifting their focus there @danielpayne.bsky.social & @isabellacueto.bsky.social report. www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/v...
Reposted by Daniel Payne
NEW: RFK Jr.'s allies on vaccine policies are already on the move in statehouses across the country, seeking to roll back school entry requirements and expand exemptions.
Via @danielpayne.bsky.social @isabellacueto.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/v...
Via @danielpayne.bsky.social @isabellacueto.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/v...
With new vaccine schedule secured, RFK Jr. allies head to statehouses
The overhaul of the federal vaccine schedule sent shockwaves through American health care. Now battles over vaccine laws are moving to statehouses across the country.
www.statnews.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:51 PM
NEW: RFK Jr.'s allies on vaccine policies are already on the move in statehouses across the country, seeking to roll back school entry requirements and expand exemptions.
Via @danielpayne.bsky.social @isabellacueto.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/v...
Via @danielpayne.bsky.social @isabellacueto.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/v...
With a new U.S. vaccine schedule in hand, RFK Jr. allies aim for a bigger prize: changing state law
If they're successful, vaccine requirements for schools and daycares could be a thing of the past
w/ @isabellacueto.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/v...
If they're successful, vaccine requirements for schools and daycares could be a thing of the past
w/ @isabellacueto.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/v...
With new vaccine schedule secured, RFK Jr. allies head to statehouses
The overhaul of the federal vaccine schedule sent shockwaves through American health care. Now battles over vaccine laws are moving to statehouses across the country.
www.statnews.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:01 PM
With a new U.S. vaccine schedule in hand, RFK Jr. allies aim for a bigger prize: changing state law
If they're successful, vaccine requirements for schools and daycares could be a thing of the past
w/ @isabellacueto.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/v...
If they're successful, vaccine requirements for schools and daycares could be a thing of the past
w/ @isabellacueto.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/v...
CDC pauses billions in public health infrastructure grants to states
via @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/24/p...
via @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/24/p...
CDC pauses billions in public health infrastructure grants to states
The CDC has paused more than 100 grants to states and organizations to update infrastructure for public health projects.
www.statnews.com
January 24, 2026 at 6:34 PM
CDC pauses billions in public health infrastructure grants to states
via @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/24/p...
via @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/24/p...
Planned Parenthood has had a bruising few years.
But in many ways, the group isn't changing course in Washington, its CEO tells STAT.
She wishes other health sector leaders would do the same.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/23/h...
But in many ways, the group isn't changing course in Washington, its CEO tells STAT.
She wishes other health sector leaders would do the same.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/23/h...
Planned Parenthood CEO won’t negotiate with ‘bullies’
And other health news today from the Morning Rounds newsletter
www.statnews.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Planned Parenthood has had a bruising few years.
But in many ways, the group isn't changing course in Washington, its CEO tells STAT.
She wishes other health sector leaders would do the same.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/23/h...
But in many ways, the group isn't changing course in Washington, its CEO tells STAT.
She wishes other health sector leaders would do the same.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/23/h...
Health insurance execs shift blame for costly, confusing health care system
www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/h...
www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/h...
Health insurance execs shift blame for costly, confusing health care system
Health insurance execs blame the high cost of health care on hospitals, doctors, and prescription drugs.
www.statnews.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:19 PM
Health insurance execs shift blame for costly, confusing health care system
www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/h...
www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/h...
The top CDC vaccine advisor downplayed established vaccine science in an interview published today — and suggested policy goals, not new research, were the driving force behind new government recommendations in recent months.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/v...
www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/v...
Top CDC vaccine adviser questions need for polio shot, other longstanding recommendations
The chair of a federal vaccine advisory panel charted a new course for the committee in a podcast released Thursday, questioning longstanding recommendations.
www.statnews.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:29 PM
The top CDC vaccine advisor downplayed established vaccine science in an interview published today — and suggested policy goals, not new research, were the driving force behind new government recommendations in recent months.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/v...
www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/v...
Trump announced a health plan that, if passed into law, would have implications for the entire sector.
But the plan is vague (no bill text), hasn't been scored for cost, doesn't address ACA subsidies, and has to be sold to a skeptical Congress.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/t...
But the plan is vague (no bill text), hasn't been scored for cost, doesn't address ACA subsidies, and has to be sold to a skeptical Congress.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/t...
Trump releases health care plan amid pressure over affordability
Trump's most consequential proposals would require action from Congress.
www.statnews.com
January 15, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Trump announced a health plan that, if passed into law, would have implications for the entire sector.
But the plan is vague (no bill text), hasn't been scored for cost, doesn't address ACA subsidies, and has to be sold to a skeptical Congress.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/t...
But the plan is vague (no bill text), hasn't been scored for cost, doesn't address ACA subsidies, and has to be sold to a skeptical Congress.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/t...
RFK Jr. said the new vaccine schedule was meant to restore trust in federal recommendations.
But major health systems don't appear to trust the new guidance — instead saying they plan to ignore it.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/n...
But major health systems don't appear to trust the new guidance — instead saying they plan to ignore it.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/n...
Hospitals and doctors are ignoring RFK Jr.’s new vaccine schedule and relying on pediatricians’ guidance instead
Their decisions underscore a growing divide between federal health authorities and major medical groups.
www.statnews.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:31 PM
RFK Jr. said the new vaccine schedule was meant to restore trust in federal recommendations.
But major health systems don't appear to trust the new guidance — instead saying they plan to ignore it.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/n...
But major health systems don't appear to trust the new guidance — instead saying they plan to ignore it.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/n...
HHS dismisses member of vaccine injury advisory panel, via @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/13/h...
www.statnews.com/2026/01/13/h...
HHS dismisses member of vaccine injury advisory panel
RFK Jr. is considering changes to the federal vaccine injury compensation program.
www.statnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:08 PM
HHS dismisses member of vaccine injury advisory panel, via @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/13/h...
www.statnews.com/2026/01/13/h...
New: RFK Jr. adds two OB-GYNs to vaccine advisory panel amid review of shots for pregnant women
w/ @lizzylawrence.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/13/n...
w/ @lizzylawrence.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/13/n...
Kennedy adds two OB-GYNs to vaccine advisory panel amid review of shots for pregnant women
ACIP is reviewing the shots recommended for pregnant women as RFK Jr. upends federal vaccine policy.
www.statnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM
New: RFK Jr. adds two OB-GYNs to vaccine advisory panel amid review of shots for pregnant women
w/ @lizzylawrence.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/13/n...
w/ @lizzylawrence.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/13/n...
Some vaccine critics hope changes to the vaccine schedule will strip makers of the shots of longstanding liability shields.
But legal experts — and industry insiders — aren't so sure.
w/ @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/08/v...
But legal experts — and industry insiders — aren't so sure.
w/ @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/08/v...
Slashing of U.S. vaccine schedule creates new uncertainty on manufacturers’ legal protections
RFK Jr.’s allies hope reducing the number of recommended pediatric vaccines opens the door to stripping vaccine makers of the liability shields.
www.statnews.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Some vaccine critics hope changes to the vaccine schedule will strip makers of the shots of longstanding liability shields.
But legal experts — and industry insiders — aren't so sure.
w/ @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/08/v...
But legal experts — and industry insiders — aren't so sure.
w/ @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/01/08/v...
Reposted by Daniel Payne
The industry connections of an advisory panel for the new dietary guidelines are notable, especially in light of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s criticism of corporate influence.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/07/n...
www.statnews.com/2026/01/07/n...
Panel behind new dietary guidelines had financial ties to beef, dairy industries
The industry connections of an advisory panel for the new dietary guidelines are notable, especially in light of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s criticism of corporate influence.
www.statnews.com
January 7, 2026 at 8:06 PM
The industry connections of an advisory panel for the new dietary guidelines are notable, especially in light of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s criticism of corporate influence.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/07/n...
www.statnews.com/2026/01/07/n...
A first look at where the $50 billion rural health fund will go — and the MAHA priorities that funding will support:
www.statnews.com/2025/12/29/t...
www.statnews.com/2025/12/29/t...
CMS divvies up first payments from $50B rural health fund, with an eye toward MAHA goals
The Trump administration on Monday announced the distribution of the first payments from a new $50 billion rural health fund — but not all states are getting equal payouts.
www.statnews.com
December 29, 2025 at 6:15 PM
A first look at where the $50 billion rural health fund will go — and the MAHA priorities that funding will support:
www.statnews.com/2025/12/29/t...
www.statnews.com/2025/12/29/t...
2026 is set to be a hugely consequential year for America’s vaccine policy.
What’s on the horizon:
www.statnews.com/2025/12/24/v...
What’s on the horizon:
www.statnews.com/2025/12/24/v...
The 3 biggest issues to watch in vaccine policy in 2026
STAT examines how U.S. vaccine policy is set to change next year.
www.statnews.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:30 PM
2026 is set to be a hugely consequential year for America’s vaccine policy.
What’s on the horizon:
www.statnews.com/2025/12/24/v...
What’s on the horizon:
www.statnews.com/2025/12/24/v...
Reposted by Daniel Payne
Robert Kennedy has long disbelieved the science around the safety & benefits of vaccines. Since becoming HHS head, he's wasted no time in altering vaccine policy. And there's more to come in 2026, @statnews.com's @danielpayne.bsky.social reports. www.statnews.com/2025/12/24/v...
The 3 biggest issues to watch in vaccine policy in 2026
STAT examines how U.S. vaccine policy is set to change next year.
www.statnews.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Robert Kennedy has long disbelieved the science around the safety & benefits of vaccines. Since becoming HHS head, he's wasted no time in altering vaccine policy. And there's more to come in 2026, @statnews.com's @danielpayne.bsky.social reports. www.statnews.com/2025/12/24/v...