Fenit Nirappil
@fenitn.bsky.social
I edit coverage of public health and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the Washington Post.
Contact: fenitn.33 on Signal; fenit.nirappil@washpost.com
Contact: fenitn.33 on Signal; fenit.nirappil@washpost.com
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
Breaking news: The FDA will ask drug manufacturers to remove a warning on hormone replacement therapies that some doctors say has long prevented women from taking medications aimed at treating the symptoms of menopause.
Hormone replacement therapy for menopause could become easier to access
The FDA is asking drug manufactures to remove black box warnings on hormone replacement therapy for menopause, which could make it easier for women to access the treatment.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Breaking news: The FDA will ask drug manufacturers to remove a warning on hormone replacement therapies that some doctors say has long prevented women from taking medications aimed at treating the symptoms of menopause.
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
The Post (me and @kcrowebasspro.bsky.social) analyzed the social media posts and appearances of prominent politicians across the country.
We found that no one is talking about climate change anymore. In 2025, mentions are 60% lower than in 2024.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
We found that no one is talking about climate change anymore. In 2025, mentions are 60% lower than in 2024.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
November 10, 2025 at 4:24 PM
The Post (me and @kcrowebasspro.bsky.social) analyzed the social media posts and appearances of prominent politicians across the country.
We found that no one is talking about climate change anymore. In 2025, mentions are 60% lower than in 2024.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
We found that no one is talking about climate change anymore. In 2025, mentions are 60% lower than in 2024.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
Amazing window into the anti-vaccine movement from @laurenweberhp.bsky.social's trip to the CHD conference.
The father of an unvaccinated girl who died of measles said "he would do everything in his power to protect his children from vaccines" wapo.st/49HVH6S
The father of an unvaccinated girl who died of measles said "he would do everything in his power to protect his children from vaccines" wapo.st/49HVH6S
‘God is an anti-vaxxer’: Inside the conference celebrating RFK Jr.’s rise
An anti-vaccine conference in Austin celebrated Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s rise to political power, highlighting his influence in Trump’s Washington.
wapo.st
November 10, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Amazing window into the anti-vaccine movement from @laurenweberhp.bsky.social's trip to the CHD conference.
The father of an unvaccinated girl who died of measles said "he would do everything in his power to protect his children from vaccines" wapo.st/49HVH6S
The father of an unvaccinated girl who died of measles said "he would do everything in his power to protect his children from vaccines" wapo.st/49HVH6S
Americans across the country face soaring ACA premiums as Republicans in Congress decline to extend enhanced subsidies that could cushion the blow.
@paigecunningham.bsky.social tells some of their stories. Gift link: wapo.st/43Q4Iag
@paigecunningham.bsky.social tells some of their stories. Gift link: wapo.st/43Q4Iag
ACA health care premiums are rising. These 8 Americans showed us how much.
Premiums for health insurance sold through the Affordable Care Act are soaring because of the expiration of enhanced subsidies at the heart of the government shutdown.
wapo.st
November 8, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Americans across the country face soaring ACA premiums as Republicans in Congress decline to extend enhanced subsidies that could cushion the blow.
@paigecunningham.bsky.social tells some of their stories. Gift link: wapo.st/43Q4Iag
@paigecunningham.bsky.social tells some of their stories. Gift link: wapo.st/43Q4Iag
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
Trump is set to announce deal Thursday to lower price of Lilly, Novo obesity drugs for some Medicare beneficiaries.
Part of "most favored nation" pricing push — with potential for public health impact.
(On a separate note: Trump calls these drugs "the fat pill" and has questioned if they work.)
Part of "most favored nation" pricing push — with potential for public health impact.
(On a separate note: Trump calls these drugs "the fat pill" and has questioned if they work.)
White House nears deal to lower obesity drug prices for Medicare coverage
The price of Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk drugs could be lowered to $149 per month in some cases.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Trump is set to announce deal Thursday to lower price of Lilly, Novo obesity drugs for some Medicare beneficiaries.
Part of "most favored nation" pricing push — with potential for public health impact.
(On a separate note: Trump calls these drugs "the fat pill" and has questioned if they work.)
Part of "most favored nation" pricing push — with potential for public health impact.
(On a separate note: Trump calls these drugs "the fat pill" and has questioned if they work.)
“Andres-Tysch had considered going as “Ho Biden” but ultimately went the Slutdown route”
(I’m good with suburban trick or treating instead of going out tonight) www.washingtonpost.com/style/power/...
(I’m good with suburban trick or treating instead of going out tonight) www.washingtonpost.com/style/power/...
Halloween costumes only D.C. would get: ‘Hooyah’ Melania and a riff on RIF
“What are we supposed to do? Just like, wallow in self-pity forever?”
www.washingtonpost.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:37 PM
“Andres-Tysch had considered going as “Ho Biden” but ultimately went the Slutdown route”
(I’m good with suburban trick or treating instead of going out tonight) www.washingtonpost.com/style/power/...
(I’m good with suburban trick or treating instead of going out tonight) www.washingtonpost.com/style/power/...
Means, who was more than 40 weeks pregnant, went into labor and the hearing is now postponed www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
October 30, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Means, who was more than 40 weeks pregnant, went into labor and the hearing is now postponed www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Casey Means, a MAHA leader and RFK Jr. ally, is appearing before the Senate tomorrow for her confirmation hearing.
Our podcast episode today starring @laurenweberhp.bsky.social dives deep into her history www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/pos...
Our podcast episode today starring @laurenweberhp.bsky.social dives deep into her history www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/pos...
Casey Means: A MAHA leader, and the next surgeon general? - The Washington Post
Casey Means left mainstream medicine. She could soon be in a position to change it as the next U.S. surgeon general.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Casey Means, a MAHA leader and RFK Jr. ally, is appearing before the Senate tomorrow for her confirmation hearing.
Our podcast episode today starring @laurenweberhp.bsky.social dives deep into her history www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/pos...
Our podcast episode today starring @laurenweberhp.bsky.social dives deep into her history www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/pos...
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
NEW: A Department of Veterans Affairs memo obtained by ProPublica sets up new roadblocks to care for male veterans with breast cancer.
The agency cites no new science but relies on an executive order about “restoring biological truth” in government.
The agency cites no new science but relies on an executive order about “restoring biological truth” in government.
Citing Trump Order on “Biological Truth,” VA Makes It Harder for Male Veterans With Breast Cancer to Get Coverage
A Department of Veterans Affairs memo obtained by ProPublica erects new roadblocks to care for veterans with the rare but deadly cancer. The agency cites no new science but relies on an executive order about “restoring biological truth” in government.
www.propublica.org
October 29, 2025 at 12:01 PM
NEW: A Department of Veterans Affairs memo obtained by ProPublica sets up new roadblocks to care for male veterans with breast cancer.
The agency cites no new science but relies on an executive order about “restoring biological truth” in government.
The agency cites no new science but relies on an executive order about “restoring biological truth” in government.
The costs of insurance plans are now visible at Healthcare.gov, and we scooped last week that the benchmark premium is spiking 30%.
We're looking to tell the stories of Americans facing soaring insurance costs. You can share your experiences here: thewashingtonpost.formstack.com/forms/obamac...
We're looking to tell the stories of Americans facing soaring insurance costs. You can share your experiences here: thewashingtonpost.formstack.com/forms/obamac...
October 29, 2025 at 4:50 PM
The costs of insurance plans are now visible at Healthcare.gov, and we scooped last week that the benchmark premium is spiking 30%.
We're looking to tell the stories of Americans facing soaring insurance costs. You can share your experiences here: thewashingtonpost.formstack.com/forms/obamac...
We're looking to tell the stories of Americans facing soaring insurance costs. You can share your experiences here: thewashingtonpost.formstack.com/forms/obamac...
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
New from me: After a whooping cough outbreak killed two infants, Louisiana health officials waited months to officially alert physicians or do public outreach.
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
Louisiana officials waited months to warn public of whooping cough outbreak
After a whooping cough outbreak killed two infants, Louisiana health officials waited months to officially alert physicians or do public outreach. That's not the typical public health response.
www.npr.org
October 28, 2025 at 12:50 PM
New from me: After a whooping cough outbreak killed two infants, Louisiana health officials waited months to officially alert physicians or do public outreach.
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
I am so invested in this drama just a few paragraphs in www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
October 26, 2025 at 4:23 PM
I am so invested in this drama just a few paragraphs in www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
SCOOP!
Post reporter Paige Winfield Cunningham obtained documents showing that average Obamacare premiums are set to spike 30 percent.
This escalates the stakes of the government shutdown fight over soaring insurance costs wapo.st/477rixd
Post reporter Paige Winfield Cunningham obtained documents showing that average Obamacare premiums are set to spike 30 percent.
This escalates the stakes of the government shutdown fight over soaring insurance costs wapo.st/477rixd
Average Obamacare premiums are set to rise 30 percent, documents show
The price increases — affecting up to 17 million Americans who buy coverage on the federal marketplace — are by far the largest annual premium increases in recent years.
wapo.st
October 24, 2025 at 4:34 PM
SCOOP!
Post reporter Paige Winfield Cunningham obtained documents showing that average Obamacare premiums are set to spike 30 percent.
This escalates the stakes of the government shutdown fight over soaring insurance costs wapo.st/477rixd
Post reporter Paige Winfield Cunningham obtained documents showing that average Obamacare premiums are set to spike 30 percent.
This escalates the stakes of the government shutdown fight over soaring insurance costs wapo.st/477rixd
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
Ivermectin took on symbolic power during the pandemic, despite being ineffective against coronavirus. Now, Florida wants to study it for cancer.
My @washingtonpost.com latest examines how a Joe Rogan, Mel Gibson podcast translates to research dollars
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
My @washingtonpost.com latest examines how a Joe Rogan, Mel Gibson podcast translates to research dollars
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
How a Joe Rogan-Mel Gibson podcast inspired Florida’s cancer research focus
Following a Joe Rogan, Mel Gibson podcast, Florida wants to study whether ivermectin could work against cancer. There is not yet evidence it would.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Ivermectin took on symbolic power during the pandemic, despite being ineffective against coronavirus. Now, Florida wants to study it for cancer.
My @washingtonpost.com latest examines how a Joe Rogan, Mel Gibson podcast translates to research dollars
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
My @washingtonpost.com latest examines how a Joe Rogan, Mel Gibson podcast translates to research dollars
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
An HIV outbreak in Indiana a decade ago showed the urgency of clean syringe exchanges.
@davidovalle.bsky.social went to that community to report on the stakes of Trump's crackdown on these programs. Powerful photography from Maxine Wallace too www.washingtonpost.com/health/inter...
@davidovalle.bsky.social went to that community to report on the stakes of Trump's crackdown on these programs. Powerful photography from Maxine Wallace too www.washingtonpost.com/health/inter...
These drug-safety programs have saved lives, but they could disappear
A decade after a historic HIV outbreak in Indiana, syringe programs that helped contain the crisis are at risk of disappearing due to federal funding restrictions and local opposition.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 19, 2025 at 2:33 PM
An HIV outbreak in Indiana a decade ago showed the urgency of clean syringe exchanges.
@davidovalle.bsky.social went to that community to report on the stakes of Trump's crackdown on these programs. Powerful photography from Maxine Wallace too www.washingtonpost.com/health/inter...
@davidovalle.bsky.social went to that community to report on the stakes of Trump's crackdown on these programs. Powerful photography from Maxine Wallace too www.washingtonpost.com/health/inter...
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
Polycystic ovary syndrome affects about 1 out of every 10 women of reproductive age worldwide.
Yet it is often underfunded and under the radar, making it common for women to suffer major discomfort before learning they have the condition.
Yet it is often underfunded and under the radar, making it common for women to suffer major discomfort before learning they have the condition.
This hormone condition affects millions of women but is often misdiagnosed
Polycystic ovary syndrome affects millions of women worldwide, causing reproductive and metabolic issues, but often goes misdiagnosed due to lack of awareness and funding.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Polycystic ovary syndrome affects about 1 out of every 10 women of reproductive age worldwide.
Yet it is often underfunded and under the radar, making it common for women to suffer major discomfort before learning they have the condition.
Yet it is often underfunded and under the radar, making it common for women to suffer major discomfort before learning they have the condition.
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
UPDATE: Hours after saying they were pausing all payments, Medicare says they’re NOT pausing all payments.
More ➡️ www.statnews.com/2025/10/15/c...
More ➡️ www.statnews.com/2025/10/15/c...
Medicare backs off plan to pause doctor payments amid shutdown
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services backed off a plan to pause Medicare payments to doctors amid the government shutdown.
www.statnews.com
October 16, 2025 at 11:17 AM
UPDATE: Hours after saying they were pausing all payments, Medicare says they’re NOT pausing all payments.
More ➡️ www.statnews.com/2025/10/15/c...
More ➡️ www.statnews.com/2025/10/15/c...
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
New: Trump officials unveiled a tool intended to help millions of Medicare patients pick their plans, as open enrollment begins today.
But the tool — a directory that was intended to match providers with their plans — was rife with errors, The Post found.
More here w/Akilah Johnson
But the tool — a directory that was intended to match providers with their plans — was rife with errors, The Post found.
More here w/Akilah Johnson
Medicare doctor directory, a Trump team priority, launches with errors
The directory, intended to help older Americans navigate Medicare Advantage open enrollment, produces conflicting responses about which providers are covered by health plans.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 16, 2025 at 1:04 AM
New: Trump officials unveiled a tool intended to help millions of Medicare patients pick their plans, as open enrollment begins today.
But the tool — a directory that was intended to match providers with their plans — was rife with errors, The Post found.
More here w/Akilah Johnson
But the tool — a directory that was intended to match providers with their plans — was rife with errors, The Post found.
More here w/Akilah Johnson
NEW: The Trump administration's ouster of federal health workers includes employees with top secret clearance responsible for monitoring and protecting the United States from biological, chemical and nuclear threats, @lenasun.bsky.social reports www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Hundreds of CDC layoffs reversed, but biodefense preparedness staff hit
More than half of the roughly 1,300 CDC layoff notices have been rescinded, but workers at health agencies who work on biodefense and mental health still lost their jobs.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 13, 2025 at 11:32 PM
NEW: The Trump administration's ouster of federal health workers includes employees with top secret clearance responsible for monitoring and protecting the United States from biological, chemical and nuclear threats, @lenasun.bsky.social reports www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
NEW: @CDCgov hit hard by massive firings that several staff describe to me as a “bloodbath.”
Among those RIFd:
—leadership of the center for immunization and respiratory diseases;
—leadership of global health center
—leadership of the measles outbreak response; 1/4
Among those RIFd:
—leadership of the center for immunization and respiratory diseases;
—leadership of global health center
—leadership of the measles outbreak response; 1/4
October 11, 2025 at 12:49 PM
NEW: @CDCgov hit hard by massive firings that several staff describe to me as a “bloodbath.”
Among those RIFd:
—leadership of the center for immunization and respiratory diseases;
—leadership of global health center
—leadership of the measles outbreak response; 1/4
Among those RIFd:
—leadership of the center for immunization and respiratory diseases;
—leadership of global health center
—leadership of the measles outbreak response; 1/4
NEW: A Washington Post deep dive into surgeon general nominee Casey Means found she blurred sponsorship lines as she promoted supplements and products outside the medical mainstream.
Here’s one example.
And a gift link to read more: wapo.st/46LWoKQ
Here’s one example.
And a gift link to read more: wapo.st/46LWoKQ
October 9, 2025 at 2:12 PM
NEW: A Washington Post deep dive into surgeon general nominee Casey Means found she blurred sponsorship lines as she promoted supplements and products outside the medical mainstream.
Here’s one example.
And a gift link to read more: wapo.st/46LWoKQ
Here’s one example.
And a gift link to read more: wapo.st/46LWoKQ
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
She left the medical mainstream and rose to be RFK Jr.'s surgeon general pick
Read my and @rachelroubein.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com deep dive on Casey Means
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Read my and @rachelroubein.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com deep dive on Casey Means
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
She left the medical mainstream and rose to be RFK Jr.'s surgeon general pick
Casey Means, the surgeon general nominee, has criticized the medical establishment. She could be put in position to change it.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 9, 2025 at 1:34 PM
She left the medical mainstream and rose to be RFK Jr.'s surgeon general pick
Read my and @rachelroubein.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com deep dive on Casey Means
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Read my and @rachelroubein.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com deep dive on Casey Means
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
Was so great to talk in-person about our latest TikTok reporting with Tom Llamas last night! Thanks to the great folks at NBC for having me.
Segment at 30:39: youtu.be/4jH6LmHI1UE?...
Segment at 30:39: youtu.be/4jH6LmHI1UE?...
Top Story with Tom Llamas - Oct. 8 | NBC News NOW
YouTube video by NBC News
youtu.be
October 9, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Was so great to talk in-person about our latest TikTok reporting with Tom Llamas last night! Thanks to the great folks at NBC for having me.
Segment at 30:39: youtu.be/4jH6LmHI1UE?...
Segment at 30:39: youtu.be/4jH6LmHI1UE?...
I wonder how the Washington Post covers it www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
October 9, 2025 at 11:51 AM
I wonder how the Washington Post covers it www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
“Secretary Kennedy is entitled to his views. But he is not entitled to put people’s health at risk.”
Six former surgeons general condemn RFK Jr.
Six former surgeons general condemn RFK Jr.
Opinion | Six surgeons general: RFK Jr. is a threat to the health of Americans
It was our duty in office to warn of dangers when we found them. We’re doing that again today.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 7, 2025 at 11:27 AM
“Secretary Kennedy is entitled to his views. But he is not entitled to put people’s health at risk.”
Six former surgeons general condemn RFK Jr.
Six former surgeons general condemn RFK Jr.