Jen Kates
@jenkatesdc.bsky.social
Senior VP/Director, Global & Public Health Policy,
@kff.org. Health policy, epidemics, data, & parenting. NYC born & raised, DC is now home.
@kff.org. Health policy, epidemics, data, & parenting. NYC born & raised, DC is now home.
Here's our KFF tracker of the USG's global health MOUs. Will be updated as more information is made publicly available.
www.kff.org/global-healt...
www.kff.org/global-healt...
January 14, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Here's our KFF tracker of the USG's global health MOUs. Will be updated as more information is made publicly available.
www.kff.org/global-healt...
www.kff.org/global-healt...
NEW: Our take on HHS' changes to the federal vaccine schedule that reduce the number of routinely recommended vaccines for kids, and now make the U.S. an outlier in recommending so few. w/ @joshmich.bsky.social
www.kff.org/other-health...
www.kff.org/other-health...
The New Federal Vaccine Schedule for Children: What Changed and What Are the Implications? | KFF
This brief looks at newly announced changes by HHS to the pediatric vaccination schedule, which reduce the number of vaccines recommended for all children. Implications of these changes for childhood ...
www.kff.org
January 9, 2026 at 3:17 PM
NEW: Our take on HHS' changes to the federal vaccine schedule that reduce the number of routinely recommended vaccines for kids, and now make the U.S. an outlier in recommending so few. w/ @joshmich.bsky.social
www.kff.org/other-health...
www.kff.org/other-health...
Whatever one thinks about changes to the pediatric vaccine schedule, it will play out as a natural experiment on the nation’s kids. HHS says the changes will reduce distrust and increase vax rates. But they could do the opposite. We may not know until disease data are out.
January 6, 2026 at 12:17 AM
Whatever one thinks about changes to the pediatric vaccine schedule, it will play out as a natural experiment on the nation’s kids. HHS says the changes will reduce distrust and increase vax rates. But they could do the opposite. We may not know until disease data are out.
ICYMI: The proposed DHS public charge rule acknowledges that the rule may lead to worse health outcomes, higher prevalence of communicable diseases, and affect state and local economies. 30 day comment period is open. www.federalregister.gov/documents/20...
November 20, 2025 at 1:57 PM
ICYMI: The proposed DHS public charge rule acknowledges that the rule may lead to worse health outcomes, higher prevalence of communicable diseases, and affect state and local economies. 30 day comment period is open. www.federalregister.gov/documents/20...
UPDATE: The CDC's ACIP meeting (that was postponed) has been re-scheduled for December 4-5. Vaccine safety, and the pediatric vaccine schedule, are on the agenda. Hep-B vaccine will be a big focus.
public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-19872.p...
public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-19872.p...
November 12, 2025 at 2:01 PM
UPDATE: The CDC's ACIP meeting (that was postponed) has been re-scheduled for December 4-5. Vaccine safety, and the pediatric vaccine schedule, are on the agenda. Hep-B vaccine will be a big focus.
public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-19872.p...
public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-19872.p...
10 year old: "you can't understand my social dynamics because you are from the 20th century” 🤦👀
October 8, 2025 at 11:12 PM
10 year old: "you can't understand my social dynamics because you are from the 20th century” 🤦👀
NEW: We analyzed recent state actions on vaccine policy, given narrowing federal guidelines. Overall, 26 states have taken some action; of these, 23 have Democratic governors, signaling a growing red/blue divide in vaccine access. @kff.org Key findings in next post ⬇️
www.kff.org/covid-19/tra...
www.kff.org/covid-19/tra...
Tracking State Actions on Vaccine Policy and Access | KFF
With recent federal actions to curtail vaccine access, many states have announced actions intended to maintain broader access. This issue brief provides a snapshot of this rapidly changing landscape, ...
www.kff.org
September 25, 2025 at 1:08 PM
NEW: We analyzed recent state actions on vaccine policy, given narrowing federal guidelines. Overall, 26 states have taken some action; of these, 23 have Democratic governors, signaling a growing red/blue divide in vaccine access. @kff.org Key findings in next post ⬇️
www.kff.org/covid-19/tra...
www.kff.org/covid-19/tra...
Reposted by Jen Kates
The pressure is increasingly falling on states to navigate recommendations and new federal rules.
Before, "in general, it didn’t matter where you lived,” said @jenkatesdc.bsky.social. “Now it does.” www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Before, "in general, it didn’t matter where you lived,” said @jenkatesdc.bsky.social. “Now it does.” www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
States rally to offset fracturing of federal healthcare agencies: ‘Diseases don’t see state lines’
Changes to regulatory or information environments will help states decouple from federal health recommendations
www.theguardian.com
September 21, 2025 at 5:38 PM
The pressure is increasingly falling on states to navigate recommendations and new federal rules.
Before, "in general, it didn’t matter where you lived,” said @jenkatesdc.bsky.social. “Now it does.” www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Before, "in general, it didn’t matter where you lived,” said @jenkatesdc.bsky.social. “Now it does.” www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Jen Kates
Currently, private insurers, Medicare, and Medicaid require no-cost coverage of vaccines, which is connected to recommendations made by ACIP and CDC.
If these recommendations are removed, people could face out-of-pocket costs.
We explain:
If these recommendations are removed, people could face out-of-pocket costs.
We explain:
ACIP, CDC, and Insurance Coverage of Vaccines in the United States | KFF
This brief provides an overview of vaccine coverage requirements by payer or program, as they relate to ACIP and the CDC.
on.kff.org
June 13, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Currently, private insurers, Medicare, and Medicaid require no-cost coverage of vaccines, which is connected to recommendations made by ACIP and CDC.
If these recommendations are removed, people could face out-of-pocket costs.
We explain:
If these recommendations are removed, people could face out-of-pocket costs.
We explain:
With federal changes to vaccine policy & recommendations underway, here's our overview of insurance coverage requirements for vaccines by payer, as linked to ACIP/CDC. As we show, federal changes mean consumers could lose access to free vaccines.
www.kff.org/other/issue-...
www.kff.org/other/issue-...
ACIP, CDC, and Insurance Coverage of Vaccines in the United States | KFF
This brief provides an overview of vaccine coverage requirements by payer or program, as they relate to ACIP and the CDC.
www.kff.org
June 13, 2025 at 7:03 PM
With federal changes to vaccine policy & recommendations underway, here's our overview of insurance coverage requirements for vaccines by payer, as linked to ACIP/CDC. As we show, federal changes mean consumers could lose access to free vaccines.
www.kff.org/other/issue-...
www.kff.org/other/issue-...
Based on our analysis of the current status of PEPFAR programming, it's hard to see how the 85% could be reached. www.kff.org/global-healt...
June 11, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Based on our analysis of the current status of PEPFAR programming, it's hard to see how the 85% could be reached. www.kff.org/global-healt...
From 6/10 @StateDept press briefing on the PEPFAR 85%: it's an estimated 85% of beneficiaries who 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 be receiving lifesaving treatment & PMTC services based on 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺 of 𝘢𝘭𝘭 operational active awards.
www.state.gov/briefings/de...
www.state.gov/briefings/de...
Department Press Briefing - June 10, 2025 - United States Department of State
2:21 p.m. EDT MS BRUCE: Good, there’s air conditioning in here. (Laughter.) Very good it’s air conditioned. Beautiful June day. Hi, everybody. QUESTION: Hello. QUESTION: Hi. MS BRUCE: Fox – those folk...
www.state.gov
June 11, 2025 at 12:18 PM
From 6/10 @StateDept press briefing on the PEPFAR 85%: it's an estimated 85% of beneficiaries who 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 be receiving lifesaving treatment & PMTC services based on 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺 of 𝘢𝘭𝘭 operational active awards.
www.state.gov/briefings/de...
www.state.gov/briefings/de...
Re the ACIP "purge" to "restore public trust". As many have noted, ACIP members are independent, vetted, & follow strict COI rules.
Those dismissed? Almost all are MDs & specialists in pediatrics, infectious diseases, epi, and others head primary care centers.
Those dismissed? Almost all are MDs & specialists in pediatrics, infectious diseases, epi, and others head primary care centers.
June 10, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Re the ACIP "purge" to "restore public trust". As many have noted, ACIP members are independent, vetted, & follow strict COI rules.
Those dismissed? Almost all are MDs & specialists in pediatrics, infectious diseases, epi, and others head primary care centers.
Those dismissed? Almost all are MDs & specialists in pediatrics, infectious diseases, epi, and others head primary care centers.
The Trump administration released its FY 2026 budget request on May 30. Here's our read-out on how global health programs fare. From what is known thus far, there's a more than $6 billion proposed cut (plus more in the rescission package)
www.kff.org/global-healt...
www.kff.org/global-healt...
Administration Releases Additional Details of Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request | KFF
On May 30, 2025, the administration released additional details of its Fiscal Year 2026 budget request, including more specific information on funding for global health activities at the State Departm...
www.kff.org
June 5, 2025 at 11:52 AM
The Trump administration released its FY 2026 budget request on May 30. Here's our read-out on how global health programs fare. From what is known thus far, there's a more than $6 billion proposed cut (plus more in the rescission package)
www.kff.org/global-healt...
www.kff.org/global-healt...
With changes in vaccine policy underway, @joshmich.bsky.social and I just published a brief on the key independent vaccine advisory bodies that, in the past, were typically consulted before most federal vaccine decisions: VRBPAC, ACIP, NVAC, and ACCV.
www.kff.org/other/issue-...
www.kff.org/other/issue-...
Federal Vaccine Advisory Committees: Roles and Current Issues | KFF
This brief describes four key federal vaccine advisory committees and discusses policy issues and questions they currently face. The four committees are the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Ad...
www.kff.org
June 4, 2025 at 3:19 PM
With changes in vaccine policy underway, @joshmich.bsky.social and I just published a brief on the key independent vaccine advisory bodies that, in the past, were typically consulted before most federal vaccine decisions: VRBPAC, ACIP, NVAC, and ACCV.
www.kff.org/other/issue-...
www.kff.org/other/issue-...
The CDC vaccine schedule is now updated; COVID-19 vaccine is no longer recommended for healthy pregnant woman. This means there will no longer be mandated insurance coverage, even if a decision were to be made by a pregnant woman and her doctor that getting vaccinated was important.
For pregnant women, CDC now lists COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy as "No Guidance/Not Applicable"
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp...
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp...
May 30, 2025 at 10:00 PM
The CDC vaccine schedule is now updated; COVID-19 vaccine is no longer recommended for healthy pregnant woman. This means there will no longer be mandated insurance coverage, even if a decision were to be made by a pregnant woman and her doctor that getting vaccinated was important.
If you're interested in the status of U.S. global health programs, given the foreign aid review and funding cuts, here are our resources.
www.kff.org/tag/global-h...
www.kff.org/tag/global-h...
April 29, 2025 at 5:03 PM
If you're interested in the status of U.S. global health programs, given the foreign aid review and funding cuts, here are our resources.
www.kff.org/tag/global-h...
www.kff.org/tag/global-h...
Have to admit, shuttering MCC wasn't (yet) on my bingo card. MCC has been the one U.S. development agency many pointed to as having the approach and accountability mechanisms the rest of the U.S. development enterprise should emulate.
www.politico.com/news/2025/04...
www.politico.com/news/2025/04...
DOGE is shutting down foreign aid agency Millennium Challenge Corporation
The agency is offering voluntary early retirement or deferred resignations to its 320 employees and planning to terminate grants to developing countries around the world.
www.politico.com
April 24, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Have to admit, shuttering MCC wasn't (yet) on my bingo card. MCC has been the one U.S. development agency many pointed to as having the approach and accountability mechanisms the rest of the U.S. development enterprise should emulate.
www.politico.com/news/2025/04...
www.politico.com/news/2025/04...
Reposted by Jen Kates
“Treatment is being interrupted in Africa because of this, and…it could also create the spread of a drug-resistant virus.”
@jenkatesdc.bsky.social on our latest episode of One Thing Trump Did, about halting some AIDS relief funding around the world.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
@jenkatesdc.bsky.social on our latest episode of One Thing Trump Did, about halting some AIDS relief funding around the world.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com
April 23, 2025 at 1:13 PM
“Treatment is being interrupted in Africa because of this, and…it could also create the spread of a drug-resistant virus.”
@jenkatesdc.bsky.social on our latest episode of One Thing Trump Did, about halting some AIDS relief funding around the world.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
@jenkatesdc.bsky.social on our latest episode of One Thing Trump Did, about halting some AIDS relief funding around the world.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Interested in knowing how the Trump administration's #foreignaid review is affecting PEPFAR and other U.S. global health programs? We have a series of new program impact fact sheets (more to come).
www.kff.org/global-healt...
www.kff.org/global-healt...
The Trump Administration's Foreign Aid Review: Status of PEPFAR | KFF
Fact sheet examining actions taken by the Trump administration and their impact on PEPFAR.
www.kff.org
April 21, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Interested in knowing how the Trump administration's #foreignaid review is affecting PEPFAR and other U.S. global health programs? We have a series of new program impact fact sheets (more to come).
www.kff.org/global-healt...
www.kff.org/global-healt...
Reposted by Jen Kates
⚡ KFF’s @jenkatesdc.bsky.social writes about how the fate of the nation’s HIV prevention response is unclear given the Trump administration’s proposed budget changes and planned restructuring. #QuickTake on.kff.org/4jDAddk
April 17, 2025 at 5:01 PM
⚡ KFF’s @jenkatesdc.bsky.social writes about how the fate of the nation’s HIV prevention response is unclear given the Trump administration’s proposed budget changes and planned restructuring. #QuickTake on.kff.org/4jDAddk
ICYMI: Due to the Trump administration's cuts to PEPFAR, leading to ARV shortages and stock-outs, the @who.int had to issue guidance on how to handle HIV treatment interruptions.
www.who.int/news-room/qu...
www.who.int/news-room/qu...
Guidance on handling interruptions in antiretroviral treatment due to HIV service disruptions, drug shortages, or stockouts
A key priority is preventing the interruption of current HIV treatment and prevention medicines. This Q&A outlines advice when this is not possible.
www.who.int
April 17, 2025 at 2:12 PM
ICYMI: Due to the Trump administration's cuts to PEPFAR, leading to ARV shortages and stock-outs, the @who.int had to issue guidance on how to handle HIV treatment interruptions.
www.who.int/news-room/qu...
www.who.int/news-room/qu...
Global health funding would be cut by 55%. This cut is twice as steep as the first budget request from Trump in 2017. Back then, Congress rejected his proposed cuts....
SCOOP w/ @johnphudson.bsky.social : We got a look at Trump OMB proposals for cuts to State/USAID budget. Among them:
- 48% total budget cut
- Humanitarian assistance cut by 54%, Global health 55 %
- Funding for UN, NATO cut
- Fulbright eliminated
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
- 48% total budget cut
- Humanitarian assistance cut by 54%, Global health 55 %
- Funding for UN, NATO cut
- Fulbright eliminated
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Trump plan would slash State Dept. funding by nearly half, memo says
An internal document reviewed by The Post targets spending on humanitarian assistance, global health and international organizations such as the U.N. and NATO.
www.washingtonpost.com
April 15, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Global health funding would be cut by 55%. This cut is twice as steep as the first budget request from Trump in 2017. Back then, Congress rejected his proposed cuts....
"Children Seeking Cholera Care Die After U.S. Cuts Aid, Charity Says"
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/11/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/11/w...
Children Seeking Cholera Care Die After U.S. Cuts Aid, Charity Says
The victims died on a grueling three-hour walk in scorching heat as they tried to reach the nearest remaining health facility, officials of Save the Children said.
www.nytimes.com
April 11, 2025 at 11:11 AM
"Children Seeking Cholera Care Die After U.S. Cuts Aid, Charity Says"
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/11/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/11/w...
Reposted by Jen Kates
Today we released a new piece that consolidates information on recent HIV related HHS staff reductions, office closures, & other restructuring initiatives. These actions come on top of NIH grant cuts & threats to CDC's prevention funding. w/
@jenkatesdc.bsky.social www.kff.org/policy-watch...
@jenkatesdc.bsky.social www.kff.org/policy-watch...
What Do Federal Staffing Cuts and HHS Restructuring Mean for the Nation’s HIV Response? | KFF
This policy watch examines the impact of federal staff cuts and HHS restructuring on the nation's HIV response.
www.kff.org
April 8, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Today we released a new piece that consolidates information on recent HIV related HHS staff reductions, office closures, & other restructuring initiatives. These actions come on top of NIH grant cuts & threats to CDC's prevention funding. w/
@jenkatesdc.bsky.social www.kff.org/policy-watch...
@jenkatesdc.bsky.social www.kff.org/policy-watch...