Rachana Pradhan
@rachanadpradhan.bsky.social
Reporter @kffhealthnews.org. I write about decisions made by powerful individuals and institutions, and the real-life impact on Americans' health.
Find me on Signal: username rachanadpradhan.83
Find me on Signal: username rachanadpradhan.83
Pinned
Patient Numbers at NIH Hospital Have Plummeted Under Trump, Jeopardizing Care - KFF Health News
The renowned research hospital that cares for people with rare or life-threatening diseases has been pummeled by an employee exodus and the gutting of research, both driven by the Trump administration...
kffhealthnews.org
The number of people receiving treatment at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center — which cares for patients with rare or life-threatening diseases — has tumbled under the second Trump administration. My story based on interviews w/workers and gov’t docs kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
F.B.I. Searches Home of Washington Post Journalist for Classified Documents www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/u...
F.B.I. Searches Home of Washington Post Journalist for Classified Documents
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:59 PM
F.B.I. Searches Home of Washington Post Journalist for Classified Documents www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/u...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
Copy Editing Matters, from HHS's release on the new childhood vaccine schedule: All the diseases will still be available to anyone who wants them
January 6, 2026 at 1:12 AM
Copy Editing Matters, from HHS's release on the new childhood vaccine schedule: All the diseases will still be available to anyone who wants them
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
Scoop: The Trump admin is planning to overhaul the childhood vaccine schedule, per person familiar.
The proposed new schedule would recommend fewer vaccines, bringing it close to or in line with Denmark’s schedule.
Comes weeks after Trump demanded an expedited review: www.cnn.com/2025/12/18/h...
The proposed new schedule would recommend fewer vaccines, bringing it close to or in line with Denmark’s schedule.
Comes weeks after Trump demanded an expedited review: www.cnn.com/2025/12/18/h...
HHS planning to overhaul childhood vaccine schedule to recommend fewer shots, source says | CNN
The US Department of Health and Human Services is planning to overhaul the schedule of recommended vaccines for children in the US, a person familiar with the plans told CNN on Thursday.
www.cnn.com
December 19, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Scoop: The Trump admin is planning to overhaul the childhood vaccine schedule, per person familiar.
The proposed new schedule would recommend fewer vaccines, bringing it close to or in line with Denmark’s schedule.
Comes weeks after Trump demanded an expedited review: www.cnn.com/2025/12/18/h...
The proposed new schedule would recommend fewer vaccines, bringing it close to or in line with Denmark’s schedule.
Comes weeks after Trump demanded an expedited review: www.cnn.com/2025/12/18/h...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
This summer, Brett Murphy, @peterdicampo.bsky.social and I went to South Sudan, where the U.S. had been supporting the response to a historic cholera outbreak in the world’s poorest country before pulling the plug.
We found shuttered clinics and dead bodies. www.propublica.org/article/usai...
We found shuttered clinics and dead bodies. www.propublica.org/article/usai...
Trump Officials Celebrated With Cake After Slashing Aid. Then People Died of Cholera.
Behind closed doors in Washington, top advisers made a series of decisions that had devastating repercussions for the poorest country on earth. We went to South Sudan and found people who died as a re...
www.propublica.org
December 15, 2025 at 9:19 PM
This summer, Brett Murphy, @peterdicampo.bsky.social and I went to South Sudan, where the U.S. had been supporting the response to a historic cholera outbreak in the world’s poorest country before pulling the plug.
We found shuttered clinics and dead bodies. www.propublica.org/article/usai...
We found shuttered clinics and dead bodies. www.propublica.org/article/usai...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
RFK laid out his plans to wreck vaccine science & policy in books, speeches, podcasts & films before becoming Health Secretary.
@sherylnyt.bsky.social & @by-cjewett.bsky.social track how he's succeeding in impressive detail. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/u... eg:
@sherylnyt.bsky.social & @by-cjewett.bsky.social track how he's succeeding in impressive detail. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/u... eg:
December 4, 2025 at 3:34 PM
RFK laid out his plans to wreck vaccine science & policy in books, speeches, podcasts & films before becoming Health Secretary.
@sherylnyt.bsky.social & @by-cjewett.bsky.social track how he's succeeding in impressive detail. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/u... eg:
@sherylnyt.bsky.social & @by-cjewett.bsky.social track how he's succeeding in impressive detail. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/u... eg:
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
12 former commissioners of the FDA came together to write a Perspectives piece for the New England Journal of Medicine; raising our concerns about recent changes to vaccine approval policy at the FDA and its implications for patients and public health.
December 3, 2025 at 10:28 PM
12 former commissioners of the FDA came together to write a Perspectives piece for the New England Journal of Medicine; raising our concerns about recent changes to vaccine approval policy at the FDA and its implications for patients and public health.
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
My latest, with @kffhealthnews.org and @usatoday.com:
RFK Jr. wields the country's biggest bullhorn on health. Here's what he wants to talk about -- and what he doesn't. (For example, skipping Father's Day posts): www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...
RFK Jr. wields the country's biggest bullhorn on health. Here's what he wants to talk about -- and what he doesn't. (For example, skipping Father's Day posts): www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...
It’s not just vaccines. How RFK Jr. is reshaping public health messaging
Under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Department of Health and Human Services uses its social media channels to promote Kennedy himself and his agenda.
www.usatoday.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
My latest, with @kffhealthnews.org and @usatoday.com:
RFK Jr. wields the country's biggest bullhorn on health. Here's what he wants to talk about -- and what he doesn't. (For example, skipping Father's Day posts): www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...
RFK Jr. wields the country's biggest bullhorn on health. Here's what he wants to talk about -- and what he doesn't. (For example, skipping Father's Day posts): www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
Nayra Guzmán was 15 days post C-section — going to see her baby in the NICU — when she was taken to Broadview and held in custody for about 34 hours.
She slept on a bench and barely got food. She couldn't pump.
Her story is a rare window into the growing detention of pregnant & postpartum people.
She slept on a bench and barely got food. She couldn't pump.
Her story is a rare window into the growing detention of pregnant & postpartum people.
Her baby was in the NICU. She was in ICE detention.
Before Trump took office, postpartum immigrants were rarely detained by ICE. Nayra Guzmán was detained while her 15-day-old baby was in the NICU.
19thnews.org
December 2, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Nayra Guzmán was 15 days post C-section — going to see her baby in the NICU — when she was taken to Broadview and held in custody for about 34 hours.
She slept on a bench and barely got food. She couldn't pump.
Her story is a rare window into the growing detention of pregnant & postpartum people.
She slept on a bench and barely got food. She couldn't pump.
Her story is a rare window into the growing detention of pregnant & postpartum people.
🧵HHS today announced that Martin Kulldorff has been hired to advise Secretary Kennedy on science policy.
Kulldorff is one of many in government who share ties to the Brownstone Institute, a think-tank whose associates seek to limit the government’s role in protecting Americans from disease.
Kulldorff is one of many in government who share ties to the Brownstone Institute, a think-tank whose associates seek to limit the government’s role in protecting Americans from disease.
December 1, 2025 at 3:20 PM
🧵HHS today announced that Martin Kulldorff has been hired to advise Secretary Kennedy on science policy.
Kulldorff is one of many in government who share ties to the Brownstone Institute, a think-tank whose associates seek to limit the government’s role in protecting Americans from disease.
Kulldorff is one of many in government who share ties to the Brownstone Institute, a think-tank whose associates seek to limit the government’s role in protecting Americans from disease.
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
“In the U.S., if you’re receiving federal money, then we, essentially, we weren’t given any choice” — Why leading sources of U.S. cancer information will soon classify a patient’s sex as only male, female, or unknown.
@rachanadpradhan.bsky.social reports ⤵️ kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
@rachanadpradhan.bsky.social reports ⤵️ kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
US Cancer Registries, Constrained by Trump Policies, To Recognize Only ‘Male’ or ‘Female’ Patients - KFF Health News
Under Trump policies, cancer registries in 2026 will have to classify sex data strictly as male, female, or unknown, a change scientists and advocates say will harm the health of one of the nation’s m...
kffhealthnews.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:51 PM
“In the U.S., if you’re receiving federal money, then we, essentially, we weren’t given any choice” — Why leading sources of U.S. cancer information will soon classify a patient’s sex as only male, female, or unknown.
@rachanadpradhan.bsky.social reports ⤵️ kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
@rachanadpradhan.bsky.social reports ⤵️ kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
US Cancer Registries, Constrained by Trump Policies, To Recognize Only ‘Male’ or ‘Female’ Patients
For decades, registries have been the most comprehensive U.S. tool for understanding cancer rates and identifying troubling trends.
Via @kffhealthnews.org kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
For decades, registries have been the most comprehensive U.S. tool for understanding cancer rates and identifying troubling trends.
Via @kffhealthnews.org kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
US Cancer Registries, Constrained by Trump Policies, To Recognize Only ‘Male’ or ‘Female’ Patients - KFF Health News
Under Trump policies, cancer registries in 2026 will have to classify sex data strictly as male, female, or unknown, a change scientists and advocates say will harm the health of one of the nation’s m...
kffhealthnews.org
November 21, 2025 at 12:33 PM
US Cancer Registries, Constrained by Trump Policies, To Recognize Only ‘Male’ or ‘Female’ Patients
For decades, registries have been the most comprehensive U.S. tool for understanding cancer rates and identifying troubling trends.
Via @kffhealthnews.org kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
For decades, registries have been the most comprehensive U.S. tool for understanding cancer rates and identifying troubling trends.
Via @kffhealthnews.org kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
KFF Health News and @thetrace.org are talking to people who’ve been wounded or families of those killed by gun violence to better understand how insurance affects such medical care.
Click below to reach our reporting team ⤵️ kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Click below to reach our reporting team ⤵️ kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Help Us Investigate Medical Care for Gunshot Wounds - KFF Health News
We’d like to talk to people who’ve been wounded or families of those killed by gun violence to better understand how insurance affects such medical care.
kffhealthnews.org
November 19, 2025 at 6:25 PM
KFF Health News and @thetrace.org are talking to people who’ve been wounded or families of those killed by gun violence to better understand how insurance affects such medical care.
Click below to reach our reporting team ⤵️ kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Click below to reach our reporting team ⤵️ kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
BREAKING: Common health conditions such as obesity and diabetes could prevent immigrants from obtaining U.S. visas under guidance the Trump administration issued Nov. 6. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Immigrants With Health Conditions May Be Denied Visas Under New Trump Administration Guidance - KFF Health News
The Trump administration has directed visa officers to consider common health ailments, including obesity and diabetes, when would-be immigrants seek visas to enter the U.S.
kffhealthnews.org
November 7, 2025 at 1:08 AM
BREAKING: Common health conditions such as obesity and diabetes could prevent immigrants from obtaining U.S. visas under guidance the Trump administration issued Nov. 6. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Quite the lede on this Arthur Allen @kffhealthnews.org story on the medical freedom movement in Florida kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
"...several hundred gathered to honor state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, his wife, and an unlicensed Canadian radiologist who treats cancer with horse paste."
"...several hundred gathered to honor state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, his wife, and an unlicensed Canadian radiologist who treats cancer with horse paste."
At The Hollow in Florida, the ‘Medical Freedom’ Movement Finds Its Base Camp - KFF Health News
Florida’s surgeon general, spiritual healers, and Trump allies push their cures in a swampy outpost of anti-government absolutism and mystical belief.
kffhealthnews.org
November 3, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Quite the lede on this Arthur Allen @kffhealthnews.org story on the medical freedom movement in Florida kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
"...several hundred gathered to honor state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, his wife, and an unlicensed Canadian radiologist who treats cancer with horse paste."
"...several hundred gathered to honor state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, his wife, and an unlicensed Canadian radiologist who treats cancer with horse paste."
Senators are demanding answers from Deloitte and other companies about errors in eligibility systems that determine who qualifies for Medicaid. The letters follow a KFF Health News investigation exposing problems that resulted in people losing health benefits. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Senators Press Deloitte, Other Contractors on Errors in Medicaid Eligibility Systems - KFF Health News
As contractors position themselves to cash in on a gush of new business managing Medicaid work requirements, a cadre of senators has launched an inquiry into the companies paid billions to build eligi...
kffhealthnews.org
October 10, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Senators are demanding answers from Deloitte and other companies about errors in eligibility systems that determine who qualifies for Medicaid. The letters follow a KFF Health News investigation exposing problems that resulted in people losing health benefits. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
🚨 "Sick to my stomach."
That's how the researcher who found a link between Tylenol and autism felt when she realized MAHA would link her analysis to vaccines.
My latest exclusive @kffhealthnews.org
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
That's how the researcher who found a link between Tylenol and autism felt when she realized MAHA would link her analysis to vaccines.
My latest exclusive @kffhealthnews.org
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
‘Sick to My Stomach’: Trump Distorts Facts on Autism, Tylenol, and Vaccines, Scientists Say - KFF Health News
The White House’s autism announcement exaggerates links to Tylenol, misleads on vaccines, and sets back the field by ignoring decades of research, scientists say.
kffhealthnews.org
September 23, 2025 at 2:47 AM
🚨 "Sick to my stomach."
That's how the researcher who found a link between Tylenol and autism felt when she realized MAHA would link her analysis to vaccines.
My latest exclusive @kffhealthnews.org
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
That's how the researcher who found a link between Tylenol and autism felt when she realized MAHA would link her analysis to vaccines.
My latest exclusive @kffhealthnews.org
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
WOW. ACIP has decided it will NOT vote on whether to postpone the birth dose of hepatitis B at this meeting.
They are not at all aligned on why, though.
Some believe postponing to 1-month of age isn't long enough.
Meissner now pointing out the "overwhelming evidence" supporting the birth dose
They are not at all aligned on why, though.
Some believe postponing to 1-month of age isn't long enough.
Meissner now pointing out the "overwhelming evidence" supporting the birth dose
September 19, 2025 at 1:04 PM
WOW. ACIP has decided it will NOT vote on whether to postpone the birth dose of hepatitis B at this meeting.
They are not at all aligned on why, though.
Some believe postponing to 1-month of age isn't long enough.
Meissner now pointing out the "overwhelming evidence" supporting the birth dose
They are not at all aligned on why, though.
Some believe postponing to 1-month of age isn't long enough.
Meissner now pointing out the "overwhelming evidence" supporting the birth dose
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
NEWS: By vaccinating babies at birth, the U.S. nearly eradicated hepatitis-B in children.
Kennedy's vaccine advisory panel is expected this week to recommend delaying the shot, opening a window for kids to be infected.
Exclusive by @jackie-fortier.bsky.social
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Kennedy's vaccine advisory panel is expected this week to recommend delaying the shot, opening a window for kids to be infected.
Exclusive by @jackie-fortier.bsky.social
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Panel Expected To Recommend Delaying Hepatitis B Shot for Children - KFF Health News
A federal vaccine panel, recently reshaped by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is expected to vote on delaying the hepatitis B shot for newborns. Pediatricians warn that coul...
kffhealthnews.org
September 16, 2025 at 12:54 PM
NEWS: By vaccinating babies at birth, the U.S. nearly eradicated hepatitis-B in children.
Kennedy's vaccine advisory panel is expected this week to recommend delaying the shot, opening a window for kids to be infected.
Exclusive by @jackie-fortier.bsky.social
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Kennedy's vaccine advisory panel is expected this week to recommend delaying the shot, opening a window for kids to be infected.
Exclusive by @jackie-fortier.bsky.social
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
Meet the new vaccine panel advisors RFK Jr. is considering
Two urged removal of mRNA coronavirus vaccines. One said physicians “blindly believed” in them. Another said covid isn’t “scary” noting Jesus touched lepers
W @lenasun.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Two urged removal of mRNA coronavirus vaccines. One said physicians “blindly believed” in them. Another said covid isn’t “scary” noting Jesus touched lepers
W @lenasun.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
RFK Jr. considers critics of coronavirus shots to join key vaccine panel
Two urged removal of mRNA coronavirus vaccines. One said physicians “blindly believed” in them. Another said covid isn’t “scary,” noting Jesus touched lepers.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 8, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Meet the new vaccine panel advisors RFK Jr. is considering
Two urged removal of mRNA coronavirus vaccines. One said physicians “blindly believed” in them. Another said covid isn’t “scary” noting Jesus touched lepers
W @lenasun.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Two urged removal of mRNA coronavirus vaccines. One said physicians “blindly believed” in them. Another said covid isn’t “scary” noting Jesus touched lepers
W @lenasun.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
We previously reported that the number of people receiving treatment at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center - known as America's research hospital - declined from February-April.
Since then, I obtained newer data through mid-August. And it's gotten worse. youtube.com/shorts/yT5Vc...
Since then, I obtained newer data through mid-August. And it's gotten worse. youtube.com/shorts/yT5Vc...
Patient Numbers at NIH Hospital Continue To Decline Under Second Trump Administration
YouTube video by KFF Health News
youtube.com
September 5, 2025 at 7:26 PM
We previously reported that the number of people receiving treatment at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center - known as America's research hospital - declined from February-April.
Since then, I obtained newer data through mid-August. And it's gotten worse. youtube.com/shorts/yT5Vc...
Since then, I obtained newer data through mid-August. And it's gotten worse. youtube.com/shorts/yT5Vc...
We previously reported that the number of people receiving treatment at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center - known as America's research hospital - declined from February-April.
Since then, I obtained newer data through mid-August. And it's gotten worse. youtube.com/shorts/yT5Vc...
Since then, I obtained newer data through mid-August. And it's gotten worse. youtube.com/shorts/yT5Vc...
Patient Numbers at NIH Hospital Continue To Decline Under Second Trump Administration
YouTube video by KFF Health News
youtube.com
September 5, 2025 at 7:26 PM
We previously reported that the number of people receiving treatment at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center - known as America's research hospital - declined from February-April.
Since then, I obtained newer data through mid-August. And it's gotten worse. youtube.com/shorts/yT5Vc...
Since then, I obtained newer data through mid-August. And it's gotten worse. youtube.com/shorts/yT5Vc...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
As 40 states get ready to roll out Medicaid work requirements by 2027, the man in charge of Michigan’s former system says it would be “more honest” if Republicans just kicked people off insurance. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
He Built Michigan's Medicaid Work Requirement System. Now He's Warning Other States. - KFF Health News
Michigan’s former top health official spent a year and $30 million building a system to implement work requirements for Medicaid recipients. The difficulties he encountered have him worried about 40 s...
kffhealthnews.org
September 5, 2025 at 1:48 PM
As 40 states get ready to roll out Medicaid work requirements by 2027, the man in charge of Michigan’s former system says it would be “more honest” if Republicans just kicked people off insurance. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
"Kennedy wants to see the Pfizer and Moderna messenger RNA-based covid-19 vaccines pulled from the market, according to two people familiar with the planning who asked not to be identified because they’re not authorized to speak to the press," @stephaniearmour.bsky.social reports.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s push to fire CDC director Susan Monarez is more than an administrative shake-up. It’s part of Kennedy’s anti-vaccine, anti-science agenda, some public health experts say.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
At CDC, Worries Mount That Agency Has Taken Anti-Science Turn - KFF Health News
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s push to fire Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez is more than an administrative shake-up. It marks a major off...
kffhealthnews.org
September 3, 2025 at 4:02 PM
"Kennedy wants to see the Pfizer and Moderna messenger RNA-based covid-19 vaccines pulled from the market, according to two people familiar with the planning who asked not to be identified because they’re not authorized to speak to the press," @stephaniearmour.bsky.social reports.
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
The Trump administration's cuts of public health funds to state and local health departments had vastly uneven effects depending on the political leanings of where someone lives, a new KFF Health News analysis shows. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Blue States That Sued Kept Most CDC Grants, While Red States Feel Brunt of Trump Clawbacks - KFF Health News
The Trump administration's cuts of public health funds to state and local health departments had vastly uneven effects depending on the political leanings of where someone lives, a new KFF Health News...
kffhealthnews.org
August 26, 2025 at 4:20 PM
The Trump administration's cuts of public health funds to state and local health departments had vastly uneven effects depending on the political leanings of where someone lives, a new KFF Health News analysis shows. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
🚨🧵My latest:
As measles took off in Texas, the Trump administration took actions that prevented CDC scientists from responding.
The outbreak became the biggest in 30 yrs. It’s far larger considering the outbreaks it sparked in other states & Mexico. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
As measles took off in Texas, the Trump administration took actions that prevented CDC scientists from responding.
The outbreak became the biggest in 30 yrs. It’s far larger considering the outbreaks it sparked in other states & Mexico. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
As Measles Exploded, Officials in Texas Looked to CDC Scientists. Under Trump, No One Answered. - KFF Health News
Trump officials sowed fear and confusion among CDC scientists, slowing their response to the measles outbreak in West Texas. Cases surged and sparked new outbreaks across the U.S. and Mexico. Together...
kffhealthnews.org
August 25, 2025 at 12:35 PM
🚨🧵My latest:
As measles took off in Texas, the Trump administration took actions that prevented CDC scientists from responding.
The outbreak became the biggest in 30 yrs. It’s far larger considering the outbreaks it sparked in other states & Mexico. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
As measles took off in Texas, the Trump administration took actions that prevented CDC scientists from responding.
The outbreak became the biggest in 30 yrs. It’s far larger considering the outbreaks it sparked in other states & Mexico. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...