Reed Abelson
@reedabelson.bsky.social
Health care reporter for NYTimes — following money and misdeeds in medicine. Very fond of dogs, old movies and mysteries. Give me a shout at abelson@nytimes.com.
Reposted by Reed Abelson
SCOOP: CDC officials on Monday linked for the first time the measles outbreak that began in Texas with another in Utah and Arizona, a finding that could end America’s status as a nation that has eliminated measles.
(Gift link)
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/h...
(Gift link)
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/h...
C.D.C. Links Measles Outbreaks in Multiple States for the First Time
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:28 AM
SCOOP: CDC officials on Monday linked for the first time the measles outbreak that began in Texas with another in Utah and Arizona, a finding that could end America’s status as a nation that has eliminated measles.
(Gift link)
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/h...
(Gift link)
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/h...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Next year's A.C.A. health prices are now available in about a dozen states, giving Americans their first look at the sharp increases many will pay for coverage if Congress does not extend subsidies.
Via @reedabelson.bsky.social and @sangerkatz.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/h...
Via @reedabelson.bsky.social and @sangerkatz.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/h...
Higher Obamacare Prices Become Public in a Dozen States
www.nytimes.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Next year's A.C.A. health prices are now available in about a dozen states, giving Americans their first look at the sharp increases many will pay for coverage if Congress does not extend subsidies.
Via @reedabelson.bsky.social and @sangerkatz.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/h...
Via @reedabelson.bsky.social and @sangerkatz.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/h...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
The A.I. companies they contract to review pre-authorizations will have a strong incentive to deny care. Medicare plans to pay them a share of the savings generated from rejections.
My story with @reedabelson.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/h...
My story with @reedabelson.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/h...
Medicare Will Require Prior Approval for Certain Procedures
www.nytimes.com
August 29, 2025 at 8:03 PM
The A.I. companies they contract to review pre-authorizations will have a strong incentive to deny care. Medicare plans to pay them a share of the savings generated from rejections.
My story with @reedabelson.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/h...
My story with @reedabelson.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/h...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
As Aatish Taseer and his husband built a life together in New York, their anchor was Zinc, an 85-pound shepherd-lab mix. The last lesson he taught them was about loss and renewal.
🔗 Read more: on.wsj.com/4mGA766
🔗 Read more: on.wsj.com/4mGA766
August 13, 2025 at 10:27 PM
As Aatish Taseer and his husband built a life together in New York, their anchor was Zinc, an 85-pound shepherd-lab mix. The last lesson he taught them was about loss and renewal.
🔗 Read more: on.wsj.com/4mGA766
🔗 Read more: on.wsj.com/4mGA766
A look at the broad challenges facing UnitedHealth — and the U.S. health system www.nytimes.com/2025/07/28/h...
UnitedHealth Grew to Be a Leviathan. Then Came the Backlash.
www.nytimes.com
July 28, 2025 at 6:35 PM
A look at the broad challenges facing UnitedHealth — and the U.S. health system www.nytimes.com/2025/07/28/h...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Children with complex medical needs and their families were on Capitol Hill this week lobbying senators against Medicaid cuts. From Megan Mineiro and @sangerkatz.bsky.social:
‘Little Lobbyists’ Urge Senators to Oppose Trump’s Bill Cutting Medicaid
www.nytimes.com
June 19, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Children with complex medical needs and their families were on Capitol Hill this week lobbying senators against Medicaid cuts. From Megan Mineiro and @sangerkatz.bsky.social:
Reposted by Reed Abelson
My latest: Kennedy said he has to go to Antigua to get stem cells for his vocal condition. He'd like such treatments to come to the U.S., despite the scams and bad outcomes they might bring. (why? he basically says pharma is just as bad)
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/06/05/h...
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/06/05/h...
Kennedy Says ‘Charlatans’ Are No Reason to Block Unproven Stem Cell Treatments
www.nytimes.com
June 5, 2025 at 6:13 PM
My latest: Kennedy said he has to go to Antigua to get stem cells for his vocal condition. He'd like such treatments to come to the U.S., despite the scams and bad outcomes they might bring. (why? he basically says pharma is just as bad)
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/06/05/h...
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/06/05/h...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Millions Would Lose Their Obamacare Coverage Under Trump’s Bill
www.nytimes.com
June 5, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Here's a complete list of *everything* in the GOP megabill, thanks to heroic efforts from @aliciaparlap.bsky.social @emmbadger.bsky.social and Josh Katz. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
A Complete List of Everything in the Republican Bill, and How Much It Would Cost or Save
We highlighted the substantive changes made by House Republicans to secure the support of several holdout members.
www.nytimes.com
May 23, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Here's a complete list of *everything* in the GOP megabill, thanks to heroic efforts from @aliciaparlap.bsky.social @emmbadger.bsky.social and Josh Katz. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
The Medicaid work requirement in the House bill is a lot stricter than work requirements in previous legislation. www.nytimes.com/2025/05/22/u... with Sarah Kliff
Republicans Pass Strictest Medicaid Work Requirement They Have Ever Put Forward
www.nytimes.com
May 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM
The Medicaid work requirement in the House bill is a lot stricter than work requirements in previous legislation. www.nytimes.com/2025/05/22/u... with Sarah Kliff
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Valerie, the miniature dachshund, disappeared in 2023, slipping out of her pen and into the bush on Australia’s Kangaroo Island. For the next 529 days, she eluded capture. Now, she is “safe and sound” and is being re-acclimated to domestic life in preparation for a reunion with her owners.
After 529 Days, Valerie the Dachshund Has Been Rescued
She survived more than a year in the Australian wilderness. But reuniting her with her owners will take a little more time.
www.nytimes.com
April 28, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Valerie, the miniature dachshund, disappeared in 2023, slipping out of her pen and into the bush on Australia’s Kangaroo Island. For the next 529 days, she eluded capture. Now, she is “safe and sound” and is being re-acclimated to domestic life in preparation for a reunion with her owners.
A tiny agency that supports programs like Meals on Wheels and Centers for Independent Living is being dismantled by the Trump administration— and concerns are increasing over the future funding of these initiatives. Here’s my story www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/h...
Trump Cuts Threaten Agency Running Meals on Wheels (Gift Article)
A tiny division responsible for overseeing services for people with disabilities and older Americans is being dismantled as part of an overhaul by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary.
www.nytimes.com
April 24, 2025 at 8:02 PM
A tiny agency that supports programs like Meals on Wheels and Centers for Independent Living is being dismantled by the Trump administration— and concerns are increasing over the future funding of these initiatives. Here’s my story www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/h...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
A bankruptcy judge in Dallas on Tuesday approved the closures of Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland and Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.
Bankruptcy judge approves the closure of Delaware County’s Crozer hospitals
The layoff of 2,651 Crozer employees is expected to start Friday, as Delaware County’s largest health system closes quickly amid the bankruptcy of its for-profit owner, Prospect Medical Holdings.
www.inquirer.com
April 22, 2025 at 10:44 PM
A bankruptcy judge in Dallas on Tuesday approved the closures of Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland and Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Even as President Trump— with Musk and DOGE— says he’s rooting out fraud, he’s backing a skin substitute, basically an expensive bandaid, that is costing Medicare billions of dollars.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/h...
A must read by @bykatiethomas.bsky.social @sarahkliff
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/h...
A must read by @bykatiethomas.bsky.social @sarahkliff
Medicare Bleeds Billions on Pricey Bandages, and Doctors Get a Cut (Gift Article)
Medicare spending on “skin substitutes” made of dried placenta has soared as doctors pocket lucrative discounts from sellers.
www.nytimes.com
April 10, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Even as President Trump— with Musk and DOGE— says he’s rooting out fraud, he’s backing a skin substitute, basically an expensive bandaid, that is costing Medicare billions of dollars.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/h...
A must read by @bykatiethomas.bsky.social @sarahkliff
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/h...
A must read by @bykatiethomas.bsky.social @sarahkliff
Reposted by Reed Abelson
...when public health works it's invisible...
A tricky thing about modern society is that no one has any idea when they don’t die.
Like, the number of lives saved by controlling air pollution in America is probably over 200,000 per year, but the number of people who think their life was saved by controlling air pollution is zero.
Like, the number of lives saved by controlling air pollution in America is probably over 200,000 per year, but the number of people who think their life was saved by controlling air pollution is zero.
April 7, 2025 at 4:30 PM
...when public health works it's invisible...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
A recession with job losses, combined with Medicaid cuts, combined with an end to enhanced ACA premium aid, would be quite a triple whammy for health coverage.
April 4, 2025 at 4:06 PM
A recession with job losses, combined with Medicaid cuts, combined with an end to enhanced ACA premium aid, would be quite a triple whammy for health coverage.
Reposted by Reed Abelson
HHS doctors, scientists and tobacco control staff, rare disease experts, cancer drug wizards -- all fired today or leaving in recent weeks.
Yet.
🚨 At HHS, staff make up less than one percent of the overall agency budget. 🚨
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/01/h...
Yet.
🚨 At HHS, staff make up less than one percent of the overall agency budget. 🚨
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/01/h...
Federal Health Workers Make Up Less Than 1% of Agency Spending (Gift Article)
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggests that laying off thousands of federal workers would tame a massive budget. But nearly all of the agency’s money goes to hospitals, doctors and nursing ho...
www.nytimes.com
April 1, 2025 at 6:13 PM
HHS doctors, scientists and tobacco control staff, rare disease experts, cancer drug wizards -- all fired today or leaving in recent weeks.
Yet.
🚨 At HHS, staff make up less than one percent of the overall agency budget. 🚨
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/01/h...
Yet.
🚨 At HHS, staff make up less than one percent of the overall agency budget. 🚨
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/01/h...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
One way to get rid of senior health officials: reassign them to the Indian Health Service territories, like Alaska. This is how the Trump administration is forcing out top leaders at NIH, CDC, FDA and other health agencies.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/01/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/01/u...
Trump Administration Begins Layoffs at CDC, FDA and Other Health Agencies
The cuts were part of a Trump administration plan announced last week to dismiss thousands of employees and drastically overhaul the Health and Human Services Department under Secretary Robert F. Kenn...
www.nytimes.com
April 1, 2025 at 2:32 PM
One way to get rid of senior health officials: reassign them to the Indian Health Service territories, like Alaska. This is how the Trump administration is forcing out top leaders at NIH, CDC, FDA and other health agencies.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/01/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/01/u...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Tariffs get all the attention, but ask economists what they're really worried about and many will point to the Trump administration's cuts to federal support for the sciences, including canceling grants and revoking student visas.
#EconSky
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/31/b...
#EconSky
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/31/b...
Trump’s Science Policies Pose Long-Term Risk, Economists Warn (Gift Article)
Since World War II, U.S. research funding has led to discoveries that fueled economic gains. Now cutbacks are seen as putting that legacy in jeopardy.
www.nytimes.com
March 31, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Tariffs get all the attention, but ask economists what they're really worried about and many will point to the Trump administration's cuts to federal support for the sciences, including canceling grants and revoking student visas.
#EconSky
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/31/b...
#EconSky
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/31/b...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Have any of these people read a single story from the healthcare.gov days? “How hard is it to build a website?” some idiots asked.
Am not joking that I've heard in at least a few agencies the DOGE folks literally think they can do a "sprint" and just rebuild the entire codebase for these antiquated systems in a month or two.
They are so out of their depth it'd be comical if it wasn't so alarming.
They are so out of their depth it'd be comical if it wasn't so alarming.
SCOOP: DOGE wants to rebuild SSA's codebase in months, risking benefits and system collapse, sources tell me.
The plan is to migrate all systems off COBOL quickly which would likely require the use of generative AI.
www.wired.com/story/doge-r...
The plan is to migrate all systems off COBOL quickly which would likely require the use of generative AI.
www.wired.com/story/doge-r...
March 28, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Have any of these people read a single story from the healthcare.gov days? “How hard is it to build a website?” some idiots asked.
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Yesterday: $12 billion in public health spending to states cut: www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/h...
Today: 10,000 HHS Staff from CDC, FDA etc to be cut: www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/u...
We'll be documenting what it means at @nytimes.com. Don't be strangers. My Signal is 916.202.0886. Be well.
Today: 10,000 HHS Staff from CDC, FDA etc to be cut: www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/u...
We'll be documenting what it means at @nytimes.com. Don't be strangers. My Signal is 916.202.0886. Be well.
Trump Administration Abruptly Cuts Billions From State Health Services
States have been told that they can no longer use grants that were funding infectious disease management and addiction services.
www.nytimes.com
March 27, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Yesterday: $12 billion in public health spending to states cut: www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/h...
Today: 10,000 HHS Staff from CDC, FDA etc to be cut: www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/u...
We'll be documenting what it means at @nytimes.com. Don't be strangers. My Signal is 916.202.0886. Be well.
Today: 10,000 HHS Staff from CDC, FDA etc to be cut: www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/u...
We'll be documenting what it means at @nytimes.com. Don't be strangers. My Signal is 916.202.0886. Be well.
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Amid 20,000 HHS jobs lost, here's one new hire: A fixture of the anti-vaccine movement, brought in to study the link b/t vaccines and autism.
Mr. Kennedy has been citing him since '05.
w @sherylnyt.bsky.social & Emily Baumgartner
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/h...
Mr. Kennedy has been citing him since '05.
w @sherylnyt.bsky.social & Emily Baumgartner
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/h...
RFK Jr. Turns to a Discredited Vaccine Researcher for Autism Study (Gift Article)
David Geier has been hired as a senior data analyst at H.H.S. According to several people, he will examine any potential links between vaccines and autism that were debunked long ago.
www.nytimes.com
March 28, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Amid 20,000 HHS jobs lost, here's one new hire: A fixture of the anti-vaccine movement, brought in to study the link b/t vaccines and autism.
Mr. Kennedy has been citing him since '05.
w @sherylnyt.bsky.social & Emily Baumgartner
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/h...
Mr. Kennedy has been citing him since '05.
w @sherylnyt.bsky.social & Emily Baumgartner
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/h...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
The Trump administration has canceled funding for dozens of studies seeking new vaccines and treatments for Covid-19 and other pathogens that may cause future pandemics.
nyti.ms/43Xz77q
nyti.ms/43Xz77q
H.H.S. Scraps Studies of Vaccines and Treatments for Future Pandemics (Gift Article)
Federal officials cited the end of the Covid-19 pandemic in halting the research. But much of the work was focused on preventing outbreaks of other pathogens.
nyti.ms
March 26, 2025 at 9:55 PM
The Trump administration has canceled funding for dozens of studies seeking new vaccines and treatments for Covid-19 and other pathogens that may cause future pandemics.
nyti.ms/43Xz77q
nyti.ms/43Xz77q
Reposted by Reed Abelson
As the Texas measles outbreak continues, doctors there are treating some children given so much vitamin A that they have signs of liver damage. Story by @teddyrosenbluth.bsky.social Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2025/03/25/h...
For Some Measles Patients, Vitamin A Remedy Supported by RFK Jr. Leaves Them More Ill (Gift Article)
After the health secretary promoted vitamin A as a cure, parents in West Texas began giving their children high doses, sometimes to prevent infection.
www.nytimes.com
March 25, 2025 at 9:58 PM
As the Texas measles outbreak continues, doctors there are treating some children given so much vitamin A that they have signs of liver damage. Story by @teddyrosenbluth.bsky.social Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2025/03/25/h...