Ameet Sarpatwari
@asarpatwari.bsky.social
Assistant Professor of Population Medicine
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School
Faculty Director, JD/MPH Program
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School
Faculty Director, JD/MPH Program
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Pinned
Ameet Sarpatwari
@asarpatwari.bsky.social
· Oct 10
Files Declassified: The disappearance of aviator Amelia Earhart | Planet America
YouTube video by ABC News In-depth
www.youtube.com
This week, I had the privilege of appearing on Planet America, an Australian Broadcasting Corporation television show, to discuss drug pricing reform. The segment starts at minute 15 and goes to minute 27. www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Qo...
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
Some other deadlines besides December 31:
December 15: The last day to pick a marketplace plan to have coverage starting January 1
January 15: The last day to pick a plan before being locked out of marketplace coverage (save for a "qualifying life event") until 2027
punchbowl.news/archive/1212...
December 15: The last day to pick a marketplace plan to have coverage starting January 1
January 15: The last day to pick a plan before being locked out of marketplace coverage (save for a "qualifying life event") until 2027
punchbowl.news/archive/1212...
December 1, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Some other deadlines besides December 31:
December 15: The last day to pick a marketplace plan to have coverage starting January 1
January 15: The last day to pick a plan before being locked out of marketplace coverage (save for a "qualifying life event") until 2027
punchbowl.news/archive/1212...
December 15: The last day to pick a marketplace plan to have coverage starting January 1
January 15: The last day to pick a plan before being locked out of marketplace coverage (save for a "qualifying life event") until 2027
punchbowl.news/archive/1212...
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
All this - and much much more about why this little-known think tank matters - here. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
A Small Texas Think Tank Cultivated Covid Dissidents. Now They’re Running US Health Policy. - KFF Health News
Fueled by covid backlash, a libertarian author created the Brownstone Institute in 2021. In recent months, people with ties to the group have catapulted to the highest levels of U.S. government, exerc...
kffhealthnews.org
December 1, 2025 at 3:45 PM
All this - and much much more about why this little-known think tank matters - here. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
NEW: ICE has finally released post-shutdown detention data. The latest data reveals that a full 40%(!) of people arrested in the interior and held in ICE detention have no criminal record; no criminal charges or prior convictions. That is up from just 4% when Trump took office.
November 21, 2025 at 4:01 PM
NEW: ICE has finally released post-shutdown detention data. The latest data reveals that a full 40%(!) of people arrested in the interior and held in ICE detention have no criminal record; no criminal charges or prior convictions. That is up from just 4% when Trump took office.
"(It probably will be worse…)"
From today’s Politico Pulse. He’s talking about downgrading more (most? all?) CDC/ACIP vaccine recommendations from ‘routine’ to ‘shared decision-making’. Almost certainly starting with the Hep B birth dose next month and expanding from there.
November 21, 2025 at 4:17 PM
"(It probably will be worse…)"
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
RFK Jr had committed to Bill Cassidy, as a condition to win his vote, that he would keep website language.
Cassidy in February: “If confirmed… CDC will not remove statements on their website pointing out that vaccines do not cause autism.”
Note the language in second photo.
Cassidy in February: “If confirmed… CDC will not remove statements on their website pointing out that vaccines do not cause autism.”
Note the language in second photo.
November 20, 2025 at 2:42 AM
RFK Jr had committed to Bill Cassidy, as a condition to win his vote, that he would keep website language.
Cassidy in February: “If confirmed… CDC will not remove statements on their website pointing out that vaccines do not cause autism.”
Note the language in second photo.
Cassidy in February: “If confirmed… CDC will not remove statements on their website pointing out that vaccines do not cause autism.”
Note the language in second photo.
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
For ACA enrollees with incomes above 400% of the poverty level -- who would lose subsidy eligibility entirely if enhanced credits expire -- effects vary by age and zip code. A 60 year old in Baltimore making $63,000 has an increase of $5,207. In Charleston, WV, it's $22,509.
November 11, 2025 at 4:17 PM
For ACA enrollees with incomes above 400% of the poverty level -- who would lose subsidy eligibility entirely if enhanced credits expire -- effects vary by age and zip code. A 60 year old in Baltimore making $63,000 has an increase of $5,207. In Charleston, WV, it's $22,509.
Some good questions to consider as this announcement is made.
Drug pricing law/policy experts have many questions going into this announcement. For those watching, here are just a few important ones. 1. What's the form of the "deal"? Is it a model through CMMI (as suggested in @ddiamond.bsky.social's reporting)? How enforceable is the deal (and by whom)? 1/6
Trump has long been fixated on the "fat pill," the "fat drug," the "fat shot," the "fat killer" — you get the idea.
(He's also questioned if the drugs work.)
Today Trump will announce a deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk in the Oval Office to lower the price of some of their drugs. More to come.
(He's also questioned if the drugs work.)
Today Trump will announce a deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk in the Oval Office to lower the price of some of their drugs. More to come.
November 6, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Some good questions to consider as this announcement is made.
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
FWIW, Tidmarsh's concerns about approving drugs on a 1-day tumor board model are legit. But there's more to the LinkedIn story than the NYT piece lets on: www.statnews.com/2025/09/29/f...
Top FDA drug regulator’s unusual criticism of a therapy gets Wall Street wagging
A top FDA drug regulator’s unusual criticism of a therapy on social media has Wall Street investors wagging.
www.statnews.com
November 2, 2025 at 9:55 PM
FWIW, Tidmarsh's concerns about approving drugs on a 1-day tumor board model are legit. But there's more to the LinkedIn story than the NYT piece lets on: www.statnews.com/2025/09/29/f...
More troubles at the FDA. This time tension regarding the the new Priority Review Voucher Program. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/02/h...
November 2, 2025 at 9:57 PM
More troubles at the FDA. This time tension regarding the the new Priority Review Voucher Program. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/02/h...
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
IMO this is one of the cruelest coverage policies that made it into OBBBA.
It's telling immigrants who are doing everything "by the book" that they're completely SOL when it comes to coverage options for up to five years (if they're poor)
It's telling immigrants who are doing everything "by the book" that they're completely SOL when it comes to coverage options for up to five years (if they're poor)
Republicans stripped marketplace eligibility for green card holders time-barred from Medicaid with income below the poverty line.
This family needs income of $32,150 to qualify for marketplace coverage.
This family needs income of $32,150 to qualify for marketplace coverage.
Here's another scenario:
Two parents: both 35 years old
Two kids: 3 year old twins
All are green card holders who moved to the U.S. four years ago, thus ineligible for Medicaid
Income: $30k
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Plan: Oscar Silver Classic Standard
2025 Monthly Premium: $0
2026 Premium: $1,446.47
Two parents: both 35 years old
Two kids: 3 year old twins
All are green card holders who moved to the U.S. four years ago, thus ineligible for Medicaid
Income: $30k
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Plan: Oscar Silver Classic Standard
2025 Monthly Premium: $0
2026 Premium: $1,446.47
October 29, 2025 at 4:33 PM
IMO this is one of the cruelest coverage policies that made it into OBBBA.
It's telling immigrants who are doing everything "by the book" that they're completely SOL when it comes to coverage options for up to five years (if they're poor)
It's telling immigrants who are doing everything "by the book" that they're completely SOL when it comes to coverage options for up to five years (if they're poor)
@theatlantic.com reporter Nick Florko discusses his personal challenges accessing GLP-1 drugs, shining a light into a dysfunctional system. www.theatlantic.com/health/2025/...
The Obesity-Drug Revolution Is Stalling
Somehow, it’s becoming even harder to get a GLP-1.
www.theatlantic.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:49 PM
@theatlantic.com reporter Nick Florko discusses his personal challenges accessing GLP-1 drugs, shining a light into a dysfunctional system. www.theatlantic.com/health/2025/...
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission is #hiring a Deputy Director and Health Economist for the newly established Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis (OPPA).
Deputy Director: lnkd.in/ef-NFG3W
Health Economist: lnkd.in/eF4-dMTQ
Learn more: lnkd.in/eT6F5Ma3
#HealthPolicy #Pharma
Deputy Director: lnkd.in/ef-NFG3W
Health Economist: lnkd.in/eF4-dMTQ
Learn more: lnkd.in/eT6F5Ma3
#HealthPolicy #Pharma
October 28, 2025 at 2:54 PM
The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission is #hiring a Deputy Director and Health Economist for the newly established Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis (OPPA).
Deputy Director: lnkd.in/ef-NFG3W
Health Economist: lnkd.in/eF4-dMTQ
Learn more: lnkd.in/eT6F5Ma3
#HealthPolicy #Pharma
Deputy Director: lnkd.in/ef-NFG3W
Health Economist: lnkd.in/eF4-dMTQ
Learn more: lnkd.in/eT6F5Ma3
#HealthPolicy #Pharma
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
Are you interested in pursuing a PhD in Health Policy & Health Services Research at Vanderbilt? Join me on Nov 12th at noon ET for an information session. If you cannot join, we have a ton of information available on our website to help you with your application! www.vumc.org/health-polic...
October 22, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Are you interested in pursuing a PhD in Health Policy & Health Services Research at Vanderbilt? Join me on Nov 12th at noon ET for an information session. If you cannot join, we have a ton of information available on our website to help you with your application! www.vumc.org/health-polic...
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
FDA review of drugs is slowing while application delays are growing, analysis finds
www.statnews.com/pharmalot/20... via @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/pharmalot/20... via @statnews.com
FDA review of drugs is slowing while application delays are growing, analysis finds
The upheaval at the FDA appears to be taking a toll on the pharmaceutical industry, according to a new analysis of key agency metrics.
www.statnews.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:47 PM
FDA review of drugs is slowing while application delays are growing, analysis finds
www.statnews.com/pharmalot/20... via @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/pharmalot/20... via @statnews.com
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
Nearly 1 in 7 students in NYC experienced homelessness last school year. In some neighborhoods, more than 1 in 5 school children were homeless.
This is an emergency.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/n...
This is an emergency.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/n...
154,000 New York City Students Were Homeless Last Year, a Record Number
www.nytimes.com
October 20, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Nearly 1 in 7 students in NYC experienced homelessness last school year. In some neighborhoods, more than 1 in 5 school children were homeless.
This is an emergency.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/n...
This is an emergency.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/n...
Happy Diwali! May light and compassion prevail over darkness and hatred.
October 20, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Happy Diwali! May light and compassion prevail over darkness and hatred.
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
Trump's big IVF announcement is a retreat from his campaign promise. It doesn't make IVF available for all.
1. Employers don't have to offer the "fertility benefit" it creates
2. The benefit doesn't have to cover IVF
3. It could cover the conservative alternatives criticized by mainstream med
1. Employers don't have to offer the "fertility benefit" it creates
2. The benefit doesn't have to cover IVF
3. It could cover the conservative alternatives criticized by mainstream med
Trump plans could lower IVF costs for some — but fall short of his campaign promise
The administration said employers will be able to offer standalone insurance for fertility treatments and that one major drugmaker will offer discounts for IVF drugs.
19thnews.org
October 16, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Trump's big IVF announcement is a retreat from his campaign promise. It doesn't make IVF available for all.
1. Employers don't have to offer the "fertility benefit" it creates
2. The benefit doesn't have to cover IVF
3. It could cover the conservative alternatives criticized by mainstream med
1. Employers don't have to offer the "fertility benefit" it creates
2. The benefit doesn't have to cover IVF
3. It could cover the conservative alternatives criticized by mainstream med
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
Americans have been dragged, tackled, beaten, tased and shot by immigration agents. They’ve had their necks kneeled on. They’ve been held outside in the rain while in their underwear. @propublica.org @nicolefoy.bsky.social @ericumansky.bsky.social
www.propublica.org/article/immi...
www.propublica.org/article/immi...
More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They’ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days.
The government does not track how often immigration agents grab citizens. So ProPublica did. Our tally — almost certainly incomplete — includes people who were held for days without a lawyer. And near...
www.propublica.org
October 16, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Americans have been dragged, tackled, beaten, tased and shot by immigration agents. They’ve had their necks kneeled on. They’ve been held outside in the rain while in their underwear. @propublica.org @nicolefoy.bsky.social @ericumansky.bsky.social
www.propublica.org/article/immi...
www.propublica.org/article/immi...
This week, I had the privilege of appearing on Planet America, an Australian Broadcasting Corporation television show, to discuss drug pricing reform. The segment starts at minute 15 and goes to minute 27. www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Qo...
Files Declassified: The disappearance of aviator Amelia Earhart | Planet America
YouTube video by ABC News In-depth
www.youtube.com
October 10, 2025 at 3:04 PM
This week, I had the privilege of appearing on Planet America, an Australian Broadcasting Corporation television show, to discuss drug pricing reform. The segment starts at minute 15 and goes to minute 27. www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Qo...
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
Disappointing to see the administration punting on this issue. It is a big one in oncology, and one that could encourage "product hopping" to maintain high prices after decades of blockbuster sales.
Trump administration delays effort to address Medicare drug price negotiation loophole
Trump administration delays effort to address Medicare drug price negotiation loophole.
www.statnews.com
October 3, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Disappointing to see the administration punting on this issue. It is a big one in oncology, and one that could encourage "product hopping" to maintain high prices after decades of blockbuster sales.
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
My thoughts in this NPR piece:
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
"I think it's more underwhelming than what the president is touting," he says. "I think it's more window dressing than the transformational sort of reforms that are needed to really provide relief to Americans struggling with high prices."
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
"I think it's more underwhelming than what the president is touting," he says. "I think it's more window dressing than the transformational sort of reforms that are needed to really provide relief to Americans struggling with high prices."
President announces TrumpRx website for drugs, and pricing deal with Pfizer
The Trump administration says it is making deals with drug companies to lower prices U.S. consumers pay for medicines. But key details are missing on how the initiative would work.
www.npr.org
September 30, 2025 at 11:25 PM
My thoughts in this NPR piece:
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
"I think it's more underwhelming than what the president is touting," he says. "I think it's more window dressing than the transformational sort of reforms that are needed to really provide relief to Americans struggling with high prices."
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
"I think it's more underwhelming than what the president is touting," he says. "I think it's more window dressing than the transformational sort of reforms that are needed to really provide relief to Americans struggling with high prices."
My thoughts in this NPR piece:
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
"I think it's more underwhelming than what the president is touting," he says. "I think it's more window dressing than the transformational sort of reforms that are needed to really provide relief to Americans struggling with high prices."
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
"I think it's more underwhelming than what the president is touting," he says. "I think it's more window dressing than the transformational sort of reforms that are needed to really provide relief to Americans struggling with high prices."
President announces TrumpRx website for drugs, and pricing deal with Pfizer
The Trump administration says it is making deals with drug companies to lower prices U.S. consumers pay for medicines. But key details are missing on how the initiative would work.
www.npr.org
September 30, 2025 at 11:25 PM
My thoughts in this NPR piece:
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
"I think it's more underwhelming than what the president is touting," he says. "I think it's more window dressing than the transformational sort of reforms that are needed to really provide relief to Americans struggling with high prices."
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
"I think it's more underwhelming than what the president is touting," he says. "I think it's more window dressing than the transformational sort of reforms that are needed to really provide relief to Americans struggling with high prices."
Reposted by Ameet Sarpatwari
TrumpRx program promises discounts of 40-85% for Americans buying drugs directly from manufacturers
White House fact sheet says discounts are off list prices
Pfizer’s Xeljanz list price = $6,073/month
40% discount = $3,643/month
@dusetzinas.bsky.social: “How is this a reasonable cash price?”
White House fact sheet says discounts are off list prices
Pfizer’s Xeljanz list price = $6,073/month
40% discount = $3,643/month
@dusetzinas.bsky.social: “How is this a reasonable cash price?”
September 30, 2025 at 9:22 PM
TrumpRx program promises discounts of 40-85% for Americans buying drugs directly from manufacturers
White House fact sheet says discounts are off list prices
Pfizer’s Xeljanz list price = $6,073/month
40% discount = $3,643/month
@dusetzinas.bsky.social: “How is this a reasonable cash price?”
White House fact sheet says discounts are off list prices
Pfizer’s Xeljanz list price = $6,073/month
40% discount = $3,643/month
@dusetzinas.bsky.social: “How is this a reasonable cash price?”