Bob Herman
@bobjherman.bsky.social
Health care business reporter for @statnews.com and its Health Care Inc. newsletter. Contact: [email protected] or bobjherman.09 on Signal. Sign up: https://www.statnews.com/signup/health-care-inc/
Reposted by Bob Herman
"Essentially Cassidy asked for a promise. And all he got was an asterisk." Former CDC senior leader Dan Jernigan on how, after promising not to do so, Kennedy's HHS has rewritten #CDC 's webpage on whether there's a link between #vaccines & autism. www.statnews.com/2025/11/20/c...
Under RFK Jr., CDC reverses course on stance that vaccines don’t cause autism
A CDC website now promotes the debunked idea of a link between vaccines and autism.
www.statnews.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
"Essentially Cassidy asked for a promise. And all he got was an asterisk." Former CDC senior leader Dan Jernigan on how, after promising not to do so, Kennedy's HHS has rewritten #CDC 's webpage on whether there's a link between #vaccines & autism. www.statnews.com/2025/11/20/c...
Reposted by Bob Herman
As HHS secretary, RFK Jr. has pledged to pursue gold-standard science, preserve access to vaccines, and insist on radical transparency in policymaking.
Here is our examination of his tenure to date:
www.statnews.com/2025/11/18/r... via @statnews.com
Here is our examination of his tenure to date:
www.statnews.com/2025/11/18/r... via @statnews.com
How RFK Jr., America's celebrity health secretary, is steamrolling science
RFK Jr. is plowing ahead with sweeping changes to U.S. health care that have thrilled supporters, purged opponents, and horrified critics.
www.statnews.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:17 PM
As HHS secretary, RFK Jr. has pledged to pursue gold-standard science, preserve access to vaccines, and insist on radical transparency in policymaking.
Here is our examination of his tenure to date:
www.statnews.com/2025/11/18/r... via @statnews.com
Here is our examination of his tenure to date:
www.statnews.com/2025/11/18/r... via @statnews.com
Older adults and people with disabilities are facing a gut punch next year: Become a lot poorer by paying $203/month for their Medicare Part B premium, or feel like you have to go into a Medicare Advantage plan when you don’t want to. www.statnews.com/2025/11/14/m...
Medicare premiums to jump 10% heading into 2026
Most Medicare enrollees will face premiums that are 10% higher next year, creating budget anxiety for millions of seniors.
www.statnews.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Older adults and people with disabilities are facing a gut punch next year: Become a lot poorer by paying $203/month for their Medicare Part B premium, or feel like you have to go into a Medicare Advantage plan when you don’t want to. www.statnews.com/2025/11/14/m...
lol the math here makes absolutely no sense. Are you saying the Medicare Part B premium was expected to be $548/month? That would have been a scandal. Either way, the Part B premium is going up 10%, well above the cost of living. Seniors are getting hammered, again.
November 15, 2025 at 12:34 AM
lol the math here makes absolutely no sense. Are you saying the Medicare Part B premium was expected to be $548/month? That would have been a scandal. Either way, the Part B premium is going up 10%, well above the cost of living. Seniors are getting hammered, again.
No words www.statnews.com/2025/09/17/m...
September 17, 2025 at 8:21 PM
No words www.statnews.com/2025/09/17/m...
Reposted by Bob Herman
STAT is 10!
Join us in reflecting on a decade of reporting from the frontiers of health and medicine.
We’re proud that since 2015 we’ve delivered urgent, authoritative, and impactful journalism.
Celebrate with us: www.statnews.com/stat-10th-an...
#STAT10 🧵
Join us in reflecting on a decade of reporting from the frontiers of health and medicine.
We’re proud that since 2015 we’ve delivered urgent, authoritative, and impactful journalism.
Celebrate with us: www.statnews.com/stat-10th-an...
#STAT10 🧵
STAT 10 Year Anniversary
When we named ourselves “STAT’’ 10 years ago, we conceded, “It takes a bit of chutzpah to name a digital-age life-sciences publication after a buzzword
www.statnews.com
September 9, 2025 at 1:00 PM
STAT is 10!
Join us in reflecting on a decade of reporting from the frontiers of health and medicine.
We’re proud that since 2015 we’ve delivered urgent, authoritative, and impactful journalism.
Celebrate with us: www.statnews.com/stat-10th-an...
#STAT10 🧵
Join us in reflecting on a decade of reporting from the frontiers of health and medicine.
We’re proud that since 2015 we’ve delivered urgent, authoritative, and impactful journalism.
Celebrate with us: www.statnews.com/stat-10th-an...
#STAT10 🧵
Reposted by Bob Herman
MAHA turned 1 over the weekend, and it's hard to believe it's only been one year since Kennedy endorsed Trump and kickstarted this movement.
I talked with nearly two dozen people to try and make sense of all that has happened — or not. Lots to unpack!
www.statnews.com/2025/08/25/r...
I talked with nearly two dozen people to try and make sense of all that has happened — or not. Lots to unpack!
www.statnews.com/2025/08/25/r...
As MAHA turns 1, a fired-up movement is still figuring out how to fulfill its promises
"That is so brilliant. Why didn’t we think of this before?" As MAHA turns 1, STAT examines the growth of the movement and takes stock of its challenges.
www.statnews.com
August 25, 2025 at 12:53 PM
MAHA turned 1 over the weekend, and it's hard to believe it's only been one year since Kennedy endorsed Trump and kickstarted this movement.
I talked with nearly two dozen people to try and make sense of all that has happened — or not. Lots to unpack!
www.statnews.com/2025/08/25/r...
I talked with nearly two dozen people to try and make sense of all that has happened — or not. Lots to unpack!
www.statnews.com/2025/08/25/r...
Reposted by Bob Herman
We think of AI as something that decreases costs and increases revenue. But _for whom_ does it make more $?
AI scribe companies promise that doctors will now get paid for everything they did in a visit. But where is that money coming from?
All of us.
More from me @statnews.com:
🖥️🩺
AI scribe companies promise that doctors will now get paid for everything they did in a visit. But where is that money coming from?
All of us.
More from me @statnews.com:
🖥️🩺
AI scribe companies promise to help doctors bill more. Who will pay the extra cost?
Like any conscientious health policy Ph.D. student, Paige Nong went to the doctor for her free annual well visit. But as she checked in, the person at the
www.statnews.com
August 20, 2025 at 2:46 PM
We think of AI as something that decreases costs and increases revenue. But _for whom_ does it make more $?
AI scribe companies promise that doctors will now get paid for everything they did in a visit. But where is that money coming from?
All of us.
More from me @statnews.com:
🖥️🩺
AI scribe companies promise that doctors will now get paid for everything they did in a visit. But where is that money coming from?
All of us.
More from me @statnews.com:
🖥️🩺
Reposted by Bob Herman
New: GLP-1s and cancer care are driving higher employer health care costs in 2026.
Via @tarabannow.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/08/20/h...
Via @tarabannow.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/08/20/h...
GLP-1s, cancer care are driving higher employer health care costs in 2026
Health care costs are set to jump again next year, creating a challenge for employers.
www.statnews.com
August 20, 2025 at 1:16 PM
New: GLP-1s and cancer care are driving higher employer health care costs in 2026.
Via @tarabannow.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/08/20/h...
Via @tarabannow.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/08/20/h...
NEW: Federal judge rules against Elevance in lawsuit over Medicare Advantage star ratings. The Trump-appointed judge torched Elevance's arguments, saying the company ignored basic math. Another L for MA insurers. www.statnews.com/2025/08/19/e...
Elevance loses lawsuit over Medicare Advantage quality ratings
A federal judge rejected Elevance's argument that the government unfair lowered its ratings.
www.statnews.com
August 19, 2025 at 3:56 PM
NEW: Federal judge rules against Elevance in lawsuit over Medicare Advantage star ratings. The Trump-appointed judge torched Elevance's arguments, saying the company ignored basic math. Another L for MA insurers. www.statnews.com/2025/08/19/e...
Reposted by Bob Herman
Don't miss STAT's analysis of health care CEO's compensation in 2024, led by @bobjherman.bsky.social and @jaspar.bsky.social. 91 health care CEOs earned at least $10 million in 2024. BioNTech CEO Uğur Şahin took home more than $300 million.
www.statnews.com/2025/08/18/h...
www.statnews.com/2025/08/18/h...
Health care CEOs harvest billions even as industry lags broader stock market
STAT dug into the compensation of 275 CEOs across health care.
www.statnews.com
August 18, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Don't miss STAT's analysis of health care CEO's compensation in 2024, led by @bobjherman.bsky.social and @jaspar.bsky.social. 91 health care CEOs earned at least $10 million in 2024. BioNTech CEO Uğur Şahin took home more than $300 million.
www.statnews.com/2025/08/18/h...
www.statnews.com/2025/08/18/h...
The health care industry broadly failed its investors in 2024. That didn't stop those leading blue-chip companies from amassing generational wealth. Read and search through our latest CEO pay analysis, where there's no shortage of huge numbers. www.statnews.com/2025/08/18/h...
Health care CEOs harvest billions even as industry lags broader stock market
STAT dug into the compensation of 275 CEOs across health care.
www.statnews.com
August 18, 2025 at 2:34 PM
The health care industry broadly failed its investors in 2024. That didn't stop those leading blue-chip companies from amassing generational wealth. Read and search through our latest CEO pay analysis, where there's no shortage of huge numbers. www.statnews.com/2025/08/18/h...
Reposted by Bob Herman
Very important work here by @statnews.com reporters on how political oversight is gumming up the process of funding for scientific research.
www.statnews.com/2025/08/15/i...
www.statnews.com/2025/08/15/i...
August 15, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Very important work here by @statnews.com reporters on how political oversight is gumming up the process of funding for scientific research.
www.statnews.com/2025/08/15/i...
www.statnews.com/2025/08/15/i...
August 14, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Medicare Advantage is costing taxpayers $550 billion this year. UnitedHealth Group and a web of business partners have built a research apparatus — replete with flawed studies and papers — to push back against critics and ward off attempts at MA reform. www.statnews.com/2025/08/11/u...
Inside the research machine that helps UnitedHealth protect its Medicare profits
A STAT Investigation: Inside the research machine that helps UnitedHealth protect its Medicare profits.
www.statnews.com
August 11, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Medicare Advantage is costing taxpayers $550 billion this year. UnitedHealth Group and a web of business partners have built a research apparatus — replete with flawed studies and papers — to push back against critics and ward off attempts at MA reform. www.statnews.com/2025/08/11/u...
Reposted by Bob Herman
A sweeping new executive order seeks to transform how the federal government awards billions of dollars in research grants. Story via @mmolteni.bsky.social, @aniloza.bsky.social, @angusrohan.bsky.social and me for @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2025/08/08/t...
www.statnews.com/2025/08/08/t...
Trump executive order seeks to centralize control of grantmaking under political appointees
A sweeping new executive order seeks to transform how the federal government awards billions of dollars in research grants
www.statnews.com
August 8, 2025 at 4:38 PM
A sweeping new executive order seeks to transform how the federal government awards billions of dollars in research grants. Story via @mmolteni.bsky.social, @aniloza.bsky.social, @angusrohan.bsky.social and me for @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2025/08/08/t...
www.statnews.com/2025/08/08/t...
It's official: DOJ is allowing UnitedHealth Group to acquire Amedisys, as long as it sells more home health and hospice assets than previously announced. UnitedHealth's care footprint will get a lot bigger. More from @tarabannow.bsky.social: www.statnews.com/2025/08/07/d...
DOJ and UnitedHealth reach settlement on $3.3 billion Amedisys deal
The Amedisys deal would add to UnitedHealth's home and hospice-care operations.
www.statnews.com
August 7, 2025 at 5:03 PM
It's official: DOJ is allowing UnitedHealth Group to acquire Amedisys, as long as it sells more home health and hospice assets than previously announced. UnitedHealth's care footprint will get a lot bigger. More from @tarabannow.bsky.social: www.statnews.com/2025/08/07/d...
MAGA influencers are attacking Republicans with tweets supporting Medicare Advantage — and some of the language is almost verbatim from a dark money group called the Medicare Advantage Majority. Lawmakers are pissed. @caseyross.bsky.social and John Wilkerson dig in: www.statnews.com/2025/08/01/m...
MAGA influencers take a sudden interest in Medicare Advantage reforms, echoing a dark money group
It's not clear why right wing influencers are suddenly pushing back against Medicare reforms.
www.statnews.com
August 1, 2025 at 2:54 PM
MAGA influencers are attacking Republicans with tweets supporting Medicare Advantage — and some of the language is almost verbatim from a dark money group called the Medicare Advantage Majority. Lawmakers are pissed. @caseyross.bsky.social and John Wilkerson dig in: www.statnews.com/2025/08/01/m...
A must-read story into how the outspoken and extremely online Vinay Prasad lasted only 84 days as a top FDA official. Includes a feisty email, obtained by @lizzylawrence.bsky.social, that he sent to FDA staff just days before he left. www.statnews.com/2025/07/30/v...
Inside the fall of Vinay Prasad at the FDA
Prasad's departure followed a campaign by a right-wing activist and a controversy over a rare disease drug.
www.statnews.com
July 30, 2025 at 8:43 PM
A must-read story into how the outspoken and extremely online Vinay Prasad lasted only 84 days as a top FDA official. Includes a feisty email, obtained by @lizzylawrence.bsky.social, that he sent to FDA staff just days before he left. www.statnews.com/2025/07/30/v...
Reposted by Bob Herman
If you aren't checking out @statnews.com today, you're missing out. Our newsroom is on fire. So many important stories to read. www.statnews.com
July 30, 2025 at 7:52 PM
If you aren't checking out @statnews.com today, you're missing out. Our newsroom is on fire. So many important stories to read. www.statnews.com
Reposted by Bob Herman
BREAKING: Vinay Prasad is out at FDA www.statnews.com/2025/07/29/v...
Vinay Prasad departs the FDA
A top FDA official is out after less than 3 months on the job.
www.statnews.com
July 30, 2025 at 1:04 AM
BREAKING: Vinay Prasad is out at FDA www.statnews.com/2025/07/29/v...
Millions of older adults in America who are extremely destitute qualify for a public benefit called Medicare Savings Programs. Trump's tax law will make it more difficult for these people — again, the poorest of the poor — to get these subsidies. www.statnews.com/2025/07/28/m...
A cut to Medicare that could affect millions is buried in Trump’s tax law
Trump's tax law adds red tape to Medicare Savings Programs, risking coverage losses for low-income seniors.
www.statnews.com
July 28, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Millions of older adults in America who are extremely destitute qualify for a public benefit called Medicare Savings Programs. Trump's tax law will make it more difficult for these people — again, the poorest of the poor — to get these subsidies. www.statnews.com/2025/07/28/m...
Reposted by Bob Herman
FDA and NIH are moving away from animal testing. Scientists are split on whether that's a good idea, @marissa-russo.bsky.social and I report for @statnews.com after talking with 10+ researchers across academia and biotech.
www.statnews.com/2025/07/25/n...
www.statnews.com/2025/07/25/n...
NIH, FDA plan to reduce animal testing draws mixed reactions among scientists
As the Trump administration reshapes biomedicine, it wants to change how scientists test drug safety: animal research.
www.statnews.com
July 25, 2025 at 2:07 PM
FDA and NIH are moving away from animal testing. Scientists are split on whether that's a good idea, @marissa-russo.bsky.social and I report for @statnews.com after talking with 10+ researchers across academia and biotech.
www.statnews.com/2025/07/25/n...
www.statnews.com/2025/07/25/n...
UnitedHealth Group confirms what has already been widely reported: The Department of Justice has initiated civil and criminal investigations into its "participation in the Medicare program." More from @tarabannow.bsky.social: www.statnews.com/2025/07/24/u...
UnitedHealth confirms DOJ investigations into Medicare practices, says it’s cooperating
UnitedHealth is facing criminal and civil investigations into its Medicare practices
www.statnews.com
July 24, 2025 at 2:16 PM
UnitedHealth Group confirms what has already been widely reported: The Department of Justice has initiated civil and criminal investigations into its "participation in the Medicare program." More from @tarabannow.bsky.social: www.statnews.com/2025/07/24/u...