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
“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...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
Exclusive: CDC Director Susan Monarez met with its vaccine-focused center to talk about yesterday’s shooting. I listened to a recording. Scientists and officials are shaken & pointing fingers at RFK Jr. Many said his vilification and misinfo turned them into targets. www.msnbc.com/opinion/anal...
A deadly shooting at the CDC shook its scientists. Now they want answers from RFK Jr.
CDC Director Susan Monarez convened an online all-hands meeting of the agency division that focuses on vaccines, and employees called out Kennedy’s rhetoric specifically.
www.msnbc.com
August 9, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Exclusive: CDC Director Susan Monarez met with its vaccine-focused center to talk about yesterday’s shooting. I listened to a recording. Scientists and officials are shaken & pointing fingers at RFK Jr. Many said his vilification and misinfo turned them into targets. www.msnbc.com/opinion/anal...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
Federal immigration authorities detained a woman seeking medical care at the National Institutes of Health’s flagship research hospital after the patient presented a non-real ID while passing security.
Patient seeking care at NIH hospital detained by ICE
NIH officials called immigration authorities after the patient presented a non-real ID while passing security at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.
wapo.st
August 8, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Federal immigration authorities detained a woman seeking medical care at the National Institutes of Health’s flagship research hospital after the patient presented a non-real ID while passing security.
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
NIH documents viewed by KFF Health News show a pronounced decline in patients at the 200-bed NIH hospital from February through April, after the Trump administration began mass firings of federal workers and its broad crackdown on immigration.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
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
August 7, 2025 at 2:08 PM
NIH documents viewed by KFF Health News show a pronounced decline in patients at the 200-bed NIH hospital from February through April, after the Trump administration began mass firings of federal workers and its broad crackdown on immigration.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Are you a cancer patient whose care at the NIH Clinical Center has been affected by the Trump administration’s cuts? Are you a family member or caregiver of a cancer patient who has received care at the NIH? We’d like to hear about your experience.
kffhealthnews.org/cancer-patie...
kffhealthnews.org/cancer-patie...
Cancer Patients at NIH: Share Your Story With Us - KFF Health News
Are you a cancer patient whose care at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Maryland, or another hospital, has been affected by the Trump administration’s cuts? Are you a family member...
kffhealthnews.org
August 7, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Are you a cancer patient whose care at the NIH Clinical Center has been affected by the Trump administration’s cuts? Are you a family member or caregiver of a cancer patient who has received care at the NIH? We’d like to hear about your experience.
kffhealthnews.org/cancer-patie...
kffhealthnews.org/cancer-patie...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
Important story from @kffhealthnews.org today about how firings and contract cuts have led to an exodus at the NIH Clinical Center, limiting how many patients can be treated.
“Every day seems to be some type of breaking point,” one NIH worker said.
“Every day seems to be some type of breaking point,” one NIH worker said.
August 7, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Important story from @kffhealthnews.org today about how firings and contract cuts have led to an exodus at the NIH Clinical Center, limiting how many patients can be treated.
“Every day seems to be some type of breaking point,” one NIH worker said.
“Every day seems to be some type of breaking point,” one NIH worker said.
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
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.
Patient numbers at NIH hospital have dropped under Trump, jeopardizing care
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.
cbsn.ws
August 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM
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.
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...
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
August 7, 2025 at 1:01 PM
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
Pandemic preparedness in the US has been leveled a crippling blow with the cancellation of multiple #BARDA contracts to help develop mRNA vaccines. No other vaccine platform produces vaccine so quickly; without mRNA, Americans will have a long wait for pandemic vax. www.statnews.com/2025/08/05/m...
Health secretary RFK Jr. shuts door on U.S. investment in mRNA vaccine research
Vaccine experts and people steeped in pandemic preparedness expressed horror at the news that RFK Jr. has shut the door in U.S. investment in mRNA vaccine research.
www.statnews.com
August 5, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Pandemic preparedness in the US has been leveled a crippling blow with the cancellation of multiple #BARDA contracts to help develop mRNA vaccines. No other vaccine platform produces vaccine so quickly; without mRNA, Americans will have a long wait for pandemic vax. www.statnews.com/2025/08/05/m...
Reposted by Rachana Pradhan
The NIH can’t award ANY grants to outside researchers under new WH restriction, reports @wsj.com.
The pause came in the form of a footnote from OMB Director Vought, in a document that doles out federal funds to the NIH.
Prelude to rescissions, especially after his comments over the weekend?
The pause came in the form of a footnote from OMB Director Vought, in a document that doles out federal funds to the NIH.
Prelude to rescissions, especially after his comments over the weekend?
Trump Administration Puts New Chokehold on Billions in Health-Research Funding
The National Institutes of Health can’t award grants to outside researchers under a new White House restriction.
www.wsj.com
July 30, 2025 at 12:44 AM
The NIH can’t award ANY grants to outside researchers under new WH restriction, reports @wsj.com.
The pause came in the form of a footnote from OMB Director Vought, in a document that doles out federal funds to the NIH.
Prelude to rescissions, especially after his comments over the weekend?
The pause came in the form of a footnote from OMB Director Vought, in a document that doles out federal funds to the NIH.
Prelude to rescissions, especially after his comments over the weekend?