Rachana Pradhan

Visit kff.org to read Rachana's bio.

rpradhan@kff.org
@rachanadpradhan

States Pay Deloitte, Others Millions To Comply With Trump Law To Cut Medicaid Rolls

KFF Health News Original

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will add red tape and restrictions for those seeking Medicaid and SNAP benefits. And the costs to update computer systems that determine eligibility for those programs will be steep.

Listen: Trump’s NIH ‘Reset’ Is Driving Away Scientists

KFF Health News Original

In President Donald Trump’s second term, federal data shows, the National Institutes of Health has lost about 4,400 workers. Scientists say the departures harm the nation’s ability to respond to disease outbreaks, develop treatments, and confront public health problems. KFF Health News spoke with six scientists about why they left.

Seis científicos federales expulsados por el gobierno de Trump hablan del trabajo que quedó sin terminar

KFF Health News Original

Durante décadas, el valor de los NIH ha sido quizá una de las pocas cosas en las que todos en Washington han estado de acuerdo. Los legisladores han aumentado su financiamiento de forma constante. No ahora.

Six Federal Scientists Run Out by Trump Talk About the Work Left Undone

KFF Health News Original

Cancer treatments, disease outbreaks, addiction science: Scientists say an exodus from the National Institutes of Health will harm the nation’s ability to respond to illness.

The People — And Research — Lost in the NIH Exodus

KFF Health News Original

Government data shows the National Institutes of Health lost about 4,400 people — more than 20% of its staff — as the Trump administration slashed the federal workforce. Hear from six scientists on why they walked out the door and the work they left behind.

US Cancer Institute Studying Ivermectin’s ‘Ability To Kill Cancer Cells’

KFF Health News Original

At a January event organized by allies of health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., National Cancer Institute Director Anthony Letai said results may be released “in a few months.” Ivermectin, used to deworm horses and other animals, has become a symbol of resistance against the medical establishment among supporters of Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda and many conservatives.

Trump Rules Force Cancer Registries To ‘Erase’ Trans Patients From Public Health Data

KFF Health News Original

In 2026, U.S. cancer registries that receive federal funding will be required by the Trump administration to classify patients’ sex as only male, female, or not stated/unknown.

US Cancer Registries, Constrained by Trump Policies, To Recognize Only ‘Male’ or ‘Female’ Patients

KFF Health News Original

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 most marginalized populations.

A Small Texas Think Tank Cultivated Covid Dissidents. Now They’re Running US Health Policy.

KFF Health News Original

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, exercising significant authority over access to vaccines and scientific research.

Senators Press Deloitte, Other Contractors on Errors in Medicaid Eligibility Systems

KFF Health News Original

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 eligibility systems.

Blue States That Sued Kept Most CDC Grants, While Red States Feel Brunt of Trump Clawbacks

KFF Health News Original

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.

Patient Numbers at NIH Hospital Have Plummeted Under Trump, Jeopardizing Care

KFF Health News Original

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.

Listen: Some Scientists Speak Out on Deep Cuts to National Cancer Institute, While Others Flee

KFF Health News Original

The U.S. has made enormous progress reducing cancer mortality since the 1990s, partly due to significant investment in research at the National Cancer Institute. But scientists say the Trump administration has been hollowing out the agency in its push to dramatically shrink the federal government.

World’s Premier Cancer Institute Faces Crippling Cuts and Chaos

KFF Health News Original

After spearheading a 34% cut in cancer mortality, the National Cancer Institute at the NIH is bleeding resources and staff and could see its budget cut by nearly 40%.

HHS Eliminates CDC Staff Who Made Sure Birth Control Is Safe for Women at Risk

KFF Health News Original

The Trump administration eliminated the CDC team that developed national guidelines for prescribing contraception safely for millions of women with underlying medical conditions.