8/30/2025 Changes or Headlines for National Healthcare in the past two weeks

Here’s a comprehensive roundup of national healthcare news from the past two weeks:

Key Headlines & Policy Updates

1. States Move Toward Public Health Autonomy

Connecticut and several New England states are coordinating regional public health strategies in response to federal policy shifts—including proposed halts to COVID-19 vaccine distribution and removal of $500 million in mRNA vaccine funding. Governors and health officials want to maintain evidence-based vaccine guidance independently from federal changes.CT Insider

2. Leadership Turmoil at the CDC

President Trump fired CDC Director Susan Monarez, appointing Jim O’Neill as acting director—a decision supported by Health Secretary RFK Jr. This upheaval prompted the departure of several senior scientists and drew bipartisan concern about the politicization of the agency and potential threats to scientific integrity.AP NewsThe Guardian

3. Court Overturns CMS Broker Compensation Cap

A federal judge struck down a 2024 CMS rule that had limited Medicare Advantage brokers’ compensation to $100. Without the cap, brokers can now receive market-based commissions, raising concerns about increasing marketing-focused incentives over patient-centric care. CMS has until mid-October to appeal.MarketWatch

Broader Context & Legislative Movement

• The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, passed earlier, continues to spark debates due to deep cuts in Medicaid and SNAP, as well as work requirements for Medicaid recipients. Critics warn of millions losing coverage.The Washington PostThe GuardianInvestopediaWikipedia

• In Congress, bipartisan proposals such as the Protecting Healthcare and Lowering Costs Act aim to reverse these Medicaid and ACA subsidy cuts while extending premium tax credits permanently.Alston & BirdWorldatWork

• Other legislative efforts include:

  • The Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act, proposing a five-year extension for “Hospital at Home” programs to promote in-home acute care.WikipediaNational Law Review

  • States like Iowa, Louisiana, and North Carolina are implementing or adapting Medicaid reforms—ranging from work requirements and doula coverage to budget extensions and transportation services.Health Management Associates+2Health Management Associates+2

• A surge in urban hospitals gaining rural Medicare designations raises concerns about eligibility for rural-focused funding under H.R. 1.Alston & BirdHealth Management Associates

• HHS has launched MAHA in Action, an interactive platform highlighting implementation of its “Make America Healthy Again” agenda—covering reforms in food, health labeling, and vaccine advisory restructuring. It also includes real-time maps of ongoing initiatives.Alston & Bird

• The HHS Office of Inspector General reports a notable rise in Medicare enrollees leaving hospitals against medical advice (AMA), especially correlated with lower-rated hospitals and vulnerable populations.Alston & Bird

• A recent Supreme Court decision allows NIH to pause $783 million in grants tied to DEI and gender-related research, pending a jurisdictional review—highlighting a broader clash over funding criteria.Alston & Bird

Quick Summary Table