Reed Abelson
@reedabelson.bsky.social
Health care reporter for NYTimes — following money and misdeeds in medicine. Very fond of dogs, old movies and mysteries. Give me a shout at [email protected].
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Per enrollee spending by private insurers almost doubled from 2008 to 2024 — much faster than both Medicare and Medicaid spending growth per enrollee (59.5% and 51.6%, respectively.)
More in our chart collection: https://on.kff.org/4r7rQKA
More in our chart collection: https://on.kff.org/4r7rQKA
January 27, 2026 at 6:27 PM
Per enrollee spending by private insurers almost doubled from 2008 to 2024 — much faster than both Medicare and Medicaid spending growth per enrollee (59.5% and 51.6%, respectively.)
More in our chart collection: https://on.kff.org/4r7rQKA
More in our chart collection: https://on.kff.org/4r7rQKA
Reposted by Reed Abelson
SCOOP: Nursing home companies donated $4.8M to Trump's super PAC in Aug-Sept.
Their executives landed a lunch in Aug. with Trump at his NoVa golf club where they asked him to revoke a rule to increase staffing to prevent patient neglect.
His administration revoked the rule a few months later.
Their executives landed a lunch in Aug. with Trump at his NoVa golf club where they asked him to revoke a rule to increase staffing to prevent patient neglect.
His administration revoked the rule a few months later.
After Donations, Trump Administration Revoked Rule Requiring More Nursing Home Staff
www.nytimes.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:37 PM
SCOOP: Nursing home companies donated $4.8M to Trump's super PAC in Aug-Sept.
Their executives landed a lunch in Aug. with Trump at his NoVa golf club where they asked him to revoke a rule to increase staffing to prevent patient neglect.
His administration revoked the rule a few months later.
Their executives landed a lunch in Aug. with Trump at his NoVa golf club where they asked him to revoke a rule to increase staffing to prevent patient neglect.
His administration revoked the rule a few months later.
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Perhaps more importantly, grocery prices are up 30% since the start of the pandemic. That cumulative inflation is a big part of why things feel so expensive. #NumbersDay
January 13, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Perhaps more importantly, grocery prices are up 30% since the start of the pandemic. That cumulative inflation is a big part of why things feel so expensive. #NumbersDay
House Votes to Restore Health Subsidies, Raising Hopes of a Deal www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/u...
House Votes to Restore Health Subsidies, Raising Hopes of a Deal
www.nytimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 11:55 PM
House Votes to Restore Health Subsidies, Raising Hopes of a Deal www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/u...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
BREAKING: Federal health officials on Monday announced dramatic revisions to the slate of vaccines recommended for American children, reducing the number of diseases prevented by routine shots to 11 from 17.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/05/h...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/05/h...
Kennedy Scales Back the Number of Vaccines Recommended for Children
www.nytimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:01 PM
BREAKING: Federal health officials on Monday announced dramatic revisions to the slate of vaccines recommended for American children, reducing the number of diseases prevented by routine shots to 11 from 17.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/05/h...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/05/h...
I can’t believe I used the wrong link! Here’s the story www.nytimes.com/2026/01/02/h...
January 2, 2026 at 8:47 PM
I can’t believe I used the wrong link! Here’s the story www.nytimes.com/2026/01/02/h...
I interviewed people who are affected by the loss of enhanced subsidies for 2026. Many are faced with tough decisions about what to do. Here’s the story: www.nytimes.com/2026/01/02/o...
Opinion | This Question Can Change Your Life
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 6:24 PM
I interviewed people who are affected by the loss of enhanced subsidies for 2026. Many are faced with tough decisions about what to do. Here’s the story: www.nytimes.com/2026/01/02/o...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Millions of Americans are confronting the highest health insurance costs in years. @reedabelson.bsky.social son explains why. Obamacare subsidies expire in 3 weeks. The clock is ticking on Capitol Hill. Congress may push the issue off until next year.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/08/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/08/h...
Obamacare Users Will Be Asked to Pay More for Plans That Cover Less
www.nytimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Millions of Americans are confronting the highest health insurance costs in years. @reedabelson.bsky.social son explains why. Obamacare subsidies expire in 3 weeks. The clock is ticking on Capitol Hill. Congress may push the issue off until next year.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/08/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/08/h...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
SCOOP: CDC officials on Monday linked for the first time the measles outbreak that began in Texas with another in Utah and Arizona, a finding that could end America’s status as a nation that has eliminated measles.
(Gift link)
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/h...
(Gift link)
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/h...
C.D.C. Links Measles Outbreaks in Multiple States for the First Time
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:28 AM
SCOOP: CDC officials on Monday linked for the first time the measles outbreak that began in Texas with another in Utah and Arizona, a finding that could end America’s status as a nation that has eliminated measles.
(Gift link)
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/h...
(Gift link)
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/h...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Next year's A.C.A. health prices are now available in about a dozen states, giving Americans their first look at the sharp increases many will pay for coverage if Congress does not extend subsidies.
Via @reedabelson.bsky.social and @sangerkatz.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/h...
Via @reedabelson.bsky.social and @sangerkatz.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/h...
Higher Obamacare Prices Become Public in a Dozen States
www.nytimes.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Next year's A.C.A. health prices are now available in about a dozen states, giving Americans their first look at the sharp increases many will pay for coverage if Congress does not extend subsidies.
Via @reedabelson.bsky.social and @sangerkatz.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/h...
Via @reedabelson.bsky.social and @sangerkatz.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/h...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
The A.I. companies they contract to review pre-authorizations will have a strong incentive to deny care. Medicare plans to pay them a share of the savings generated from rejections.
My story with @reedabelson.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/h...
My story with @reedabelson.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/h...
Medicare Will Require Prior Approval for Certain Procedures
www.nytimes.com
August 29, 2025 at 8:03 PM
The A.I. companies they contract to review pre-authorizations will have a strong incentive to deny care. Medicare plans to pay them a share of the savings generated from rejections.
My story with @reedabelson.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/h...
My story with @reedabelson.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/h...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
As Aatish Taseer and his husband built a life together in New York, their anchor was Zinc, an 85-pound shepherd-lab mix. The last lesson he taught them was about loss and renewal.
🔗 Read more: on.wsj.com/4mGA766
🔗 Read more: on.wsj.com/4mGA766
August 13, 2025 at 10:27 PM
As Aatish Taseer and his husband built a life together in New York, their anchor was Zinc, an 85-pound shepherd-lab mix. The last lesson he taught them was about loss and renewal.
🔗 Read more: on.wsj.com/4mGA766
🔗 Read more: on.wsj.com/4mGA766
A look at the broad challenges facing UnitedHealth — and the U.S. health system www.nytimes.com/2025/07/28/h...
UnitedHealth Grew to Be a Leviathan. Then Came the Backlash.
www.nytimes.com
July 28, 2025 at 6:35 PM
A look at the broad challenges facing UnitedHealth — and the U.S. health system www.nytimes.com/2025/07/28/h...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Children with complex medical needs and their families were on Capitol Hill this week lobbying senators against Medicaid cuts. From Megan Mineiro and @sangerkatz.bsky.social:
‘Little Lobbyists’ Urge Senators to Oppose Trump’s Bill Cutting Medicaid
www.nytimes.com
June 19, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Children with complex medical needs and their families were on Capitol Hill this week lobbying senators against Medicaid cuts. From Megan Mineiro and @sangerkatz.bsky.social:
Reposted by Reed Abelson
My latest: Kennedy said he has to go to Antigua to get stem cells for his vocal condition. He'd like such treatments to come to the U.S., despite the scams and bad outcomes they might bring. (why? he basically says pharma is just as bad)
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/06/05/h...
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/06/05/h...
Kennedy Says ‘Charlatans’ Are No Reason to Block Unproven Stem Cell Treatments
www.nytimes.com
June 5, 2025 at 6:13 PM
My latest: Kennedy said he has to go to Antigua to get stem cells for his vocal condition. He'd like such treatments to come to the U.S., despite the scams and bad outcomes they might bring. (why? he basically says pharma is just as bad)
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/06/05/h...
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/06/05/h...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Millions Would Lose Their Obamacare Coverage Under Trump’s Bill
www.nytimes.com
June 5, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Here's a complete list of *everything* in the GOP megabill, thanks to heroic efforts from @aliciaparlap.bsky.social @emmbadger.bsky.social and Josh Katz. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
A Complete List of Everything in the Republican Bill, and How Much It Would Cost or Save
We highlighted the substantive changes made by House Republicans to secure the support of several holdout members.
www.nytimes.com
May 23, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Here's a complete list of *everything* in the GOP megabill, thanks to heroic efforts from @aliciaparlap.bsky.social @emmbadger.bsky.social and Josh Katz. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
The Medicaid work requirement in the House bill is a lot stricter than work requirements in previous legislation. www.nytimes.com/2025/05/22/u... with Sarah Kliff
Republicans Pass Strictest Medicaid Work Requirement They Have Ever Put Forward
www.nytimes.com
May 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM
The Medicaid work requirement in the House bill is a lot stricter than work requirements in previous legislation. www.nytimes.com/2025/05/22/u... with Sarah Kliff
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Valerie, the miniature dachshund, disappeared in 2023, slipping out of her pen and into the bush on Australia’s Kangaroo Island. For the next 529 days, she eluded capture. Now, she is “safe and sound” and is being re-acclimated to domestic life in preparation for a reunion with her owners.
After 529 Days, Valerie the Dachshund Has Been Rescued
She survived more than a year in the Australian wilderness. But reuniting her with her owners will take a little more time.
www.nytimes.com
April 28, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Valerie, the miniature dachshund, disappeared in 2023, slipping out of her pen and into the bush on Australia’s Kangaroo Island. For the next 529 days, she eluded capture. Now, she is “safe and sound” and is being re-acclimated to domestic life in preparation for a reunion with her owners.
A tiny agency that supports programs like Meals on Wheels and Centers for Independent Living is being dismantled by the Trump administration— and concerns are increasing over the future funding of these initiatives. Here’s my story www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/h...
Trump Cuts Threaten Agency Running Meals on Wheels (Gift Article)
A tiny division responsible for overseeing services for people with disabilities and older Americans is being dismantled as part of an overhaul by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary.
www.nytimes.com
April 24, 2025 at 8:02 PM
A tiny agency that supports programs like Meals on Wheels and Centers for Independent Living is being dismantled by the Trump administration— and concerns are increasing over the future funding of these initiatives. Here’s my story www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/h...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
A bankruptcy judge in Dallas on Tuesday approved the closures of Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland and Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.
Bankruptcy judge approves the closure of Delaware County’s Crozer hospitals
The layoff of 2,651 Crozer employees is expected to start Friday, as Delaware County’s largest health system closes quickly amid the bankruptcy of its for-profit owner, Prospect Medical Holdings.
www.inquirer.com
April 22, 2025 at 10:44 PM
A bankruptcy judge in Dallas on Tuesday approved the closures of Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland and Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.
Reposted by Reed Abelson
Even as President Trump— with Musk and DOGE— says he’s rooting out fraud, he’s backing a skin substitute, basically an expensive bandaid, that is costing Medicare billions of dollars.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/h...
A must read by @bykatiethomas.bsky.social @sarahkliff
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/h...
A must read by @bykatiethomas.bsky.social @sarahkliff
Medicare Bleeds Billions on Pricey Bandages, and Doctors Get a Cut (Gift Article)
Medicare spending on “skin substitutes” made of dried placenta has soared as doctors pocket lucrative discounts from sellers.
www.nytimes.com
April 10, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Even as President Trump— with Musk and DOGE— says he’s rooting out fraud, he’s backing a skin substitute, basically an expensive bandaid, that is costing Medicare billions of dollars.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/h...
A must read by @bykatiethomas.bsky.social @sarahkliff
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/h...
A must read by @bykatiethomas.bsky.social @sarahkliff
Reposted by Reed Abelson
...when public health works it's invisible...
A tricky thing about modern society is that no one has any idea when they don’t die.
Like, the number of lives saved by controlling air pollution in America is probably over 200,000 per year, but the number of people who think their life was saved by controlling air pollution is zero.
Like, the number of lives saved by controlling air pollution in America is probably over 200,000 per year, but the number of people who think their life was saved by controlling air pollution is zero.
April 7, 2025 at 4:30 PM
...when public health works it's invisible...
Reposted by Reed Abelson
A recession with job losses, combined with Medicaid cuts, combined with an end to enhanced ACA premium aid, would be quite a triple whammy for health coverage.
April 4, 2025 at 4:06 PM
A recession with job losses, combined with Medicaid cuts, combined with an end to enhanced ACA premium aid, would be quite a triple whammy for health coverage.