Adam Beckman, MD
@adambeckman.bsky.social
Helping strengthen primary care & public health. Resident physician, previously special advisor to the 21st U.S. Surgeon General, views mine
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
Trump Seeks to Cut Basic Scientific Research by Roughly One-Third, Report Shows www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/s...
July 10, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Trump Seeks to Cut Basic Scientific Research by Roughly One-Third, Report Shows www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/s...
Medicare Advantage plans target veterans and claim offering dental and vision benefits justify high reimbursements.
But we find veterans in MA used these services with the same frequency as veterans in traditional Medicare.
@joefigs.bsky.social @hsph.harvard.edu
But we find veterans in MA used these services with the same frequency as veterans in traditional Medicare.
@joefigs.bsky.social @hsph.harvard.edu
May 16, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Medicare Advantage plans target veterans and claim offering dental and vision benefits justify high reimbursements.
But we find veterans in MA used these services with the same frequency as veterans in traditional Medicare.
@joefigs.bsky.social @hsph.harvard.edu
But we find veterans in MA used these services with the same frequency as veterans in traditional Medicare.
@joefigs.bsky.social @hsph.harvard.edu
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
Taken together, the comprehensive CMS payments MA plans get to care for vets (especially those who get little to no medical care paid by MA) are simply not justified by the “extra” MA supplemental benefits.
Urgent need for VA and CMS to fix this inefficiency to tune of $BILLIONS per year.
Urgent need for VA and CMS to fix this inefficiency to tune of $BILLIONS per year.
May 16, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Taken together, the comprehensive CMS payments MA plans get to care for vets (especially those who get little to no medical care paid by MA) are simply not justified by the “extra” MA supplemental benefits.
Urgent need for VA and CMS to fix this inefficiency to tune of $BILLIONS per year.
Urgent need for VA and CMS to fix this inefficiency to tune of $BILLIONS per year.
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
Using national survey data, we find:
1. No significant differences in total utilization or spending of dental & vision services between vets in MA vs TM.
2. MA plans only spend ~$82 per veteran enrollee on dental care and ~$6 more on vision aids than what TM vets get.
1. No significant differences in total utilization or spending of dental & vision services between vets in MA vs TM.
2. MA plans only spend ~$82 per veteran enrollee on dental care and ~$6 more on vision aids than what TM vets get.
May 16, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Using national survey data, we find:
1. No significant differences in total utilization or spending of dental & vision services between vets in MA vs TM.
2. MA plans only spend ~$82 per veteran enrollee on dental care and ~$6 more on vision aids than what TM vets get.
1. No significant differences in total utilization or spending of dental & vision services between vets in MA vs TM.
2. MA plans only spend ~$82 per veteran enrollee on dental care and ~$6 more on vision aids than what TM vets get.
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
Many veterans enrolling in Medicare Advantage get zero care paid by plans.
MA insurers argue that vets get extra benefits (vision + dental).
But in new @jama.com study, we find that this claim is NOT actually the truth.
@adambeckman.bsky.social @hsph.harvard.edu
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
MA insurers argue that vets get extra benefits (vision + dental).
But in new @jama.com study, we find that this claim is NOT actually the truth.
@adambeckman.bsky.social @hsph.harvard.edu
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
May 16, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Many veterans enrolling in Medicare Advantage get zero care paid by plans.
MA insurers argue that vets get extra benefits (vision + dental).
But in new @jama.com study, we find that this claim is NOT actually the truth.
@adambeckman.bsky.social @hsph.harvard.edu
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
MA insurers argue that vets get extra benefits (vision + dental).
But in new @jama.com study, we find that this claim is NOT actually the truth.
@adambeckman.bsky.social @hsph.harvard.edu
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
Veterans in Medicare Advantage and Traditional Medicare used dental and vision services at similar rates, with no significant difference in total spending. #SGIM25
https://ja.ma/3ZficKj
https://ja.ma/3ZficKj
May 15, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Veterans in Medicare Advantage and Traditional Medicare used dental and vision services at similar rates, with no significant difference in total spending. #SGIM25
https://ja.ma/3ZficKj
https://ja.ma/3ZficKj
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
Medicaid cuts would threaten rural hospitals, nursing homes in Colorado www.denverpost.com/2025/03/16/m...
Medicaid cuts would threaten rural hospitals, nursing homes in Colorado
Colorado lawmakers have said they don’t want to cut Medicaid, but the program accounts for about one-third of the general fund budget, and the state faces a $1 billion shortfall in the coming fisca…
www.denverpost.com
March 17, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Medicaid cuts would threaten rural hospitals, nursing homes in Colorado www.denverpost.com/2025/03/16/m...
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
“In its 60 years, Medicaid has swelled from a small program that provided medical care to poor Americans receiving cash assistance to the largest source of public insurance.”
An important look into who suffers most from potential Medicaid cuts.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
An important look into who suffers most from potential Medicaid cuts.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
More Than 70 Million Americans Are on Medicaid. This Is Where They Live.
As Republicans weigh deep cuts, these congressional districts — some red, some blue — have the most to lose.
www.nytimes.com
March 2, 2025 at 5:45 AM
“In its 60 years, Medicaid has swelled from a small program that provided medical care to poor Americans receiving cash assistance to the largest source of public insurance.”
An important look into who suffers most from potential Medicaid cuts.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
An important look into who suffers most from potential Medicaid cuts.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
Francis Collins, the NIH Director for 12 years, led the Human Genome Project and other NIH efforts for 32 years, resigned today. Key words from his resignation letter
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/u...
March 1, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Francis Collins, the NIH Director for 12 years, led the Human Genome Project and other NIH efforts for 32 years, resigned today. Key words from his resignation letter
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/u...
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
Breaking: RFK Jr. moves to quietly eliminate public comment from HHS's decision making: www.statnews.com/2025/02/28/r...
RFK Jr. moves to eliminate public comment in HHS decisions
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moved to rescind the longtime practice of giving the public a chance to comment on the health agency’s plans.
www.statnews.com
February 28, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Breaking: RFK Jr. moves to quietly eliminate public comment from HHS's decision making: www.statnews.com/2025/02/28/r...
"The budget committee document listed several possible options, such as...eliminating the tax exemption for nonprofit hospitals"
nytimes.com/interactive/... by @sangerkatz.bsky.social @aliciaparlap.bsky.social h/t Naomi Stark
nytimes.com/interactive/... by @sangerkatz.bsky.social @aliciaparlap.bsky.social h/t Naomi Stark
February 26, 2025 at 6:43 PM
"The budget committee document listed several possible options, such as...eliminating the tax exemption for nonprofit hospitals"
nytimes.com/interactive/... by @sangerkatz.bsky.social @aliciaparlap.bsky.social h/t Naomi Stark
nytimes.com/interactive/... by @sangerkatz.bsky.social @aliciaparlap.bsky.social h/t Naomi Stark
In clinic, I just saw the social safety net at work yet again: a patient newly enrolled in Medicaid having her first primary care visit at a community health center. She said plainly it saved her life.
Patriotism means strengthening the safety net for people who rely on it, not ripping it apart.
Patriotism means strengthening the safety net for people who rely on it, not ripping it apart.
February 25, 2025 at 8:30 PM
In clinic, I just saw the social safety net at work yet again: a patient newly enrolled in Medicaid having her first primary care visit at a community health center. She said plainly it saved her life.
Patriotism means strengthening the safety net for people who rely on it, not ripping it apart.
Patriotism means strengthening the safety net for people who rely on it, not ripping it apart.
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
RIP to one of the bona fide greats
NEW YORK (AP) — Roberta Flack, Grammy-winning singer known for 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' and other intimate hits, dies at 88.
February 24, 2025 at 3:27 PM
RIP to one of the bona fide greats
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
“The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is still blocking most ongoing scientific funding over concerns about "diversity, equity and inclusion" (DEI), according to NIH sources and internal NIH correspondence.”
popular.info/p/update-nih...
popular.info/p/update-nih...
UPDATE: NIH reimposes "DEI" funding freeze despite court order
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is still blocking most ongoing scientific funding over concerns about "diversity, equity and inclusion" (DEI), according to NIH sources and internal NIH corresp...
popular.info
February 25, 2025 at 2:17 AM
“The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is still blocking most ongoing scientific funding over concerns about "diversity, equity and inclusion" (DEI), according to NIH sources and internal NIH correspondence.”
popular.info/p/update-nih...
popular.info/p/update-nih...
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
Update on the Measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/22/u...
There likely hundreds of cases, so many not being diagnosed. And many more to come. All preventable.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/22/u...
There likely hundreds of cases, so many not being diagnosed. And many more to come. All preventable.
Measles Outbreak in Texas and New Mexico Sickens Nearly 100 People
Texas reported 90 cases this week, while New Mexico reported nine. A majority of the cases have been in a Texas county where vaccination rates have lagged behind the rest of the state.
www.nytimes.com
February 22, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Update on the Measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/22/u...
There likely hundreds of cases, so many not being diagnosed. And many more to come. All preventable.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/22/u...
There likely hundreds of cases, so many not being diagnosed. And many more to come. All preventable.
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
Researchers working on the Career Firefighter Health Study received notice last week of the CDC contract’s termination.
DOGE cancels federal contract for 9/11 research
Researchers working on the Career Firefighter Health Study received notice last week of the CDC contract’s termination.
www.politico.com
February 20, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Researchers working on the Career Firefighter Health Study received notice last week of the CDC contract’s termination.
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
DOGE in practice: Disabled Army veteran who has 4 kids and did 3 tours overseas is fired from his job at Bronx VA hospital
February 18, 2025 at 3:05 PM
DOGE in practice: Disabled Army veteran who has 4 kids and did 3 tours overseas is fired from his job at Bronx VA hospital
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
A Montana House committee has advanced a bill to ban mRNA vaccines.
Not just the COVID vaccine, mind you -- this is any mRNA vaccine.
And not just withhold recommendation -- this is an outright prohibition
dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/fe...
Not just the COVID vaccine, mind you -- this is any mRNA vaccine.
And not just withhold recommendation -- this is an outright prohibition
dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/fe...
Bill to ban mRNA vaccines passes out of House committee
A bill that would ban the use of mRNA vaccines, including for Covid-19, is on its way to the House floor after passing out of committee in a party-line vote Wednesday.
dailyinterlake.com
February 18, 2025 at 2:58 PM
A Montana House committee has advanced a bill to ban mRNA vaccines.
Not just the COVID vaccine, mind you -- this is any mRNA vaccine.
And not just withhold recommendation -- this is an outright prohibition
dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/fe...
Not just the COVID vaccine, mind you -- this is any mRNA vaccine.
And not just withhold recommendation -- this is an outright prohibition
dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/fe...
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
We are seeing the most severe flu season in 15 years and an inability to send data to the World Health Organization or release complete health alerts to clinicians means that we are unable to have the best evidence to make decisions.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Urgent CDC Data and Analyses on Influenza and Bird Flu Go Missing as Outbreaks Escalate - KFF Health News
Delays in urgent CDC analyses of seasonal flu and bird flu, and the agency’s silence, will harm Americans as outbreaks escalate, doctors and public health experts warn.
kffhealthnews.org
February 15, 2025 at 1:37 AM
We are seeing the most severe flu season in 15 years and an inability to send data to the World Health Organization or release complete health alerts to clinicians means that we are unable to have the best evidence to make decisions.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
Missed this yesterday: Ohio reports a suspected human case of #H5N1 #birdflu in a farmworker exposed to infected poultry. Needs confirmation by #CDC. odh.ohio.gov/media-center...
Ohio Reports First Human Case of Bird Flu
The overall risk to Ohioans is low, but those in close contact with sick or dead poultry or wild birds should take precautions
odh.ohio.gov
February 13, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Missed this yesterday: Ohio reports a suspected human case of #H5N1 #birdflu in a farmworker exposed to infected poultry. Needs confirmation by #CDC. odh.ohio.gov/media-center...
Some good news–Medicaid in Massachusetts just made it easier for members to access needed prenatal vitamins and oral contraceptives. New standing order from MassHealth across pharmacies:
www.mass.gov/doc/pharmacy...
www.mass.gov/doc/pharmacy...
February 13, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Some good news–Medicaid in Massachusetts just made it easier for members to access needed prenatal vitamins and oral contraceptives. New standing order from MassHealth across pharmacies:
www.mass.gov/doc/pharmacy...
www.mass.gov/doc/pharmacy...
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
Don't look away!
There is a measles outbreak in Texas, in a county where 18% of incoming kindergartners in the 2023-24 school year did not get the measles, mumps, & rubella vaccine:
www.cnn.com/2025/02/07/h...
Exemption rates for vaccines are rising.
Like COVID-19, measles is a highly infectious airborne disease.
www.cnn.com/2025/02/07/h...
Exemption rates for vaccines are rising.
Like COVID-19, measles is a highly infectious airborne disease.
February 9, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Don't look away!
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
People aren't always aware that if they have Medicare Advantage & later want to switch to Original Medicare after more than 1 year, they likely won't have guaranteed access to Medigap.
Only a few states have laws to ensure this. This year, IL & WA are considering legislation to ensure that access.
Only a few states have laws to ensure this. This year, IL & WA are considering legislation to ensure that access.
February 7, 2025 at 12:29 AM
People aren't always aware that if they have Medicare Advantage & later want to switch to Original Medicare after more than 1 year, they likely won't have guaranteed access to Medigap.
Only a few states have laws to ensure this. This year, IL & WA are considering legislation to ensure that access.
Only a few states have laws to ensure this. This year, IL & WA are considering legislation to ensure that access.
Reposted by Adam Beckman, MD
Community health centers are now starting to shut down across the country because of Trump’s executive orders.
These centers serve 1-in-5 rural patients in America.
These centers serve 1-in-5 rural patients in America.
Virginia community health centers close over federal funding access
Despite pause on federal funding freeze, centers unable to access grants
www.vpm.org
February 5, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Community health centers are now starting to shut down across the country because of Trump’s executive orders.
These centers serve 1-in-5 rural patients in America.
These centers serve 1-in-5 rural patients in America.