Public Health News Round Up, March 26, 2025

by Jon Scaccia March 26, 2025

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5 things to know as Dr. Oz gets one step closer to leading Medicare and Medicaid

Dr. Mehmet Oz is one step closer to leading the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, but faces criticism for his ambiguous stance on potential Medicaid cuts amid GOP plans to shrink the program. While Republicans, including fellow physician Sen. Roger Marshall, argue such cuts would “save Medicaid,” Democrats worry it resembles “raiding the program for tax breaks.” Meanwhile, Oz’s past advocacy for Medicare Advantage raises concerns about his potential leadership, as critics liken it to putting “the fox in charge of the henhouse.”

Heeding the lessons of COVID-19 in the face of avian influenza

The article sheds light on the looming threat of avian influenza, warning that despite past lessons learned from COVID-19, the global community remains ill-equipped for another outbreak. With H5N1 avian flu posing a high risk due to its significant mortality rate, the article calls for coordinated global action, strategic interventions, and enhanced investment in research and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for education among high-risk groups and fair resource allocation to safeguard vulnerable populations worldwide.

Many people with disabilities risk losing their Medicaid if they work too much

In Pleasantville, Iowa, Zach Mecham, who relies on Medicaid for essential support services due to his muscular dystrophy, faces a Catch-22 where Medicaid income and asset caps prevent him from working full time despite political pressures for Medicaid recipients to be employed. This has spurred a legislative push in Iowa to remove these caps, allowing people with disabilities to earn more without jeopardizing their benefits, a move that advocates argue could alleviate workforce shortages and support economic independence for disabled individuals.

What RFK Jr.’s plans for baby formula mean for parents

The recent launch of “Operation Stork Speed” aims to enhance the safety and nutritional quality of infant formula in the U.S., amidst ongoing concerns about contamination and regulatory efficacy. As parents navigate potential impacts on available products, it’s crucial to understand the importance of collaboration between government regulation and private industry to ensure formula safety and market stability.