HHS

Nonmainstream doctors and health leaders are wielding serious muscle in shaping the incoming administration’s health policies and challenging prevailing thinking on public health, disease prevention and chronic illness.

Previously, such transplants could be done only as part of research studies. The rule, which takes effect Wednesday, is expected to shorten the wait for organs for all, regardless of HIV status.

A new HHS rule would require Medicare and Medicaid to cover drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound for a large segment of Americans. But it’s unclear if it will will have support of the Trump administration.

Johns Hopkins surgeon Dr. Marty Makary is his choice for the FDA and Dr. Janette Nesheiwat is in line to be the next surgeon general. Dr. Dave Weldon of Florida is slated to run the CDC.

Research has generally shown that fluoridated water at recommended levels is safe. But many experts and a judge say more research is needed to better understand whether and when risks kick in.

Medicare officials defend the use of home visits that often spot medical conditions that are never treated.

The federal program offers disaster flexibilities that can make it easier for people to sign up for coverage and get treatments faster. A coalition of health and labor groups want the state to take full advantage.

Adding low levels of fluoride to water has long been considered one of the greatest health achievements. Now comes an analysis of previously published research that concludes a link with intelligence.

The judge dismissed the state's lawsuit against two federal agencies and said the case should instead be an administrative challenge. Next stop is the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta.

The new rule threatens the loss of insurance funds in an attempt to prevent discrimination based on sex, including gender identity. The judge wrote that state agencies faced "imminent injury" because of the rule.