Rachana Pradhan, KFF Health News

Federal data shows the NIH lost about 4,400 people — more than 20% of its workforce. Scientists say the departures harm the U.S.’ ability to respond to disease outbreaks, develop treatments for chronic illnesses, and confront the nation’s most pressing public health problems.

Deloitte, a global consultancy that reported revenue last year of $65 billion, pulls in billions of dollars from states – including contracts with governments in Montana and Colorado – and the federal government for supplying technology it says will modernize Medicaid. However, a KFF Health News investigation of eligibility systems found widespread problems.

The pandemic has overwhelmed understaffed state Medicaid agencies, and as Biden's COVID-19 public health emergency declaration ends, low-income people could find it even harder to get coverage.

President Biden's failure to name someone to head the Food and Drug Administration has perplexed public health experts who say it's baffling for the agency to be leaderless during the pandemic.