Kennedy's Casino Royale! Is He Betting Against American Health?!

A Martini Shaken Not Stirred...Or Maybe Just Cut!

M Moneypenny I've just intercepted some rather unsettling news. It appears the new administration is playing a high stakes game of 'cut and thrust' with American healthcare. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. a name that stirs as much intrigue as a Bond villain's lair is reportedly wielding the axe at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Apparently some 10,000 jobs are on the chopping block. One does hope they're not aiming for my tailor; I've a dinner date with a rather persuasive scientist this week.

The Office of Minority Health: A Target Rich Environment?

Sources tell me that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is feeling the pinch. It seems the Office of Minority Health a division dedicated to eliminating health disparities and improving outcomes for minority populations has been targeted. A rather unfortunate development. It appears the current administration is taking a leaf out of Goldfinger’s book finding ways to squeeze every last drop – in this case public services.

Do You Expect Me to Talk? Or Just Process Paperwork?

Adding insult to injury Dr. Mehmet Oz the celebrity TV host and former Senate candidate is poised to take over at CMS. Carlton assures us Oz's paperwork should be completed by close of business. 'Astonishing.' Once hailed as 'America's Doctor,' he's now more renowned for promoting supplements with dubious scientific backing. I trust he won’t be prescribing any of those during his tenure. One can only hope he’s not planning on turning CMS into a giant infomercial.

A Quantum of Layoffs

It's not all shaken martinis and dubious medical advice however. Apparently there are concerns about the legality of shuttering the Office of Minority Health. This office was created more than a decade ago so this could be considered unlawful. Carlton notes that CMS will appoint a new office of minority health director but it's a case of 'Live and Let Die'. I trust she knows what she's doing.

The World Is Not Enough (Staff)

The Office of Program Operations & Local Engagement responsible for implementing and overseeing Medicare and Medicaid has also taken a hit. The Medicare Medicaid Coordination Office is also affected. Apparently the IT team is safe due to the 'sensitivity' of their data. I trust that's 'For Your Eyes Only' unless they plan to sell it to Blofeld. It appears our healthcare system is becoming a game of roulette and the odds aren’t looking good.

Another Day to Die (Another Job Lost)

It’s a turbulent time M but as always I shall continue to monitor the situation. As for Kennedy’s cuts? Well as they say 'Never Say Never'. Though in this case 'Never Say Never to Reinstating Essential Healthcare Services' seems more appropriate. Bond out.