STAT+: At MAHA Summit, a grassroots movement goes corporate

Federal officials and health care executives rubbed elbows at the ritzy gathering Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Vice President JD Vance on stage at the 2025 MAHA Summit in Washington, D.C.Alex Wong/Getty Images Isabella is a chronic disease reporter writing about how the Trump administration is tackling the nation’s health epidemic — or not. You can reach her on Signal at isabellacueto.03.Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100. WASHINGTON — The Make America Healthy Again movement has changed, if Tuesday’s MAHA Summit is any indication. The insurgent movement that coalesced around mistrust of the health system and corporate influence put on a summit where industry leaders promoted their work under the MAHA banner, whether as insurers controlling costs or pharma companies developing the next breakthrough. In a morning panel about health care affordability, for instance, executives at two of the nation’s largest insurers, UnitedHealth Group and Elevance, highlighted their artificial intelligence initiatives while emphasizing the need for prior authorization — an administrative hurdle known to infuriate patients and providers alike. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Isabella is a chronic disease reporter writing about how the Trump administration is tackling the nation’s health epidemic — or not. You can reach her on Signal at isabellacueto.03. Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100.