The Host
In terms of well being care, this yr’s presidential marketing campaign is more and more a matter of which candidate voters select to consider. Democrats, led by Vice President Kamala Harris, say Republicans wish to additional prohibit reproductive rights and repeal the Inexpensive Care Act, pointing to their earlier actions and claims. In the meantime, Republicans, led by former President Donald Trump, insist they don’t have any such plans.
In the meantime, with open enrollment approaching for Medicare, the Biden administration dodges a political bullet, avoiding a pointy spike subsequent yr in Medicare prescription drug plan premiums.
This week’s panelists are Julie Rovner of KFF Well being Information, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Name, and Anna Edney of Bloomberg Information.
Among the many takeaways from this week’s episode:
- This week, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio muddled his ticket’s stances on well being coverage in the course of the vice presidential debate, together with by downplaying the opportunity of a nationwide abortion ban. And Melania Trump, the previous president’s spouse, spoke out in assist of abortion rights. Their feedback appear designed to assuage voter considerations that former President Donald Trump may take actions to additional block abortion entry.
- Vance raised eyebrows along with his debate-night declare that Trump “salvaged” the Inexpensive Care Act — when, in reality, the previous president vowed to repeal the legislation and championed the GOP’s efforts to ship on that promise. In the meantime, Trump deflected questions from AARP about his plans for Medicare, replying, “What we’ve to do is make our nation profitable once more.”
- On the Democratic aspect, Vice President Kamala Harris is campaigning on well being, specifically by pushing out new advertisements highlighting the advantages of the ACA and Trump’s efforts to limit abortion. Polls present well being is a profitable concern for Democrats and that the ACA is widespread, particularly its protections for these with preexisting circumstances.
- Additionally within the information, the Facilities for Medicare & Medicaid Providers reported a slight dip in common Medicare drug plan premiums for subsequent yr. Coming in an annual report — out shortly earlier than Election Day — it appears as if authorities subsidies cushioned modifications to the system, sparing seniors from doubtlessly paying in premiums what they might save below the brand new $2,000 annual out-of-pocket drug price cap, as an example.
- And in abortion information, a choose struck down Georgia’s six-week abortion ban — however many suppliers have already left the state. And a brand new California legislation protects protection for in vitro fertilization, together with for LGBTQ+ {couples}.
Additionally this week, Rovner interviews KFF Well being Information’ Lauren Sausser, who reported and wrote the newest KFF Well being Information-Washington Put up “Bill of the Month,” a couple of teen athlete whose wanted surgical procedure lacked a billing code. Do you could have a complicated or outrageous medical invoice you wish to share? Tell us about it.
Plus, for “further credit score,” the panelists counsel well being coverage tales they learn this week that they assume it’s best to learn, too:
Julie Rovner: KFF Well being Information’ “Doctors Urging Conference Boycotts Over Abortion Bans Face Uphill Battle,” by Ronnie Cohen.
Anna Edney: Bloomberg Information’ “A Free Drug Experiment Bypasses the US Health System’s Secret Fees,” by John Tozzi.
Alice Miranda Ollstein: The Wall Road Journal’s “Hospitals Hit With IV Fluid Shortage After Hurricane Helene,” by Joseph Walker and Peter Loftus.
Sandhya Raman: The Asheville Citizen Occasions’ “Without Water After Helene, Residents at Asheville Public Housing Complex Fear for Their Health,” by Jacob Biba.
Additionally talked about on this week’s podcast:
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