Health and Human Services Secretary discusses ACA accomplishments and challenges. Panelists talk about final funding bill for HHS, Supreme Court case on abortion medication, and more. Panelists recommend health policy stories to read. Topics include Medicaid work requirements, Medicaid estate recovery, and personal abortion stories.
Democrats avoided new restrictions on reproductive and gender affirming healthcare in the fiscal 2024 spending bill for HHS.
The one-year reauthorization of PEPFAR without new anti-abortion restrictions highlights tension between Republicans and Democrats.
Deep dives
Overview of Fiscal Spending Bill Progress and HHS Funding
The progress and compromise on the fiscal 2024 spending bill for the Department of Health and Human Services are discussed. The funding for HHS is expected to be flat, a win for Democrats, as Republicans aimed for significant cuts. Democrats avoided adding new restrictions on reproductive and gender affirming health care.
Analysis of the Extended PEPFAR Reauthorization
The one-year reauthorization of PEPFAR without new anti-abortion restrictions is explained. Both Republicans and Democrats are unsatisfied with the compromise, with Republicans wanting stricter regulations and Democrats seeking a longer reauthorization period. The reauthorization's impact on abortion-related tensions and future control of the program are highlighted.
14th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act and Public Perception
As the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act approaches, public perception and branding of the ACA are discussed. The ACA's lesser recognition compared to programs like Medicare and Medicaid is attributed to its complex structure with various benefits not explicitly labeled as ACA provisions.
Biden Administration's Emphasis on Affordable Healthcare
The Biden administration's focus on making healthcare more affordable and accessible is highlighted. The expansion of subsidies under the Inflation Reduction Act has contributed to record enrollments and increased affordability of healthcare coverage under the ACA. The administration's legacy in enhancing healthcare affordability is emphasized.
Saturday marks the 14th anniversary of the still somewhat embattled Affordable Care Act. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra joins host Julie Rovner to discuss the accomplishments of the health law — and the challenges it still faces.
Also this week, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Tami Luhby of CNN, and Mary Agnes Carey of KFF Health News join Rovner to discuss what should be the final funding bill for HHS for fiscal 2024, next week’s Supreme Court oral arguments in a case challenging abortion medication, and more.
Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week they think you should read, too.