KFF Health News' 'What the Health?' 100 Days of Health Policy Upheaval
May 1, 2025
Join Alice Miranda Ollstein, a Politico health policy reporter focusing on Medicaid and abortion access; Margot Sanger-Katz, who specializes in data-driven health policy analysis for The New York Times; and Joanne Kenen from Johns Hopkins discussing the turmoil in health policy as Congress aims to cut Medicaid. They dive into the chaotic changes at the Department of Health and Human Services, the political push against Medicaid cuts, and the troubling impact of public health funding reductions. Plus, they share important stories for extra credit!
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Complex Medicaid Cut Puzzle
- Republicans aim to cut $880 billion from Medicaid but can't touch Medicare politically.
- They struggle to balance politics, promises, and varied program impacts across states.
Flawed Medicaid Work Requirements
- Medicaid work requirements kick off eligible people but don't increase employment.
- Such requirements fall short of necessary savings and could lead to major coverage losses.
Medicaid Expansion Population Focus
- Medicaid expansion population is mostly working, low-income people needing coverage.
- Republican rhetoric focuses on protecting vulnerable traditional groups but targets expansion adults.