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KFF Health News' 'What the Health?'
Medicaid in the Crosshairs, Maybe
Feb 20, 2025
Alice Miranda Ollstein, a health policy expert from Politico, joins Joanne Kenen of Johns Hopkins and Sarah Karlin-Smith from The Pink Sheet to discuss the uncertain fate of Medicaid amid proposed budget cuts. They explore chaotic federal layoffs at key health agencies like the FDA and their potential impacts on drug approvals. The conversation shifts to the rise of measles outbreaks and the risks of unregulated dietary supplements, sparking concerns about public health and consumer safety. Expect insights on modern health policy challenges that affect us all!
44:43
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Quick takeaways
- President Trump's mixed signals on Medicaid funding create uncertainty regarding potential cuts, impacting working-class individuals relying on the program.
- The rapid layoffs in federal health agencies raise operational concerns, threatening public health initiatives and the oversight of health products.
Deep dives
The Future of Medicaid Under Trump
The future of Medicaid remains uncertain as President Trump has sent mixed signals regarding its funding. Initially, he promised not to touch Medicaid during his campaign, but recent endorsements for budget resolutions suggesting significant cuts to the program have caused confusion. The Energy and Commerce Committee's proposal to cut $880 billion over ten years raises concerns among lawmakers, especially given Medicaid's growing constituency of working-class individuals who rely on its services. These shifts highlight the complexities of Medicaid’s political landscape, emphasizing its increasing popularity and the challenges of implementing severe cuts, which may backlash against the Republican base.
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