KFF Health News' 'What the Health?' Medicaid in the Crosshairs, Maybe
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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!
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Medicaid's Uncertain Future
- President Trump's stance on Medicaid is unclear, as he verbally supports it while endorsing budget cuts.
- This contradiction is unusual, even for this administration, raising concerns about the program's future.
Work Requirements and Medicaid's Popularity
- Medicaid work requirements save money by causing people to lose coverage, not by increasing employment.
- The nature of Medicaid has changed; it's now popular and covers a broad range of people, making cuts politically challenging.
Impact on Seasonal Workers
- Medicaid work requirements disproportionately affect seasonal workers who might not meet the required hours.
- This is particularly relevant in states with significant tourism and agriculture industries.