Squawk Pod America’s Health Care: Affordability, AI, & Politics 11/21/25
Nov 21, 2025
Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader and strategic voice for Democrats, discusses the impending expiration of ACA tax credits and the urgent need for bipartisan solutions. Meanwhile, Dr. Toby Cosgrove, former CEO of the Cleveland Clinic, sheds light on rising healthcare costs driven by inflation and an aging population. He emphasizes the crucial role of AI in enhancing hospital efficiency and cites prevention strategies, including obesity solutions, as vital for lowering long-term expenses. Together, they explore the complex landscape of healthcare affordability and innovation.
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FDA Uncertainty Threatens U.S. Rare-Disease R&D
- Industry leaders warn inconsistent FDA decisions risk moving rare-disease R&D abroad.
- The letter says unpredictability could cause China to seize biotech leadership and cost U.S. jobs and investment.
Tax Credit Cliff Threatens Affordability
- If ACA tax credits expire, premiums, co-pays and deductibles will spike for millions.
- Hakeem Jeffries warns this would make health care unaffordable for working and middle class Americans.
Sit Down And Negotiate In Good Faith
- Democrats say they will meet Republicans anywhere to craft a bipartisan path forward.
- Jeffries urges sitting down in good faith rather than blaming motives or delaying talks.