KFF Health News' 'What the Health?'

The House on Thursday moved to approve the largest-ever cuts to federal safety net programs, the last step before the measure goes to President Donald Trump’s desk. After the Senate very narrowly passed the bill, House GOP leaders ushered it past resistance from conservatives wary of adding trillions to the federal debt and moderates concerned about its cuts to Medicaid. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has continued to pursue his anti-vaccine agenda, despite promises that he would not. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Maya Goldman of Axios, and Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too:  Julie Rovner: The Lancet’s “Evaluating the Impact of Two Decades of USAID Interventions and Projecting the Effects of Defunding on Mortality up to 2030: A Retrospective Impact Evaluation and Forecasting Analysis,” by Daniella Medeiros Cavalcanti, et al. Alice Miranda Ollstein: The New York Times’ “‘I Feel Like I’ve Been Lied To’: When a Measles Outbreak Hits Home,” by Eli Saslow. Maya Goldman: Axios’ “New Docs Get Schooled in Old Diseases as Vax Rates Fall,” by Tina Reed. Sarah Karlin-Smith: Wired’s “Snake Venom, Urine, and a Quest to Live Forever: Inside a Biohacking Conference Emboldened by MAHA,” by Will Bahr.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode taped before a live audience at Aspen Ideas: Health, three former governors — one of whom also served as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services — have a wide-ranging discussion about how state and federal officials can more effectively work together to improve Americans’ health. Democrat Kathleen Sebelius, a former governor of Kansas and HHS secretary under President Barack Obama; Republican Chris Sununu, former governor of New Hampshire; and Democrat Roy Cooper, former governor of North Carolina, join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner for this discussion.  Visit our website to read a transcript of this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alice Miranda Ollstein, a health policy reporter at Politico, and Victoria Knight, a healthcare policy reporter at Axios, delve into critical issues surrounding the Supreme Court's decision to uphold a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming care for minors. They discuss its implications for similar laws nationwide and the ongoing legal battles over healthcare rights. The panel also tackles proposed Medicaid cuts, rural hospital funding challenges, and the impact of AI on mental health, shedding light on the complex landscape of healthcare policy and its effects on vulnerable populations.

In this engaging discussion, Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, Sarah Karlin-Smith from The Pink Sheet, Joanne Kenen of Johns Hopkins, and Douglas Holtz-Eakin from the American Action Forum delve into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial firing of the CDC's vaccine advisory committee. They explore the implications for public health and vaccine policy, alongside an open letter of dissent from NIH employees. Additionally, Holtz-Eakin clarifies the complexities and challenges of the Congressional Budget Office, shedding light on its vital role in health policy.

Join Alice Miranda Ollstein, a health policy and immigration reporter at Politico, Lauren Weber from The Washington Post, and KFF Health News’ Arielle Zionts for a lively discussion on the GOP’s gigantic budget reconciliation bill. They tackle the serious potential increase in uninsured individuals, the complexities of Medicaid changes, and how legislative challenges intertwine with public perception. Plus, dive into the unique healthcare struggles highlighted in Arielle's latest report, revealing the real-life impact of policy decisions on communities.

Rachel Nuzum, Senior VP for Policy at The Commonwealth Fund, Berenice Núñez Constant, Senior VP at AltaMed Health Services, and Anish Mahajan, Chief Deputy Director of Los Angeles County Public Health, dive into the turbulent waters of federal health policy. They discuss the ripple effects of proposed budget cuts, especially on vulnerable communities and critical public health initiatives. The panel also tackles pressing issues like reproductive health funding and the challenges of Medicaid, emphasizing the need for advocacy and sustainable solutions in these uncertain times.

Joining the discussion are Anna Edney, a Bloomberg News health policy reporter, Alice Miranda Ollstein from Politico, Sarah Karlin-Smith of The Pink Sheet, and Mary Ziegler, a law professor and abortion historian. They dive into the House's narrow passage of a contentious budget bill, highlighting proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Mary Ziegler shares insights on the evolving legal landscape of the personhood movement. The panel also analyzes the implications of COVID vaccine accessibility and health misinformation, emphasizing the need for compassion amid political maneuvering.

Megan Davis, a veterinarian and epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins, dives into the interplay between H5N1 bird flu and cat health. She discusses the alarming risks that the virus poses to domestic cats and the implications for public health. Davis emphasizes the need for better monitoring systems and the significance of the One Health approach, which bridges human, animal, and environmental health. Pet owners receive essential tips on safeguarding their cats from bird flu, highlighting the importance of informed pet care practices.

Join health reporters Alice Miranda Ollstein from Politico, Joanne Kenen from Johns Hopkins, and Julie Appleby from KFF Health News as they dissect proposed cuts exceeding $700 billion to Medicaid and other health programs. They explore the political fallout following Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s congressional testimonies and the implications of new health policies including controversial Medicaid work requirements. The panel also highlights recent public health debates, from fluoride ban discussions to the abortion pill, showcasing the tension in health policymaking.

Anna Edney, a Bloomberg News reporter specializing in health policy, and Sandhya Raman, who covers health legislation for CQ Roll Call, dive into the complexities of proposed Medicaid cuts among Republicans. They discuss the political struggle for consensus and the implications for healthcare access. The conversation takes a sharp turn to the chaotic environment at the Department of Health and Human Services, including new nominations and their potential impact on public health. They also highlight a shocking personal story about unexpected medical bills tied to preventive care.