KFF Health News' 'What the Health?'

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.

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!

Join reporters Sarah Karlin-Smith from The Pink Sheet, Tami Luhby from CNN, and Alice Miranda Ollstein from Politico as they discuss Congress's looming budget reconciliation and deep cuts to Medicaid that have potential ramifications for their constituents. Rae Ellen Bichell from KFF Health News also dives into changing care for transgender minors in Colorado, highlighting emotional challenges and the fight for timely support amidst shifting policies. Tune in for insights on public health, preventive care issues, and the intersection of politics and medical publishing.

Tensions between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his employees at the Department of Health and Human Services are mounting, as he made a series of claims about autism this week — contradicting his agency’s findings. Plus, President Donald Trump unveiled an executive order to lower drug prices as his administration explores tariffs that could raise them.Shefali Luthra of The 19th, Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call, and Anna Edney of Bloomberg News join KFF Health News’ Emmarie Huetteman to discuss these stories and more.Plus, KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner interviews two University of California-San Francisco researchers about an upcoming Supreme Court case that could have major ramifications for preventive care.  Plus, for “extra credit” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too: Emmarie Huetteman: KFF Health News’ “States Push Medicaid Work Rules, but Few Programs Help Enrollees Find Jobs,” by Sam Whitehead, Phil Galewitz, and Katheryn Houghton. Anna Edney: ProPublica’s “Unsanitary Practices Persist at Baby Formula Factory Whose Shutdown Led to Mass Shortages, Workers Say,” by Heather Vogell. Jessie Hellmann: The Hill’s “Military’s Use of Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ Leaves Lasting Scars,” by Sharon Udasin and Rachel Frazin. Shefali Luthra: The 19th’s “Trump’s Push for ‘Beautiful Clean Coal’ Could Lead to More Premature Births,” by Jessica Kutz. Visit our website to read a transcript of this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.