The Host
Health care takes the spotlight in this year’s presidential campaign as the battle of beliefs intensifies. Democrats, spearheaded by Vice President Kamala Harris, accuse Republicans of aiming to curtail reproductive rights and dismantle the Affordable Care Act. On the contrary, Republicans, led by former President Donald Trump, deny such claims.
As we approach Medicare open enrollment, the Biden administration successfully avoids a surge in Medicare prescription drug plan premiums for the upcoming year.
This episode’s panelists include Julie Rovner from KFF Health News, Alice Miranda Ollstein from Politico, Sandhya Raman from CQ Roll Call, and Anna Edney from Bloomberg News, offering insightful perspectives and analyses.
Key takeaways from this episode:
- Senator JD Vance of Ohio generates controversy during the vice presidential debate by flip-flopping on his party’s healthcare policies, particularly regarding a national abortion ban. Melania Trump, the former president’s wife, also vocalizes support for abortion rights, attempting to allay fears about potential restrictions under the former president.
- Vance’s assertion that Trump “rescued” the Affordable Care Act raises eyebrows, as Trump had previously expressed intentions to repeal the law. Additionally, Trump remains vague about his Medicare plans, focusing on revitalizing the nation’s prosperity instead.
- Vice President Kamala Harris champions healthcare issues in her campaign, emphasizing the benefits of the ACA and condemning Trump’s anti-abortion measures. Polls indicate that healthcare is a favorable topic for Democrats, with the ACA’s preexisting condition safeguards receiving widespread support.
- Medicare & Medicaid Services report a slight decline in average Medicare drug plan premiums for the upcoming year, potentially mitigated by government subsidies and new cost-saving measures like the $2,000 annual out-of-pocket drug cap.
- Abortion legislation developments include the overturning of Georgia’s six-week abortion ban, though many providers have already exited the state. Moreover, a new California law ensures coverage for in vitro fertilization, extending to LGBTQ+ couples.
Julie Rovner interviews Lauren Sausser from KFF Health News, shedding light on the latest “Bill of the Month” feature, revealing billing discrepancies in a teen athlete’s necessary surgery. Do you have a perplexing medical bill to share? Reach out and share your story with us.
Additionally, the panelists recommend health policy stories worth exploring:
Julie Rovner: KFF Health News’ piece on “Doctors Urging Conference Boycotts Over Abortion Bans: Uphill Battle” by Ronnie Cohen.
Anna Edney: Bloomberg News’ article on “A Free Drug Experiment Bypasses the US Health System’s Secret Fees” by John Tozzi.
Alice Miranda Ollstein: The Wall Street Journal’s coverage of “Hospitals Hit With IV Fluid Shortage After Hurricane Helene” by Joseph Walker and Peter Loftus.
Sandhya Raman: The Asheville Citizen Times’ report on “Without Water After Helene, Residents at Asheville Public Housing Complex Fear for Their Health” by Jacob Biba.
Explore more health policy stories and news on our podcast and subscribe to KFF Health News’ “What the Health?” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or your preferred podcast platform.
