The budget proposal from the House GOP, which narrowly passed on Tuesday, is expected to lead to significant reductions in Medicaid— the health program primarily designed for low-income individuals and those with disabilities— in order to finance tax cuts. This sets the stage for a confrontation with the Senate, which has endorsed a distinct, more restrained budget proposal that does not include tax cuts or health program reductions at least for now.
At the same time, federal courts continue to deliberate on the Trump administration’s authority to eliminate funds appropriated by Congress for federal programs and to terminate federal employees without cause.
This week’s panelists comprise Julie Rovner from KFF Health News, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Shefali Luthra from The 19th, and Victoria Knight from Axios.
Key highlights from this week’s episode include:
The House has ratified its budget plan that calls for members of its Energy and Commerce Committee to reduce oversight-related government program spending by at least $880 billion, including cuts to Medicaid. However, the proposal is still subject to Senate approval. The Senate is moving ahead with its own competing budget proposal, and some Republican senators have expressed apprehension regarding the impacts of potential Medicaid cuts.
In developments from the Supreme Court, Chief Justice John Roberts has issued a new order permitting the Trump administration to maintain a hold on foreign aid, at least for the time being. Surprisingly, the Trump administration has aligned with the Biden administration in a Supreme Court case regarding the Affordable Care Act, which looks into whether the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has the authority to dictate what medical services insurance companies must cover. The Trump administration contends that the Secretary of Health and Human Services—Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—holds power over the panel and can sway decisions about coverage.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that aims to enhance transparency by requiring healthcare providers and insurers to disclose actual prices to patients. Additionally, significant research universities across the states are preparing for impending federal funding reductions. A recent outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has resulted in the nation’s first measles-related death in several years, while Kennedy downplays the epidemic and states that he will review the childhood vaccination schedule.
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For “extra credit,” the panelists highlight health policy articles from the week that they believe are worth a read:
– Julie Rovner: WBUR’s “Canceled Meetings and Confusion: NIH Grant Funding in Limbo Despite Court Injunction,” by Anna Rubenstein.
– Alice Miranda Ollstein: The Transmitter’s “Exclusive: NIH Appears To Archive Policy Requiring Female Animals in Studies,” by Claudia López Lloreda.
– Victoria Knight: KFF Health News’ “With RFK Jr. in Charge, Supplement Makers See Chance To Cash In,” by Arthur Allen.
– Shefali Luthra: NBC News’ “They Were Told To Get Extra Breast Cancer Screenings. Then They Got Stuck With the Bill,” by Gretchen Morgenson.
Also mentioned during this week’s podcast:
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This report was generated by KFF Health News, a national newsroom dedicated to producing comprehensive journalism on health issues. It is one of the main operational programs at KFF—an independent organization providing health policy research, polling, and journalism.
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