**Hosted by Julie Rovner**
Julie Rovner serves as the chief Washington correspondent and is the host of KFF Health News’ weekly health policy podcast, “What the Health?” She is recognized as a leading authority on health policy topics and has authored the well-regarded reference book, “Health Care Politics and Policy A to Z,” now in its third edition.
The uncertainty surrounding Medicaid, a health insurance program for low-income individuals, is palpable as Congress devises a budget plan that could impose significant cuts. This situation is complicated by President Donald Trump’s contradictory promises to back the budget while also vowing to safeguard Medicaid. Simultaneously, the Department of Health and Human Services has seen a wave of layoffs, and states with abortion restrictions are in conflict with those where laws support telemedicine for abortion prescriptions.
**This Week’s Panelists:**
– **Julie Rovner, KFF Health News** (@jrovner) – *Explore Julie’s articles.*
– **Sarah Karlin-Smith, Pink Sheet** (@SarahKarlin) – *Catch up on Sarah’s writings.*
– **Joanne Kenen, Johns Hopkins University and Politico** (@JoanneKenen) – *Read Joanne’s pieces.*
– **Alice Miranda Ollstein, Politico** (@AliceOllstein) – *Check out Alice’s contributions.*
**Key Insights from This Week’s Episode:**
– Major cuts to Medicaid, as proposed by the House, would devastate the program. With the Republican Party’s transformation, such cuts could alienate their support base.
– While smaller adjustments, like work requirements, might be accepted, they also haven’t shown efficacy in prior tests.
– The recent firings at HHS appear random. Entire teams focused on initiatives like artificial intelligence were eliminated, leading to significant recruiting challenges for future scientists at agencies such as the National Institutes of Health. The potential loss of talent and reduced federal research funding may impede essential basic research.
– Legal battles are brewing as Texas and Louisiana aim to prosecute a New York doctor prescribing abortion medication via telemedicine. New York’s governor is committed to defending such practitioners under state law. However, the Supreme Court may ultimately decide which law holds supremacy.
**Recommended Readings for Extra Credit:**
– **Julie Rovner:** KFF Health News’ article “Pain Clinics Made Millions From ‘Unnecessary’ Injections Into ‘Human Pin Cushions’” by Brett Kelman.
– **Alice Miranda Ollstein:** The Washington Post’s piece “U.S. Reverses Plan To Shut Down Free Covid Test Program” by Lena H. Sun and Carolyn Y. Johnson.
– **Joanne Kenen:** Wired’s article “The Ketamine-Fueled ‘Psychedelic Slumber Parties’ That Get Tech Execs Back on Track” by Elana Klein.
– **Sarah Karlin-Smith:** Fortune’s “The Dietary Supplements You Think Are Improving Your Health May Be Damaging Your Liver, Research Warns” by Lindsey Leake.
**Additional Note:**
This week’s episode, titled “Medicaid in the Crosshairs, Maybe,” delves into the precarious future of Medicaid. Julie Rovner mentions the tension in Congress and the mixed signals from Trump regarding the program’s fate.
**Podcast Transcript Snippet:**
Julie Rovner: “Welcome back to ‘What the Health?’ I’m Julie Rovner, joined by some of Washington’s top health reporters. We’re here to dissect this week’s health news. Let’s dive into the potentially volatile situation regarding Medicaid…”
Joanne Kenen: “Indeed, every week brings new developments, and the signals from the administration regarding Medicaid are particularly complex. It’s crucial to note that while larger reforms may seem unlikely, many smaller changes can significantly impact access and coverage.”
Rovner: “With the stakes so high, it’s interesting to observe even conservative figures like Sen. Josh Hawley raising concerns about cutting Medicaid.”
Kenen: “It’s true; recent trends indicate a growing reliance on Medicaid among communities traditionally aligned with the Republican base.”
**(The transcript is lightly edited for style and clarity.)**
