The Host
Well being and different federal packages are vulnerable to shutting down, at the very least briefly, as Congress races towards the Oct. 1 begin of the fiscal 12 months with out having handed any of its 12 annual appropriations payments. A small band of conservative Home Republicans are refusing to approve spending payments until home spending is lower past ranges agreed to in Could.
In the meantime, former President Donald Trump roils the GOP presidential major discipline by vowing to please either side within the divisive abortion debate.
This week’s panelists are Julie Rovner of KFF Well being Information, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Rachel Cohrs of Stat Information, and Tami Luhby of CNN.
Among the many takeaways from this week’s episode:
- The chances of a authorities shutdown over spending ranges are rising. Whereas entitlement packages like Medicare can be largely spared, previous shutdowns have proven that closing the federal authorities hobbles issues Individuals depend on, like meals security inspections and air journey.
- In Congress, the discord isn’t restricted to spending payments. A Home invoice to extend value transparency in well being care melted down earlier than a vote this week, demonstrating once more how onerous it’s to tackle the hospital business. Laws on how pharmacy profit managers function can be in disarray, although its projected authorities financial savings means it might resurface as a part of a spending deal earlier than the tip of the 12 months.
- On the Senate aspect, laws supposed to strengthen major care is teetering below Bernie Sanders’ stewardship — largely over questions on tips on how to pay for it. Additionally, this week Democrats broke Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s abortion-related blockade of navy promotions (sort of), going round him procedurally to verify the brand new chair of the Joint Chiefs of Employees.
- And a few Republicans are breaking with abortion opponents and mobilizing in help of laws to resume the USA President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Reduction — together with the previous president who spearheaded this system, George W. Bush. In the meantime, polling exhibits President Joe Biden is struggling to say credit score for the brand new Medicare drug negotiation program.
- And talking of previous presidents, former President Donald Trump gave NBC an interview over the weekend by which he provided a muddled stance on abortion. Vowing to settle the lengthy, infected debate over the process — amongst different issues — Trump’s feedback had been strikingly normal election-focused for somebody who has but to win his occasion’s nomination.
Plus, for “additional credit score,” the panelists counsel well being coverage tales they learn this week that they suppose you need to learn, too:
Julie Rovner: The Washington Put up’s “Contained in the Gold Rush to Promote Cheaper Imitations of Ozempic,” by Daniel Gilbert.
Alice Miranda Ollstein: Politico’s “The Anti-Vaccine Motion Is on the Rise. The White Home Is at a Loss Over What to Do About It,” by Adam Cancryn.
Rachel Cohrs: KFF Well being Information’ “Save Billions or Stick With Humira? Drug Brokers Steer Individuals to the Pricey Selection,” by Arthur Allen.
Tami Luhby: CNN’s “Provide and Insurance coverage Points Snarl Fall Covid-19 Vaccine Marketing campaign for Some,” by Brenda Goodman.
Additionally talked about on this week’s episode:
To listen to all our podcasts, click on right here.
And subscribe to KFF Well being Information’ “What the Well being?” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or wherever you hearken to podcasts.