Open enrollment began with extra of a whimper than a bang Nov. 1, because the Trump administration continued to speak down the well being regulation it’s required to function. Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, lawmakers proceed to battle to achieve settlement on laws to resume funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which expired Oct. 1. And President Donald Trump’s fee on the opioid epidemic launched its last report and proposals.
In this episode of “What the Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Stephanie Armour of The Wall Street Journal, Joanne Kenen of Politico and Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post focus on these matters in addition to doable well being adjustments included within the rising tax overhaul invoice in Congress.
Among the takeaways from this week’s podcast:
Wednesday was a surprisingly quiet opening day for Obamacare enrollment. The administration had no particular bulletins or occasions — however former President Barack Obama launched a video, and different teams, corresponding to hospitals, insurers and brokers, could step in to attempt to encourage folks to enroll. Republicans proceed responsible Democrats for issues with the Affordable Care Act, whereas Democrats say the GOP is strangling the regulation. This messaging warfare could show vital for the 2018 midterm marketing campaign. Republicans are deeply divided about whether or not to incorporate a provision within the tax reform invoice that may eliminate the ACA’s particular person mandate penalty. The provision would save the federal authorities cash, however it could additionally end in thousands and thousands fewer Americans with medical insurance, in response to the Congressional Budget Office. Among these urging its inclusion, nevertheless, is Trump. Democrats could also be between a rock and a tough place on the invoice to fund the Children’s Health Insurance Program. They love that program, however Republicans need to raid the ACA’s public well being prevention fund to pay for CHIP. The administration launched a proposed rule final Friday that would have vital adjustments wherein well being advantages are assured for shoppers shopping for protection on the ACA marketplaces. President Trump has but to supply extra money to struggle the issue of opioid abuse, however lots of the particular person recommendations from his commission are being welcomed by the general public well being group.
Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists advocate their favourite well being tales of the week they suppose you need to learn, too.
Julie Rovner: Kaiser Health News’ “’No One Is Coming’: Hospice Patients Abandoned At Death’s Door,” by JoNel Aleccia and Melissa Bailey.
Stephanie Armour: Slate’s “Going Out With a Bang,” by Melissa Jayne Kinsey.
Joanne Kenen: Health Affairs’ “Choosing Wisely Campaign: Valuable For Providers Who Knew About It, But Awareness Remained Constant, 2014-2017,” by Carrie H. Colla and Alexander J. Mainor.
Paige Winfield Cunningham: Vox.Com’s “The fax of life,” by Sarah Kliff.
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Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a nationwide well being coverage information service. It is an editorially impartial program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
