The Republican-led Congress was unable to repeal the Affordable Care Act in 2017, however the Trump administration continues to implement components of the failed GOP invoice utilizing govt authority. The newest change would make it simpler for states to waive some main components of the well being legislation, together with permitting subsidies for individuals to purchase insurance coverage that don’t meet all of the legislation’s necessities.
Meanwhile, in states which are transitioning from Republican governors to Democrats, GOP legislators are utilizing lame-duck periods to attempt to cut back govt energy and lock in some key well being adjustments, similar to work necessities for Medicaid enrollees.
And there’s rising proof that even with medical insurance, sufferers who use vital quantities of medical care are more and more unable to afford their share.
This week’s panelists for KHN’s “What the Health?” are Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Joanne Kenen of Politico and Rebecca Adams of CQ Roll Call.
Among the takeaways from this week’s podcast:
The Trump administration outlined final week what sort of waivers it’s prepared to contemplate for states’ ACA markets. Options embody adjustments in who will get premium subsidies and the way a lot they obtain, and making short-term insurance coverage that aren’t as complete as present market plans eligible for subsidies. Any adjustments are prone to find yourself in courtroom, as have a lot of the revisions that the Trump administration has proposed. In Wisconsin and Michigan, Republican legislatures are in search of to limit what the brand new Democratic governors can do to vary GOP insurance policies on Medicaid and challenges to the ACA. A current research has highlighted that well being issues can create monetary hardships properly past the sickness. For instance, lack of revenue from a debilitating sickness could make paying different payments very tough and generally different relations should surrender their jobs to be caregivers.
Plus, for additional credit score, the panelists suggest their favourite well being coverage tales of the week they suppose it’s best to learn too:
Julie Rovner: NBC News.com’s “FDA Approves Drug for Dogs Scared by Noise,” by Maggie Fox
Margot Sanger-Katz: The Washington Post’s “An Experiment Requiring Work for Food Stamps Is a Trump Administration Model,” by Amy Goldstein
Joanne Kenen: The Atlantic’s “The CRISPR Baby Scandal Gets Worse by the Day,” by Ed Yong
Rebecca Adams: The New York Times’ “Why Hospitals Should Let You Sleep,” by Austin Frakt
Also talked about on this episode:
The New York Times: “1,495 Americans Describe the Financial Reality of Being Really Sick,” by Margot Sanger Katz
Kaiser Health News: “No Cash, No Heart. Transplant Centers Require Proof of Payment,” by JoNel Aleccia
CBS News: “High Cost Has Many Diabetics Cutting Back on Insulin,” by Serena Gordon
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