The Host
Julie Rovner
KFF Health News
Julie Rovner is chief Washington correspondent and host of KFF Health News’ weekly well being coverage information podcast, “What the Health?” A famous knowledgeable on well being coverage points, Julie is the writer of the critically praised reference guide “Health Care Politics and Policy A to Z,” now in its third version.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee to guide the Department of Health and Human Services, got here beneath sharp questioning from Democrats and a few Republicans at his affirmation hearings this week earlier than two Senate committees. Of specific curiosity have been the doubts about Kennedy’s {qualifications} and previous anti-vaccination positions raised by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who’s a doctor — and, notably, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which is anticipated to vote subsequent week on whether or not to advance Kennedy’s nomination to the Senate flooring.
Meanwhile, a federal authorities memo briefly freezing loads of federal grant and mortgage funding touched off confusion and recriminations on the new Trump administration for its sudden, sweeping actions.
This week’s panelists are Julie Rovner of KFF Health News, Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call, and Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet.
Panelists
Sarah Karlin-Smith
Pink Sheet
Sandhya Raman
CQ Roll Call
Among the takeaways from this week’s episode:
During appearances earlier than two Senate committees, Kennedy assured lawmakers he would observe science and defer to Trump’s coverage preferences. But he additionally made errors which are notable for somebody vying to guide the nation’s high well being company, equivalent to complicated the Medicaid and Medicare packages.
As Kennedy’s second listening to concluded, it was not instantly clear whether or not he would earn the votes wanted to be confirmed by the complete Senate — particularly as at the least one key Republican, Cassidy, appeared lower than satisfied. If each Democrat and impartial votes towards him, Kennedy may lose only a few GOP votes and nonetheless be confirmed.
Much of the nation’s well being system — alongside many, many different entities that depend on federal funding — skilled a type of whiplash early this week, because the Trump administration’s Office of Management and Budget issued a memo freezing federal grants and loans till they might be reviewed for adherence to Trump’s priorities. A federal choose briefly blocked the freeze from taking impact, and OMB revoked the memo — however the White House stated Trump’s current government orders affecting funding “remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.”
In different Trump administration information, Trump fired a slew of inspectors normal late final week — together with the one who oversees HHS and the nation’s well being system. And an government order affecting well being look after trans youngsters has many dad and mom and advocates on edge.
Also this week, Rovner interviews Nicholas Bagley, a University of Michigan regulation professor, who explains how the federal regulatory system is meant to function to make well being coverage.
Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists counsel well being coverage tales they learn this week that they assume it’s best to learn, too:
Julie Rovner: 404 Media’s “Medical Device Company Tells Hospitals They’re No Longer Allowed to Fix Machine That Costs Six Figures,” by Jason Koebler.
Sandhya Raman: ProPublica’s “Dozens of People Died in Arizona Sober Living Homes as State Officials Fumbled Medicaid Fraud Response,” by Mary Hudetz and Hannah Bassett.
Sarah Karlin-Smith: CBS News’ “Wind-Blown Bird Poop May Help Transmit Bird Flu, Minnesota’s Infectious Disease Expert Warns,” by Mackenzie Lofgren.
Also talked about on this week’s podcast:
KFF Health News’ “Trump’s Funding ‘Pause’ Throws States, Health Industry Into Chaos,” by Phil Galewitz.
Credits
Francis Ying
Audio producer
Emmarie Huetteman
Editor
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