The Host
As abortion and different reproductive points achieve extra prominence within the looming election, some Republicans are attempting to average their anti-abortion positions, significantly in states the place entry to the process stays politically well-liked.
Meanwhile, open enrollment is underway for Medicare, whilst some well being plans are difficult in courtroom the federal authorities’s choice to cut back their high quality scores — with thousands and thousands of {dollars} at stake.
This week’s panelists are Julie Rovner of KFF Health News, Rachel Cohrs Zhang of Stat, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, and Victoria Knight of Axios.
Among the takeaways from this week’s episode:
With polls displaying extra voters citing abortion as a prime voting problem, some candidates with lengthy observe data opposing abortion rights are working to average their positions.
Many older Americans will spend much less on prescribed drugs subsequent yr attributable to a brand new out-of-pocket pricing cap, amongst different modifications in retailer as provisions of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act take impact. But some are realizing the bounds on these advantages, as deeper issues persist in drug pricing, insurance coverage protection, and entry.
The FDA is reconsidering a weight-loss drug choice that triggered confusion for sufferers and compounding pharmacies. Compounded medication are supposed for particular person points, like needing a unique dosage — and whereas the method can be utilized to enhance mass manufacturing throughout instances of drug shortages, it isn’t nicely suited to handle entry and pricing points.
In abortion information, a complete examine reveals abortions have elevated for the reason that overturn of Roe v. Wade, even amongst ladies in states with strict restrictions — and people states are seeing greater toddler mortality charges, based on separate analysis. And an effort is underway to revive in a Texas courtroom the problem to mifepristone’s FDA approval. The final problem failed as a result of the Supreme Court discovered the plaintiffs lacked standing.
Also this week, Rovner interviews Tricia Neuman, senior vice chairman of KFF and govt director of its Program on Medicare Policy, about Medicare open enrollment and the modifications to this system for 2025.
Plus, for “extra credit” the panelists counsel well being coverage tales they learn this week that they assume you must learn, too:
Julie Rovner: NBC News’ “Crisis Pregnancy Center’s Forms Give Rare Insight Into Anti-Abortion Practices,” by Abigail Brooks.
Sarah Karlin-Smith: Vanity Fair’s “Inside the Bungled Bird Flu Response, Where Profits Collide With Public Health,” by Katherine Eban.
Rachel Cohrs Zhang: The Atlantic’s “The Perverse Consequences of Tuition-Free Medical School,” by Rose Horowitch.
Victoria Knight: NPR’s “Why Catholic Bishops Are Donating Less To Oppose Abortion Rights Measures This Year,” by Rosemary Westwood and Jack Jenkins.
Also talked about on this week’s podcast:
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