The Trump administration has withdrawn the nomination of White House doctor Ronny Jackson to go the Department of Veterans Affairs after allegations surfaced about inappropriate dealing with of pharmaceuticals, points with alcohol and difficulties working with different White House medical unit staffers. It is unclear whom the White House will flip to subsequent to take over the helm on the VA.
Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Republicans and Democrats within the House and Senate are engaged on laws to deal with the nation’s opioid epidemic, though there are doubts about how efficient the proposals is perhaps and whether or not what is basically wanted is more cash.
This week’s panelists for KHN’s “What the Health?” are Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Sarah Kliff of Vox.com, Alice Ollstein of Talking Points Memo and Anna Edney of Bloomberg News.
Among the takeaways from this week’s podcast:
The Department of Veterans Affairs is a gigantic forms with a whole lot of 1000’s of workers and the most important well being system within the United States. Even earlier than Jackson’s nomination collapsed below accusations associated to his habits, many senators from each events questioned his lack of managerial expertise. But the White House’s muddled dealing with of the state of affairs could make even these well-qualified for the job reluctant to signal on. On the regulatory entrance, the remark interval for the so-called skinny plan rule closed this week. It’s clear the Trump administration needs to broaden the supply of short-term plans, however well being insurers and different well being trade stakeholders fear that wholesome individuals will flock to cheaper, much less complete plans, leaving sicker customers with ever-more-expensive options. How states are viewing Medicaid enlargement additionally continues to be a sizzling subject. In Ohio, a state with a Republican governor who embraced this side of the Affordable Care Act, the enlargement continues to be a goal amongst GOP gubernatorial candidates who wish to succeed him. Meanwhile, sitting Gov. John Kasich is in search of a piece requirement waiver that goes past many others which were superior up to now. And a authorized problem to Kentucky’s Medicaid work requirement, which is predicted to land in federal court docket in June, may form how different crimson states determine to proceed.
Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists advocate their favourite well being tales of the week they suppose it is best to learn, too.
Julie Rovner: Politico, “Should Doctors Check Your Electric Bill?” by Brett Norman
Sarah Kliff: Politico, “Maine Governor Defies Ballot Initiative Expanding Medicaid,” by Rachana Pradhan
Alice Ollstein: Politico, “Trump Challenges Native Americans’ Historical Standing,” by Dan Diamond
Anna Edney: NPR, “How Medicare’s Conflicting Hospitalization Rules Cost Me Thousands Of Dollars,” by Alison Kodjak
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