SUMMARY: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. prioritizes human health and environmental issues, advocating for significant changes in healthcare, particularly regarding food and medicine. His potential involvement in healthcare roles raises concerns among public health professionals, especially since vaccination is widely regarded as a cornerstone of public health advancements. The Trump campaign has hinted at skepticism towards vaccines, aligning with Kennedy’s history of anti-vaccine activism. This alliance could challenge established health protocols, as campaign officials voice doubts about vaccines, reflecting a shift in public discourse around health-related topics.

With the 2024 election campaign in its final days, House Speaker Mike Johnson this week floated “massive” health care reform if former President Donald Trump wins — changes that are also dependent, of course, on whether Republicans control Congress next year.

Meanwhile, new reporting uncovers more maternal deaths under state abortion bans, plus at least one case in which a woman was jailed after a miscarriage. Plus, other investigations are shining a light on a reality of American health care, regardless of who wins on Tuesday: the consequences of health industry profiteering.

This week’s panelists for KFF Health News’ ‘What the Health?’ are Emmarie Huetteman of KFF Health News, Lauren Weber of The Washington Post, Shefali Luthra of The 19th, and Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call.

#donaldtrump #rfkjr #elections2024

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SUMMARY: Conservative groups aim to roll back Montana’s Medicaid expansion, which covers approximately 78,800 low-income individuals, marking a potential first elimination under the Affordable Care Act since its inception. As the program is set to expire next year, critics argue it’s costly and bloated, while supportive studies show it enhances access to care. The debate centers around differing viewpoints on the program’s impact on vulnerable populations. Montana, unique among states, may face this decision next year, with significant implications on health care access and budget priorities. Supporters emphasize that expansion has notably reduced the uninsured rate in the state.

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SUMMARY: Beverly Hills will train its employees on abortion clinic protections following local officials‘ attempts to block the DuPont Clinic from opening in violation of state law. California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s proposed settlement revealed that city leaders pressured the clinic’s landlord to cancel the lease and delayed permits, citing potential security threats from protests. Bonta criticized the city’s actions as undermining reproductive freedom and noted that the clinic never opened. The agreement mandates employee training, complaint protocols, and a compliance officer, although the city did not admit wrongdoing. Proposition 1 enshrined rights protecting reproductive health in California.

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