Kaiser Health News
KFF Health News’ ‘What the Health?’: Biden Wins Early Court Test for Medicare Drug Negotiations
Thu, 15 Feb 2024 19:35:00 +0000
The Host
Julie Rovner
KFF Health News
Julie Rovner is chief Washington correspondent and host of KFF Health News’ weekly health policy news podcast, “What the Health?” A noted expert on health policy issues, Julie is the author of the critically praised reference book “Health Care Politics and Policy A to Z,” now in its third edition.
A federal judge in Texas has turned back the first challenge to the nascent Medicare prescription-drug negotiation program. But the case turned on a technicality, and drugmakers have many more lawsuits in the pipeline.
Meanwhile, Congress is approaching yet another funding deadline, and doctors hope the next funding bill will cancel the Medicare pay cut that took effect in January.
This week’s panelists are Julie Rovner of KFF Health News, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Rachel Cohrs of Stat, and Lauren Weber of The Washington Post.
Panelists
Alice Miranda Ollstein
Politico
Rachel Cohrs
Stat News
Lauren Weber
The Washington Post
Among the takeaways from this week’s episode:
- Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), chair of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced she would retire at the end of the congressional session, setting off a scramble to chair a panel with significant oversight of Medicare, Medicaid, and the U.S. Public Health Service. McMorris Rodgers is one of several Republicans with significant health expertise to announce their departures.
- As Congress’ next spending bill deadline approaches, lobbyists for hospitals are feverishly trying to prevent a Medicare provision on “site-neutral” payments from being attached.
- In abortion news, anti-abortion groups are joining the call for states to better outline when life and health exceptions to abortion bans can be legally permissible.
- Senate Finance Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is asking the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate a company that collected location data from patients at 600 Planned Parenthood sites and sold it to anti-abortion groups.
- And in “This Week in Health Misinformation”: Lawmakers in Wyoming and Montana float bills to let people avoid getting blood transfusions from donors who have been vaccinated against covid-19.
Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too:
Julie Rovner: Stateline’s “Government Can Erase Your Medical Debt for Pennies on the Dollar — And Some Are,” by Anna Claire Vollers.
Alice Miranda Ollstein: Politico’s “‘There Was a Lot of Anxiety’: Florida’s Immigration Crackdown Is Causing Patients to Skip Care,” by Arek Sarkissian.
Rachel Cohrs: Stat’s “FTC Doubles Down in Welsh Carson Anesthesia Case to Limit Private Equity’s Physician Buyouts,” by Bob Herman. And Modern Healthcare’s “Private Equity Medicare Advantage Investment Slumps: Report,” by Nona Tepper.
Lauren Weber: The Wall Street Journal’s “Climate Change Has Hit Home Insurance. Is Health Insurance Next?” by Yusuf Khan.
Also mentioned on this week’s podcast:
- The Washington Post’s “U.S. Investigates Alleged Medicare Fraud Scheme Estimated at $2 Billion,” by Dan Diamond, Lauren Weber, and Dan Keating.
- Super Bowl ads from Pfizer, Power to the Patients, and the American Values 2024 super PAC.
- KFF Health News’ “Rapper Fat Joe Says No One Is Making Sure Hospitals Post Their Prices,” by Julie Appleby.
Credits
Francis Ying
Audio producer
Stephanie Stapleton
Editor
To hear all our podcasts, click here.
And subscribe to KFF Health News’ “What the Health?” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Title: KFF Health News’ ‘What the Health?’: Biden Wins Early Court Test for Medicare Drug Negotiations
Sourced From: kffhealthnews.org/news/podcast/what-the-health-334-medicare-drug-pricing-biden-court-february-15-2024/
Published Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2024 19:35:00 +0000
SUMMARY: Montana’s Republican-led legislature and GOP governor are poised to extend the state’s Medicaid expansion program, covering 76,000 adults, beyond its June 30 expiration. With potential changes at the federal level, state lawmakers must act quickly. Discussions prioritize preparing for possible federal rollbacks, including cuts and work requirements. Recent legislation passed in the House to make expansion permanent, while other proposals suggest tightening eligibility and cost control. Although concerns over increased state costs loom if federal support decreases, some lawmakers argue against making adjustments based on uncertain federal policies. Bipartisan opposition has surfaced regarding proposals to curtail the expansion.
The post Montana’s Medicaid Expansion Conundrum – KFF Health News appeared first on kffhealthnews.org
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The post Texas Measles Outbreak Nears 100 Cases, Raising Concerns About Undetected Spread appeared first on kffhealthnews.org
SUMMARY: Republicans are again targeting Medicaid, proposing significant funding cuts to finance President Trump’s agenda on tax cuts and border security. Approximately 79 million people rely on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), vital for numerous hospitals and states. Amid Democratic resistance, potential cuts could include reducing federal matching funds and imposing work requirements, which critics argue adds unnecessary barriers. Historically controversial, these efforts reflect deep partisan divides over Medicaid’s role as a safety net versus a welfare program. Many Americans favor Medicaid, making proposed cuts politically sensitive. The outcome remains uncertain as GOP leaders face internal challenges.
The post GOP Takes Aim at Medicaid, Putting Enrollees and Providers at Risk appeared first on kffhealthnews.org
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