The Government Is Open

In this week's episode of What the Health? From KFF Health News and ‪@wamu885‬:

The longest federal government shutdown in history is over, after a handful of House and Senate Democrats joined most Republicans in approving legislation that funds the government through January. Despite Democrats’ demands, the package did not include an extension of the expanded tax credits that help most Affordable Care Act enrollees afford their plans — meaning most people with ACA plans are slated to pay much more toward their premiums next year.

Also, new details are emerging about the Trump administration’s efforts to use the Medicaid program — for low-income and disabled people — to advance its immigration and trans health policy goals. And President Donald Trump has unveiled deals with two major pharmaceutical companies designed to increase access to weight loss drugs for some Americans.

This week’s panelists are Emmarie Huetteman of KFF Health News, Anna Edney of ‪@Bloomberg-News‬, Shefali Luthra of ‪@19thNews‬, and Sandhya Raman of ‪@CQRollCall‬.

Also this week, KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner interviews KFF Health News’ Julie Appleby, who wrote the latest “Bill of the Month” feature, about a doctor who became the patient after a car accident sent her to the hospital — and $64,000 into debt. Do you have an outrageous medical bill? Tell us about it: https://kffhealthnews.org/send-us-you...

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:59 - Government Shutdown Recap
02:07 - Affordable Care Act Subsidies Debate
05:40 - Medicaid Immigration Policy
13:00 - FDA Leadership Crisis
19:02 - Surprise Medical Billing
26:19 - Extra Credit