So they set up an agency to do that. They called it the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Their job was to study what kinds of treatments and services actually help patients get better, and what was just a waste of money. They were the ones who decided, for example, that yes, a colonoscopy is worth it, but no, a full-body scan for a healthy person probably isn’t.
And they did a lot of other stuff too, like helping doctors and nurses and hospitals figure out how to do a better job taking care of us. They got to be really good at it. The agency’s work helped save money and improve care all over the health care system.
But for a while, they were also in the crosshairs of budget-cutters in Congress. And this year, they finally got axed. It was one of the many changes the Trump Administration made to health care. And it’s a big loss. Because without that kind of research, it’s a lot harder to figure out how to make health care better and cheaper.
Julie Rovner was sad to see it go. She told me, “I don’t know who’s left to do that work now.”
But that’s just one of the many cuts the Trump Administration has made to health care. Medicaid, the program that helps millions of low-income people get health care, is also on the chopping block. But Julie says it may not be as easy to take apart as some people think.
Medicaid is a big program, with a lot of people who rely on it for their health care. And even though the Trump Administration has made some changes to it, like letting states require people to work to get Medicaid, it’s not as simple as just getting rid of it. There are a lot of rules and regulations that govern how Medicaid works, and it would take a lot of work to change them all.
Julie says that even though the Trump Administration may want to cut Medicaid, it’s not clear if they’ll be able to. And even if they do, it’s not clear if it will save any money or improve health care.
So what’s the takeaway? Well, it’s clear that the Trump Administration is making a lot of changes to health care. But whether those changes will actually make things better or worse is still up in the air. And it’s up to all of us to pay attention and make sure that our health care system works for everyone.
So keep an eye on the news, and make sure to stay informed about what’s happening in Washington. And if you have any questions about health care, don’t be afraid to ask. There are people like Julie Rovner who have been covering this stuff for years and can help you make sense of it all.
Thanks for listening, and stay healthy!
The creation of the Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research was not an easy feat, as there were various sneezes, hiccups, and coughs along the way. Originally intended to be called the Agency for Healthcare Research and Policy, the acronym AH-CRAP was quickly dismissed due to its negative connotation. Instead, it was named the Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research, a move made to avoid any negative associations.
Julie Rovner, an expert in health policy, sheds light on the challenges faced in creating the agency. With medical organizations and insurance companies hesitant to have the government dictate medical practices, negotiations were intense. In 1989, during George H.W. Bush’s presidency, bipartisan efforts were made to establish the agency, with the Democrats in Congress and the Republicans in the White House requiring collaboration for any progress to be made.
The agency, once established, took on the task of creating practice guidelines, official federal recommendations on treatments. However, these guidelines were not always well-received. Controversies arose, such as eye doctors and the pharmaceutical industry opposing recommendations on cataracts and brand-new drugs, respectively. The most notable backlash came in 1994 when a guideline on back pain suggested that back surgery was not effective for acute back pain, much to the dismay of spine surgeons.
In 1994, Republicans gained majorities in Congress, leading to budget cuts and the Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research facing elimination. While funding was reduced, the agency survived and was later renamed the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Despite the name change, AHRQ continued to focus on healthcare quality and operations, managing databases like the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HUP).
However, in recent times, the future of AHRQ has been uncertain. The Trump Administration’s Department of Government Efficiency expressed intentions to cut AHRQ’s funding by 80-90%, casting doubt on the agency’s future. Despite challenges in explaining the importance of AHRQ’s work, journalists like Arthur Allen have highlighted the agency’s critical role in evaluating healthcare quality and ensuring efficient operations.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the role of agencies like AHRQ remains crucial in promoting quality care and efficient practices. It is essential for policymakers and stakeholders to recognize the importance of such agencies in shaping the future of healthcare in the United States. Arthur Allen’s report on the merger of the Agency for Research Quality with the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in the Department of Health and Human Services revealed alarming information. Sources from the merged office disclosed to him that a significant number of employees were being let go, with almost three-quarters of the workforce being cut across both agencies. This included all staff responsible for calculating the federal poverty line, a crucial figure that determines eligibility for benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, and childcare subsidies for millions of Americans.
The sudden dismissal of experienced personnel raised concerns about the accuracy and reliability of future calculations. One veteran employee noted that without access to their expertise, there was a risk of errors in the methodology that could result in individuals losing vital benefits. The intricate process of determining the poverty line required years of refinement and precision, with a deep understanding of the data and its implications.
Despite reassurances from an HHS spokesperson that critical programs would continue to be maintained, doubts lingered about the department’s ability to uphold its statutory obligations without the expertise of the terminated employees. The uncertainty surrounding the future of key programs for low-income individuals underscored the potential consequences of the massive layoffs.
Julie Rovner, a healthcare expert, likened the situation to a precarious Jenga tower, where each removed block represented a vital component of the healthcare system. She expressed deep concern about the long-term implications of the ongoing cuts and changes, warning that the collapse of essential services could have devastating effects on millions of vulnerable Americans.
The looming threat of substantial cuts to Medicaid, which insures a significant portion of the population, added another layer of uncertainty. Congressional Republicans’ proposed budget framework outlined sweeping reductions in long-term spending, with Medicaid being a prime target for cuts. The magnitude of the proposed cuts raised fears of millions losing their healthcare coverage, highlighting the challenges faced by lawmakers in reaching a consensus on such contentious issues.
As the debate over Medicaid cuts intensifies, the future of healthcare for millions of Americans hangs in the balance. The intricacies of budget negotiations and the political realities facing Congress make the prospect of reaching a compromise increasingly daunting. The potential impact of these decisions on the most vulnerable members of society underscores the need for careful consideration and thoughtful policymaking in the days ahead. But this one was just too much. Like, who can handle that level of stress right now? I’m not watching it.
Dan: Yeah, totally understandable. You gotta take care of yourself.
So, as we wait to see what Congress does with Medicaid, and with the rest of the health care system, we will continue to rely on experts like Julie Rovner to help us understand the complexities of the issue. And we will also continue to appreciate her dedication to journalism and policy, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Stay tuned for more updates on this topic as it unfolds.
I have watched every episode of Grey’s Anatomy, which is quite an accomplishment. However, when I tried to watch The Pitt, I couldn’t get through the first episode. It was just too much for me at the time, so I had to turn it off. It’s interesting how we all have our limits when it comes to certain shows.
Even Julie Rovner, who is known for her resilience, had to draw the line at The Pitt. Sometimes, we just need to prioritize our mental well-being and choose what we consume carefully.
Taking care of ourselves is crucial, and it’s something that we should all prioritize. In fact, it’s a message that is often reiterated at the end of every episode of this show. Self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary for our overall health and well-being.
If you haven’t already subscribed to our First Aid Kit newsletter, now is a great time to do so. It’s a valuable resource where we share practical tips on self-care and taking care of each other. For example, my colleague Claire Davenport helped her roommate navigate through $14,000 in medical bills and managed to reduce it significantly through diligence.
I’m also working on creating a one-page resource with essential advice and links that everyone should have before they receive their first hospital bill. It’s all about being proactive and prepared when it comes to managing healthcare costs.
You can sign up for our newsletter and access all our previous content at arm and a leg show dot com, slash first aid kit. We’ll be back with a new episode in a few weeks, so stay tuned.
In the meantime, remember to take care of yourself. Your well-being should always come first.
This episode of An Arm and a Leg was produced by me, Dan Weissmann, with the help of Emily Pisacreta, Claire Davenport, and Zach Dyer of KFF Health News. It was edited by Ellen Weiss, and Adam Raymonda is our audio wizard. Our music is by Dave Weiner and Blue Dot Sessions.
Bea Bosco is our consulting director of operations, and Lynne Johnson is our operations manager. An Arm and a Leg is produced in partnership with KFF Health News, a national newsroom dedicated to in-depth journalism about health issues in America.
Zach Dyer is the senior audio producer at KFF Health News and serves as the editorial liaison to this show. An Arm and a Leg is distributed by KUOW, Seattle’s NPR station, and thanks to the Institute for Nonprofit News for serving as our fiscal sponsor.
Lastly, a big thank you to everyone who supports this show financially. You can join us at any time by visiting arm and a leg show dot com, slash support. Thank you for listening and for your continued support.
“An Arm and a Leg” is a co-production of KFF Health News and Public Road Productions. For more from the team at “An Arm and a Leg,” subscribe to the weekly newsletter, First Aid Kit. You can also follow the show on Facebook and the social platform X. If you have stories to share about the healthcare system, the producers would love to hear from you.
To listen to all KFF Health News podcasts, click here, and subscribe to “An Arm and a Leg” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Thank you for tuning in. The world of sports is constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovations changing the way athletes train and compete. One of the most recent advancements in the world of sports is the use of virtual reality (VR) technology.
Virtual reality technology allows athletes to immerse themselves in a simulated environment, allowing them to train and compete in a virtual world. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way athletes prepare for competition, improve their skills, and even recover from injuries.
One of the key benefits of virtual reality training is the ability to simulate real-game scenarios. Athletes can practice their skills in a realistic environment, allowing them to develop muscle memory and improve their decision-making abilities. For example, a basketball player can practice shooting free throws in a virtual gym, while a soccer player can work on their passing and shooting skills on a virtual field.
Virtual reality technology can also be used to help athletes recover from injuries. By immersing themselves in a virtual environment, athletes can engage in rehabilitation exercises that mimic real-life movements. This can help athletes regain strength and mobility more quickly, reducing the risk of re-injury.
Another benefit of virtual reality training is the ability to track and analyze performance data. Virtual reality systems can record a wide range of performance metrics, such as speed, agility, and reaction time. Coaches and trainers can use this data to identify areas for improvement and tailor training programs to meet the specific needs of each athlete.
Virtual reality training is already being used by professional sports teams and athletes around the world. Major sports leagues, such as the NBA and NFL, have incorporated VR technology into their training programs, giving athletes a competitive edge on the field or court.
As virtual reality technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the world of sports. From personalized training programs to immersive game simulations, virtual reality has the potential to revolutionize the way athletes train and compete. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, virtual reality training could be the key to unlocking your full potential on the field or court.
