The upcoming inauguration of President Donald Trump is on Monday, and the GOP-led Congress is already busy incorporating his priorities into legislation. One of the key focuses is on cutting Medicaid to fund new tax and immigration initiatives. Despite this, the Biden administration is making significant policy moves, including a potential order for tobacco companies to reduce the nicotine content in cigarettes.
The recent fires in Los Angeles have brought attention to the health risks posed by not only smoke from natural sources but also from burning man-made materials like plastic. These fires have raised concerns about the impact on air and water quality in the region.
This week’s panelists on the KFF Health News podcast include Julie Rovner, Anna Edney, Joanne Kenen, and Sandhya Raman. They discussed various topics, including:
– Republican lawmakers considering cuts to Medicaid to redirect funds to Trump’s priorities.
– Legislative measures targeting trans athletes and immigrants without legal status.
– The Supreme Court case involving the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and its implications on preventive health services coverage.
– The Biden administration’s new health regulations, such as banning Red No. 3 dye in food and limiting nicotine in tobacco products.
In a special segment, Harris Meyer shared a story about a costly colonoscopy in the latest KFF Health News “Bill of the Month” feature. Listeners were also encouraged to share their own outrageous medical bills.
The panelists recommended reading the following articles for further insight:
– KFF Health News’ “Can Medical Schools Funnel More Doctors Into the Primary Care Pipeline?” by Felice J. Freyer.
– Bloomberg News’ “It’s Not Just Sunscreen. Toxic Products Line the Drugstore Aisles” by Anna Edney.
– The Atlantic’s “A Secret Way To Fight Off Stomach Bugs” by Daniel Engber.
– Nature’s “New Obesity Definition Sidelines BMI To Focus on Health” by Giorgia Guglielmi.
Listeners were also directed to subscribe to the “What the Health?” podcast on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more health policy discussions.
To stay updated on related topics or to submit a story tip, listeners were encouraged to contact KFF Health News.
