Podcasts about kff health news

Negotiations in Egypt between Hamas and Israel are ongoing. Foreign Policy reports that despite hope that a deal is imminent, a lot of the details remain unresolved. The government shutdown and policy changes at FEMA have introduced chaos into the nation’s disaster-preparedness system. The Wall Street Journal’s Scott Patterson discusses how funding and staffing shake-ups are impacting disaster-prone communities. AI will soon be implemented into a new prior-authorization pilot for Medicare. Lauren Sausser, reporter for KFF Health News, explains how the program will work and why some doctors and lawmakers are concerned over potential delay-and-deny tactics. Plus, the CDC moves ahead with new rules on COVID vaccines, how hundreds of hikers became trapped on Mount Everest, and why researchers say proper falling techniques can help you live a longer life. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Stephanie Armour et al., “Shutdown Halts Some Health Services as Political Risks Test Parties' Resolve,” October 1, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/federal-government-shutdown-health-services-congress-negotiations-impasse/, KFF Health News. Bridget Early, “Major health programs would continue during shutdown, feds say,” September 29, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-regulation/mh-government-shutdown-cms-hhs-contingency-plans/, Modern Healthcare. Kff, “How Much More Would People Pay in Premiums if the ACA's Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire?,” https://www.kff.org/interactive/how-much-more-would-people-pay-in-premiums-if-the-acas-enhanced-subsidies-expired/. Holly K. Hacker et al., “At Least 170 US Hospitals Face Major Flood Risk. Experts Say Trump Is Making It Worse.,” October 1, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/hospital-flooding-risk-investigation-trump-policies-fema/, KFF Health News.  Andrew Cass, “Government shutdown begins: What healthcare leaders should know,” October 1, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/government-shutdown-begins-what-healthcare-leaders-should-know/, Becker's Hospital Review. Rachana Pradhan, “Patient Numbers at NIH Hospital Have Plummeted Under Trump, Jeopardizing Care,” August 7, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/nih-clinical-center-patient-numbers-drop-under-trump-jeopardizing-care/, KFF Health News.  Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

As long predicted, much of the federal government shut down Oct. 1 after Congress failed to pass required spending bills, with Democrats demanding Republicans renew the expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies in exchange for votes. While a shutdown does not affect Medicare and Medicaid, it could eventually hinder activities from every corner of the Department of Health and Human Services. Meanwhile, as Democrats and Republicans point fingers, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pursues policies and personnel undermining vaccines. Lauren Weber of The Washington Post, Shefali Luthra of The 19th, and Rachel Cohrs Zhang of Bloomberg News join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss the news. Also this week, Rovner interviews KFF Health News' Cara Anthony, who wrote the latest “Bill of the Month” feature, about an out-of-network eye surgery that left one kindergartner's family with a big bill. Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: KFF Health News' “Big Loopholes in Hospital Charity Care Programs Mean Patients Still Get Stuck With the Tab,” by Michelle Andrews. Shefali Luthra: The Washington Post's “Trump's USAID Pause Stranded Lifesaving Drugs. Children Died Waiting,” by Meg Kelly, Joyce Sohyun Lee, Rael Ombuor, Sarah Blaskey, Andrew Ba Tran, Artur Galocha, Eric Lau, and Katharine Houreld. Lauren Weber: Time Magazine's “Trump Is Breaking Americans' Trust in Doctors,” by Dr. Craig Spencer. Rachel Cohrs Zhang: ProPublica's “Georgia's Medicaid Work Requirement Program Spent Twice as Much on Administrative Costs as on Health Care, GAO Says,” by Margaret Coker, The Current. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On "The Lead" - why are health insurance premiums set to jump next year? Jason talks with Mark McGough from KFF Health News. Then on "Page 2" - a special tribute coming up at this weekend's Twin Cities Marathon.

The alleged link between vaccines and autism is back in the news this week, being regularly speculated on by both President Trump and Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  The claim has been repeatedly disproven: there is no evidence that vaccines and autism are related. But the myth is powerful. In this episode: the roots of the modern anti-vaccine movement, and of the fears that still fuel it – from a botched polio vaccine, to the discredited autism study, to today. This episode originally published in February 2025. Guests:Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of MedicineElena Conis, historian of medicine and public health and a professor in journalism and history at the University of California, BerkeleyArthur Allen, senior correspondent for nonprofit KFF Health News and author of Vaccine: The Controversial Story of Medicine's Greatest LifesaverTo access bonus episodes and listen to Throughline sponsor-free, subscribe to Throughline+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/throughline.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In a rambling news conference that shocked public health experts, President Donald Trump this week — without scientific evidence — blamed the over-the-counter drug acetaminophen, and too many childhood vaccines, for the increase in autism diagnoses in the U.S. That came days after a key immunization advisory committee, newly reconstituted with vaccine doubters, changed several long-standing recommendations. Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official Demetre Daskalakis joins KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss those stories. Meanwhile, Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call and Anna Edney of Bloomberg News join Rovner with the rest of the news, including a threat by the Trump administration to fire rather than furlough federal workers if Congress fails to fund the government beyond the Oct. 1 start of the new fiscal year. Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: NBC News' “RFK Jr. Has the Federal Vaccine Court in His Sights. Attacking It Could Threaten Vaccine Production in the U.S.,” by Liz Szabo. Anna Edney: The Washington Post's “Do State Abortion Laws Affect Women's Recruiting? That's Up to Athletes,” by Kevin B. Blackistone. Sandhya Raman: ProPublica's “Psychiatric Hospitals Turn Away Patients Who Need Urgent Care. The Facilities Face Few Consequences,” by Eli Cahan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump announced two significant regulatory changes surrounding autism. The Washington Post’s Dan Diamond joins to weigh the evidence being used to justify the move. The president wants to charge $100,000 for H-1B visas. Andrew Kreighbaum, immigration reporter at Bloomberg Law, discusses how the changes could affect the skilled foreign workers the U.S. relies on. KFF Health News reporter Cara Anthony tells the story of a man who was pulled off an operating table moments before his organs were to be harvested for donation. The incident highlights growing criticism of the organ transplantation industry. Plus, Disney is bringing back Jimmy Kimmel, Nvidia struck a huge deal with OpenAI, and how Build-A-Bear is turning nostalgia into stock-market gold. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

After ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel's show indefinitely following his remarks on the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, protests broke out in Hollywood. Writers say the decision is an attack on free speech as the Trump administration raises pressure on broadcasters and late-night peers respond. ABC's decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel after remarks on Charlie Kirk's killing raises First Amendment and broadcast law questions. Legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins "CBS Mornings" with analysis. A CDC advisory committee has recommended that children wait until age 4 to receive the combined MMRV shot, while still getting separate vaccines for chickenpox and MMR at age 1. Supporters say it could reduce the risk of fever-related seizures, but medical groups including the American Academy of Pediatrics argue the risks are rare and accuse the panel of spreading misinformation. The new vaccine recommendations now go to the CDC's acting director for final approval. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder, editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, joins us to discuss the implications. French President Macron tells "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan that France's decision to recognize a Palestinian state is necessary "to isolate Hamas" and help stop the war. Watch more of Macron's interview Sunday morning on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." This weekend marks the 50th anniversary of The NFL Today, the first live pregame show in television history. From Brent Musburger's groundbreaking cast in 1975 to today's lineup of James Brown, Nate Burleson, Matt Ryan and Bill Cowher, the program continues to shape how fans experience football. Bad Bunny will livestream the final night of his 31-show residency in San Juan to millions of fans worldwide. The shows have brought in up to $400 million for Puerto Rico's economy, while celebrating the island's pride, culture, and resilience on the anniversary of Hurricane Maria. Steve Hartman and his children Meryl and Emmett bring back "Kindness 101" to "CBS Mornings" this fall, sharing stories that highlight kindness, character, and the people who embody them. Today's lesson focuses on recognition, revisiting the story of Missouri custodian Claudene Wilson, honored for her dedication to her school. British singer-songwriter Lola Young, whose hit single "Messy" topped charts in six countries and went double platinum in the U.S., releases her highly anticipated new album today. She sat down with Anthony Mason in London to talk about her music and rise to international fame. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when you get a medical bill for something your insurance should have covered? KFF Health News reporter Jackie Fortiér outlines who talk to, what to say and how to appeal a denial from your insurance company.Have a question about navigating the health care system? Contact us here and you might be part of an upcoming episode of Health Care Helpline. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.orgSupport the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekitLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For the first time, our senior producer, Emily, has to sign up for Obamacare. And it turns out, it’s one heck of a year to do that. A recent headline from KFF Health News reads: “Insurers and customers brace for double whammy to Obamacare premiums.” We break down what those “whammies” might mean in dollars and cents for Emily and the millions of others signing up for Obamacare in 2026. Plus, we cover what’s happening with ACA navigators – the people charged with helping you sign up for Obamacare, and what to expect in November when open enrollment kicks off. Learn more about what’s coming in 2026 in our First Aid Kit newsletter. Check out KFF’s Obamacare premium calculator. Learn whether your state funds its own navigator program. Read a transcript of this episode. Send your stories and questions! Or call 724 ARM-N-LEG. Of course we’d love for you to support this show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recently fired head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told senators that health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ordered her to fire top officials and agree to approve changes to national vaccine recommendations — before the recommendations were made and regardless of what the science says. Meanwhile, Congress heads toward a government shutdown, with expanded subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans in the balance. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, and Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico Magazine join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss the news. Also, Rovner interviews Troyen Brennan, former chief medical officer at Aetna and CVS, about his new book on primary care.Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read (or wrote) this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: The New York Times Magazine's “Trump Is Shutting Down the War on Cancer,” by Jonathan Mahler. Margot Sanger-Katz: ProPublica's “Programs for Students With Hearing and Vision Loss Harmed by Trump's Anti-Diversity Push,” by Jodi S. Cohen and Jennifer Smith Richards. Alice Miranda Ollstein: The New York Times' “I Have Dental Insurance. Why Do I Pay So Much for Care?” by Erica Sweeney. Joanne Kenen: Politico Magazine's “Why Voters Will Feel the Impact of GOP Health Cuts Before the Midterms,” by Joanne Kenen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you get a medical bill for something your insurance should have covered? KFF Health News reporter Jackie Fortiér outlines who talk to, what to say and how to appeal a denial from your insurance company.Have a question about navigating the health care system? Contact us here and you might be part of an upcoming episode of Health Care Helpline. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.orgSupport the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekitLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has issued a report on the state of children's health. Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent, KFF Health News and host of the What the Health? podcast, talks about the details of the report and where it fits into the Trump administration's MAHA initiative.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has issued a report on the state of children's health.On Today's Show:Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent, KFF Health News and host of the What the Health? podcast, talks about the details of the report and where it fits into the Trump administration's MAHA initiative.

The Trump administration is planning sweeping cuts to health care funding across the country. Some of those cuts have already taken effect, while others will roll out over the next few years. KFF Health News senior health policy correspondent Stephanie Armour joins Lisa Desjardins to discuss what this means for states, which will have to shoulder more of the costs of health programs. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The Trump administration is planning sweeping cuts to health care funding across the country. Some of those cuts have already taken effect, while others will roll out over the next few years. KFF Health News senior health policy correspondent Stephanie Armour joins Lisa Desjardins to discuss what this means for states, which will have to shoulder more of the costs of health programs. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The Trump administration is planning sweeping cuts to health care funding across the country. Some of those cuts have already taken effect, while others will roll out over the next few years. KFF Health News senior health policy correspondent Stephanie Armour joins Lisa Desjardins to discuss what this means for states, which will have to shoulder more of the costs of health programs. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

With less than three weeks to go before the deadline to pass legislation to keep the federal government running, lawmakers are still far apart on a strategy. Democrats hope Republicans agree to extend expanded tax credits for the Affordable Care Act as part of a compromise, but so far Republicans are not negotiating. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released his long-awaited “Make America Healthy Again” report, with few specific action items. Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call, Lauren Weber of The Washington Post, and Anna Edney of Bloomberg News join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more.Plus, for “extra credit” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read (or wrote) this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: NPR's “What Kind of Dairy Does a Body Good? Science Is Updating the Answer,” by Will Stone. Anna Edney: Bloomberg News' “The Implants Were Supposed to Dissolve. They Didn't,” by Anna Edney and Tanaz Meghjani. Sandhya Raman: The Texas Tribune's “Texas' New Parental Consent Law Leaves School Nurses Confused About Which Services They Can Provide to Students,” by Jaden Edison. Lauren Weber: ProPublica's “‘Just Let Me Die,'” by Duaa Eldeib. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Celine Gounder, Editor-at-Large, KFF Health News, explains how the U.S. vaccine enterprise could be damaged so swiftly by the Trump administration, with so little apparent resistance: it was a "shock and awe" blitz, while hesitation and fear dominated. "Silence was paralysis." It is too early to estimate the true scope of damage. The middle tier of professionals in government and scientific research has certainly paid a high price. While Secretary Kennedy's firing of CDC Director Monarez was a thunderclap, it remains to be seen if or when President Trump changes his view of the Secretary's performance. What lies ahead? Regional alliances of states setting policy on vaccines will be "the laboratories of public health." The Supreme Court may be called upon to revisit the balance between individual liberty versus public health. If pediatric hospitals are overrun with children suffering from dangerous vaccine-preventable illnesses, public outcry could escalate.  

Federal authorities began increased immigration-enforcement operations in Chicago, targeting people with criminal records. Time reports. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court ruled that immigration stops in Los Angeles can continue. The Wall Street Journal’s Jess Bravin tells us how the decision is part of a bigger pattern. A key piece of Trump’s law-enforcement takeover in Washington, D.C., is clearing homeless encampments. Marissa Lang, an enterprise reporter at the Washington Post, explains why the administration’s promise of shelter and services to affected people is going largely unfulfilled. KFF Health News reporter Arielle Zionts joins to discuss how rural hospitals are pooling their resources to save money and provide better care. Plus, a birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein with what appears to be Trump’s signature on it was handed over to Congress, Lachlan Murdoch won his family’s succession battle, and how tossing baby puffins off of a cliff can be a good thing. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. Check out the Organ Transplant Surveillance Dashboard: https://tableau.hdw.hrsa.gov/t/HDW/views/AOOS-NonUseDashboard/AOOS-NonUseDashboard?%3Aembed=y Read the study on urban hospitals reclassifying as rural: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/urban-hospitals-increasingly-reclassified-as-rural News sources for this episode: Diane Eastabrook, “Home health groups press for a piece of rural health funding,” September 2, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/post-acute-care/mh-rural-health-transformation-fund-home-health/, Modern Healthcare. National Rural Health Association, “Rural Health Transformation Program Summary,” https://www.ruralhealth.us/nationalruralhealth/media/documents/advocacy/2025/rural-health-transformation-program-summary.pdf Lindsey Culli,  “Urban Hospitals Increasingly Reclassified as Rural, Drawing Medicare Benefits Meant for Rural Communities,” August 1, 2025, https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/urban-hospitals-increasingly-reclassified-as-rural, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Yang Wang et. al, “Sharp Rise In Urban Hospitals With Rural Status In Medicare, 2017-23,” August 4, 2025, https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/abs/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.00019?journalCode=hlthaff, Health Affairs.  Jamie Godwin et, al, “Medicare Advantage Enrollees Account for 25% of all Inpatient Hospital Days,” August 26, 2025, https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-enrollees-account-for-a-rising-share-of-inpatient-hospital-days/, Kaiser Family Foundation.  Arielle Zionts, “Rural Hospitals Questions Whether They Can Afford Medicare Advantage Contracts,” April 8, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/rural-hospitals-private-medicare-advantage-contracts-reimbursements/, KFF Health News.  Madeline Ashley, “20 hospital closures in 2025,” August 25, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/2-hospital-closures-in-2025/, Becker's Hospital Review.  Paige Twenter, “HHS expands oversight into organ transplant network,” August 29, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/patient-safety-outcomes/hhs-expands-oversight-into-organ-transplant-network/, Becker's Clinical Leadership. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “HHS Expands Oversight of Organ Transplant System with New Surveillance Tool,” August 27, 2025, https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hrsa-organ-allocation-dashboard.html.  Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

A combative Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the U.S. secretary of health and human services, appeared before a Senate committee Thursday, defending his firing of the newly confirmed director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as other changes that could limit the availability of vaccines. Meanwhile, Congress has only a few weeks to complete work on annual spending bills to avoid a possible government shutdown and to ward off potentially large increases in premiums for Affordable Care Act health plans. Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call, Sarah Karlin-Smith of Pink Sheet, and Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews KFF Health News' Tony Leys, who discusses his “Bill of the Month” report about a woman's unfortunate interaction with a bat — and her even more unfortunate interaction with the bill for her rabies prevention treatment.Visit our website for a transcript of this episode.Plus, for “extra credit” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: ProPublica's “Gutted: How Deeply Trump Has Cut Federal Health Agencies,” by Brandon Roberts, Annie Waldman, and Pratheek Rebala. Jessie Hellmann: KFF Health News' “When Hospitals and Insurers Fight, Patients Get Caught in the Middle,” by Bram Sable-Smith. Sarah Karlin-Smith: NPR's “Leniency on Lice in Schools Meets Reality,” by Blake Farmer. Alice Miranda Ollstein: Vox's “Exclusive: RFK Jr. and the White House Buried a Major Study on Alcohol and Cancer. Here's What It Shows,” by Dylan Scott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz Stein, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking, joins us to talk about why she wants the Department of Justice to continue investigating the case, but doesn't support publicly releasing a list of Epstein's associates.Then, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense scrutiny from Democrats and some Republicans over his views on vaccines during a Senate hearing on Thursday. Julie Rovner of KFF Health News breaks down what was said.And, as Kennedy moves to change guidance around the COVID-19 vaccine, some states are going around the CDC and making it available to almost everyone who wants it. Dr. Nahid Bhadelia of the Boston University Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases explains the latest in vaccine turmoil.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Amy Maxmen, PhD, public health correspondent and editor at KFF Health News, discusses her reporting on the Trump administration's interference with the CDC, which slowed its response to a measles outbreak in Texas that has since become the largest in the U.S. in 30 years.→ As Measles Exploded, Officials in Texas Looked to CDC Scientists. Under Trump, No One Answered.

00:08 — Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez is a reporter for KFF Health News at the rural health desk and is based in Elko, Nevada. 00:33 — John Nichols is Executive Editor for the Nation. The post Medicaid Work Requirement Changes Compromise Native American Communities' Healthcare Coverage; Plus, Trump's Four New Executive Orders appeared first on KPFA.

Part 1:We talk with Aneri Pattani, correspondent for KFF Health News.We discuss the "Goliath vs. David" suit filed by United Health Care (parent) against a several Kentucky counties who are suing Pharmacy Benefit Managers for the opioid problems. This has implications for many other suits, and also for the fine moneys' use by states.Part 2:We talk with Harold Meyerson, Edttor-at-Large for The American Prospect.We discuss Israel's war on Gaza. Only 8% of Democrats support this war, with younger Democrats even less supportive. How should the Democratic Party respond? WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

This summer marks the 60th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, the twin government programs that have shaped the health care system into what it is today. In this special episode, KFF Health News' Julie Rovner interviews two experts on the history, significance, and future of these perennially popular programs. First up, Medicare historian and University of North Carolina professor Jonathan Oberlander. He's followed by George Washington University professor Sara Rosenbaum, who not only has studied Medicaid since nearly its beginning but also has helped shape Medicaid policy over the past four decades. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Tonya Garcia, Bloomberg, “Cardinal Health to acquire Solaris Health in $1.9B deal,” August 12, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/mergers-acquisitions/mh-cardinal-health-solaris-health-deal/, Modern Healthcare. Erich Timmerman, “Cardinal Health announces two strategic additions to its portfolio,” November 11, 2024, https://newsroom.cardinalhealth.com/2024-11-11-Cardinal-Health-announces-two-strategic-additions-to-its-portfolio, CardinalHealth. National Rural Health Association, “Fiscal Year 2026 Inpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule,” April 14, 2025, https://www.ruralhealth.us/getmedia/cca11c3e-49da-4cf8-8a63-ec270bc96fb0/FY-2026-IPPS-proposed-rule-summary-4-14-2025.pdf. CMS.gov, “FY 2026 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System (LTCH PPS) Final Rule — CMS-1833-F,” July 31, 2025, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/fy-2026-hospital-inpatient-prospective-payment-system-ipps-and-long-term-care-hospital-prospective-0. CMS.gov, “Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI) and IRF-PAI Manual,” August 4, 2025, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/inpatient-rehabilitation-facility/irf-pai-and-irf-qrp-manual. Alan Condon, “CMS drops 3 final payment rules for 2026: 15 things to know,” August 4, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/cms-drops-3-final-payment-rules-for-2026-15-things-to-know/, Becker's Hospital Review. CMS.gov, “Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM),” https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/team-model.  Emmarie Huetteman et. al, “Kennedy Cancels Vaccine Funding,” August 7, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/podcast/what-the-health-409-rfk-jr-mrna-vaccine-funding-august-7-2025, KFF Health News. Nona Tepper, “BCBSA antitrust lawsuit reaches $2.8B tentative settlement,” October 14, 2024, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/insurance/bcbsa-antitrust-lawsuit-settlement-alabama/, Modern Healthcare. Nona Tepper, “Nearly 6,500 providers reject Blue Cross antitrust deal,” August 11, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/insurance/mh-bcbs-settlement-lawsuit-mayo-clinic-henry-ford/, Modern Healthcare. Andrew Cass, “Nearly 6,500 providers opt out of $2.8B BCBS settlement,” August 11, 2025, https://www.beckerspayer.com/payer/nearly-6500-providers-opt-out-of-2-8b-bcbs-settlement/, Becker's Payer Issues. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ⁠⁠ruralhealthtoday.com⁠⁠. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/RuralHealthPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

President Donald Trump's latest executive order about science and medicine seeks to take funding decisions out of the hands of career scientists and give them to political appointees instead. And a gunman, reportedly disgruntled over covid vaccines, shoots at the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, killing a law enforcement officer. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Shefali Luthra of The 19th, and Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Aaron Carroll, president and CEO of the health services research group AcademyHealth, about how to restore the public's trust in public health. Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: ProPublica's “Veterans' Care at Risk Under Trump as Hundreds of Doctors and Nurses Reject Working at VA Hospitals,” by David Armstrong, Eric Umansky, and Vernal Coleman. Alice Miranda Ollstein: The New York Times-KFF Health News' “Why Young Americans Dread Turning 26: Health Insurance Chaos,” by Elisabeth Rosenthal and Hannah Norman. Sarah Karlin-Smith: The New York Times' “This Ohio Farm Community Is a Mecca for the ‘MAHA Mom,'” by Caroline Kitchener. Shefali Luthra: Stat's “Inside the American Medical Association's Sudden Strategy Shift in Washington,” by Theresa Gaffney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Emmajority Report Thursday: MSNBC reporter Eugene Robinson walks Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent into admitting that the tariffs are paid by the American importer and passed onto the American consumer. It is a tax. We are joined by former Amazon Labor Union President Chris Smalls to discuss his recent experiences being detained and abused by Israeli officers for his role in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. Reporter for KFF Health News, Katheryn Houghton joins us to discuss the newly legislated federal Medicaid work requirements. Brandon Sutton and Matt Binder join us for the fun half. Boomer Chris Cuomo is fooled by the most obvious AOC deepfake and then instead of apologizing doubles down on his own stupidity. Katie Miller, wife of Stephen Miller and staffer for Elon Musk has started a lifestyle podcast for women and one of her first guests is Mike Tyson. Washed up 90s actor Dean Cain is making recruitment videos for ICE as they eliminate the age requirements. Al that and more plus phone calls and IMs   The Congress switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. You can use this number to connect with either the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives. Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Follow us on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! https://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: https://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 10% off your purchase Check out today's sponsors DELETEME: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/MAJORITY and use promo code MAJORITY at checkout. SUNSET LAKE: Right now at sunsetlakecbd.com, Use coupon code “Left Is Best” (all one word) for 20% off of your entire order. Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on YouTube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com/ The Majority Report with Sam Seder – https://majorityreportradio.com  

The Health and Human Services secretary is winding down nearly $500 million in mRNA research funding, citing false claims that the technology is ineffective against respiratory illnesses — and notching a victory for critics of the covid vaccines. And President Donald Trump is demanding drugmakers drop their prices, quickly, but it's unclear how he could make them comply. Lauren Weber of The Washington Post, Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call, and Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet join KFF Health News' Emmarie Huetteman to discuss these stories and more. Visit our website for a transcript of this episode.Plus, for “extra credit” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read (or wrote) this week that they think you should read, too: Emmarie Huetteman: KFF Health News' “New Medicaid Federal Work Requirements Mean Less Leeway for States,” by Katheryn Houghton and Bram Sable-Smith. Sarah Karlin-Smith: Slate's “Confessions of a Welfare Queen,” by Maria Kefalas. Sandhya Raman: CQ Roll Call's “Sweden's Push for Smokeless Products Leads Some To Wonder About Risks,” by Sandhya Raman. Lauren Weber: The New York Times' “‘Hot Wasps' Found at Nuclear Facility in South Carolina,” by Emily Anthes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Humberman BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Andrew Huberman has been everywhere the past few days from his signature podcast, to a brush with controversy on social media, to a notable mention in top health journalism. On August 1, an Instagram reel exploded in engagement after Huberman himself recorded what he described as people lighting fires in downtown Los Angeles, offering his platform to draw attention to public safety concerns. That video was promptly shared by multiple accounts, sparking conversation around civic engagement and the responsibilities of influencers. At nearly the same time, the Instagram business community was abuzz with Huberman's latest neuroscience tidbit he revealed that the classic introvert versus extrovert debate is rooted in differing dopamine receptor patterns, not personality labels per se, leading to fresh debate about work culture and leadership strategies.Huberman's flagship Huberman Lab podcast continues at full throttle. The July 28 episode delved into practical essentials of his research, distilling key takeaways on behavior change and mental health a formula that has kept his listenership in the millions. The series' recent guests included preeminent thinkers from Michael Easter to Dr. Marc Berman, whose discussion about nature's effects on cognition generated both scholarly citations and viral snackable clips. His media exposure also surged, with KFF Health News on August 1 specifically quoting him in discussions about the sweeping staff cuts impacting community health care programs—a rare crossover of a neuroscience educator being pulled into systems-level health policy discourse. Some outlets like KFF went further, naming Huberman as a leading podcaster who brings “real-world” relevance to high-level debates, extending his influence beyond standard academic circles.In terms of public appearances, he is slated as a keynote for several major entrepreneurship events throughout September and October, including the EO Powerhouse gathering in Chicago and EO Nerve in Atlanta, where his blend of cerebral science and business-savvy rhetoric has generated early buzz among founders and VC circles. While he has not confirmed any new business ventures or product launches in the days since August began, speculation persists about an impending collaboration with a large fitness technology brand—chatter unconfirmed by Huberman's team but amplified by fitness insiders.Finally, YouTube and podcast platforms report strong engagement with Huberman's segment on how sprinting can boost both strength and longevity, an episode widely shared by athletes and biohackers alike in the last 72 hours. Through a confluence of science, storytelling, and an uncanny ability to spark conversation, Andrew Huberman continues to shape the neuroscience landscape—and, increasingly, drive mainstream discourse on health and human potential.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the secretary of Health and Human Services, is eyeing an overhaul of two more key entities as part of his ongoing effort to reshape health policy. And President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week that would enable localities to force some homeless people into residential treatment.Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico Magazine, and Shefali Luthra of The 19th join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Sara Rosenbaum, one of the nation's leading experts on Medicaid, to mark Medicaid's 60th anniversary this week. Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: KFF Health News' “Cosmetic Surgeries Led to Disfiguring Injuries, Patients Allege,” by Fred Schulte. Anna Edney: The Washington Post's “Morton Mintz, Post Reporter With a Muckraker Spirit, Dies at 103,” by Stefanie Dazio. Joanne Kenen: ScienceAlert's “New Kind of Dental Floss Could Replace Vaccine Needles, Study Finds,” by David Nield. Shefali Luthra: The New Yorker's “Mexico's Molar City Could Transform My Smile. Did I Want It To?” by Burkhard Bilger. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Medicaid may have monopolized Washington's attention lately, but big changes are coming to the Affordable Care Act as well.Meanwhile, Americans are learning more about what's in the big budget bill President Donald Trump signed into law this month, and polls suggest many of them don't like what they see.Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call, and Julie Appleby of KFF Health News join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more.Also this week, Rovner interviews historian and University of North Carolina health policy professor Jonathan Oberlander to mark Medicare's 60th anniversary. Visit our website for a transcript of this episode.Plus, for “extra credit” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: KFF Health News' “Republicans Call Medicaid Rife with Fraudsters. This Man Sees No Choice but To Break the Rules,” by Katheryn Houghton. Jessie Hellmann: Roll Call's “Kennedy's Mental Health Drug Skepticism Lands at FDA Panel,” by Ariel Cohen. Julie Appleby: NPR's “Many Beauty Products Have Toxic Ingredients. Newly Proposed Bills Could Change That,” by Rachel Treisman. Alice Miranda Ollstein: The Associated Press' “RFK Jr. Promoted a Food Company He Says Will Make Americans Healthy. Their Meals Are Ultraprocessed,” by Amanda Seitz and Jonel Aleccia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: National Rural Health Association, “Site Neutral Policies and Rural Hospitals,” https://www.ruralhealth.us/nationalruralhealth/media/documents/site-neutral-one-pager.pdf. Stephen T. Parente, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, “Parente ST. Impact of Site-Neutral Payments for Commercial and Employer-Sponsored Plans,” Jan-Dec, 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11348360/, PubMed Central. Michael McAuliff, “Site-neutral Medicare pay eyed to fund Trump tax cuts,” March 18, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-policy/site-neutral-legislation-policies-tax-cuts/, Modern Healthcare. Andrew Cass, “House GOP eyes deeper Medicaid, Medicare cuts in next budget bill: Bloomberg,” July 14, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/house-gop-eyes-deeper-medicaid-medicare-cuts-in-next-budget-bill-bloomberg/, Becker's Hospital Review. Erik Wasson & David Gura, “Next Trump Budget Bill Begins Taking Shape in US House, July 14, 2025, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-14/next-trump-budget-bill-begins-taking-shape-in-us-house?embedded-checkout=true, Bloomberg. Vanessa G. Sanchez, “Lost in Translation: Interpreter Cutbacks Could Put Patient Lives on the Line,” July 16, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/medical-interpreter-funding-staff-cuts-patient-lives-english-language-services/, KFF Health News. Mariah Taylor, “Medical interpreter services in limbo amid federal pressures,” July 16, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/care-coordination/medical-interpreter-services-in-limbo-amid-federal-pressures/, Becker's Hospital Review. Rachana Pradhan & Arthur Allen, “World's Premier Cancer Institute Faces Crippling Cuts and Chaos,” Updated July 14, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/national-cancer-institute-nih-cuts-chaos-scientific-biomedical-research/, KFF Health News. Andrew Cass, “Rural emergency model emerging as lifeline for shuttered hospitals,” July 11, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/rural-emergency-model-emerging-as-lifeline-for-shuttered-hospitals/, Becker's Hospital Review. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/RuralHealthPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

For decades, the National Cancer Institute has spearheaded breakthrough advancements against the disease. Cancer deaths have been reduced by a third since the 1990s, but now the world’s premier cancer institute is in the midst of a fierce battle over its future. William Brangham speaks with Rachana Pradhan of KFF Health News for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

For decades, the National Cancer Institute has spearheaded breakthrough advancements against the disease. Cancer deaths have been reduced by a third since the 1990s, but now the world’s premier cancer institute is in the midst of a fierce battle over its future. William Brangham speaks with Rachana Pradhan of KFF Health News for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Senate narrowly approved the Trump administration's request to claw back about $9 billion for humanitarian foreign aid projects and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting — but refused to cut funding for the international AIDS/HIV program PEPFAR. The House has a Friday deadline to approve the rescissions bill, or the funding remains in place. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court ruled that West Virginia can ban the abortion pill mifepristone, which could allow states to block other drugs approved by the FDA. Shefali Luthra of The 19th, Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call, and Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico Magazine join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Plus, for “extra credit” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: The New York Times' “UnitedHealth's Campaign to Quiet Critics,” by David Enrich. Joanne Kenen: The New Yorker's “Can A.I. Find Cures for Untreatable Diseases — Using Drugs We Already Have?” by Dhruv Khullar. Shefali Luthra: The New York Times' “Trump Official Accused PEPFAR of Funding Abortions in Russia. It Wasn't True,” by Apoorva Mandavilli. Sandhya Raman: The Nation's “‘We're Creating Miscarriages With Medicine': Abortion Lessons from Sweden,” by Cecilia Nowell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this "Summer Friday" we've put together some of our favorite conversations this year:Natalie Wynn, creator of the YouTube channel Contrapoints, discusses her work including her latest video titled "CONSPIRACY" in which she delves into the history of conspiracies in American politics, the allure of conspiratorial thinking, and how this way of thought negatively impacts democracy.James Sanders, architect, author, filmmaker, and co-writer with Ric Burns of the PBS series: New York: A Documentary Film and its companion volume, New York: An Illustrated History (Knopf, 2021) and the author of Celluloid Skyline: New York and the Movies (Knopf, 2001), talks about the New York seen in films since the beginning of movie-making, as part of our centennial series.Each year the news division hosts the WNYC Health Convening with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation as an opportunity for health care experts and practitioners to inform WNYC's health reporting. This year, as part of our centennial series "100 Years of 100 Things," Paul Goldberg, editor and publisher of The Cancer Letter, co-editor of The Cancer History Project, and author of The Dissident (Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2023), discusses the century of cancer treatment advancements and how the U.S. government played a major part in funding the science for treatment, early detection and prevention.The WNYC Health Convening with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation continues with a look at the current state of cancer research in the United States.Sudip Parikh, Ph.D., chief executive officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and executive publisher of the Science family of journals;Otis Brawley, professor of oncology at The Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at Johns Hopkin and co-editor of The Cancer History Project; andJulie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent at KFF Health News and host of the What the Health? podcast; discuss what the impacts of the Trump administration's funding cuts to the National Health Institute have meant to clinical trials—and what a future without government funding to find a cure might look like should the science continue to be underfunded. These interviews were lightly edited for time and clarity and the original web versions are available here:Contrapoints' Natalie Wynn Deep Dives into the Philosophy of Conspiracies (May 29, 2025)100 Years of 100 Things: New York Films (May 19, 2025)100 Years of 100 Things: Cancer Research (Jun 3, 2025)A Roundtable on the Current State of U.S. Cancer Research (Jun 3, 2025)

President Donald Trump's big budget bill became his big budget law on July 4, codifying about $1 trillion in cuts to the Medicaid program. But the law includes many less-publicized provisions that could reshape the way the nation pays for and receives health care. Meanwhile, at the Department of Health and Human Services, uncertainty reigns as both staff and outside recipients of federal funds face cuts. Rachel Roubein of The Washington Post, Tami Luhby of CNN, and Rachel Cohrs Zhang of Bloomberg News join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews KFF Health News' Julie Appleby, who reported the latest KFF Health News' “Bill of the Month” feature, about some very pricey childhood immunizations.Plus, for “extra credit” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: The New England Journal of Medicine's “The Corporatization of U.S. Health Care — A New Perspective Series,” by Debra Malina, et al. Rachel Roubein: The AP's “RFK Jr. Promoted a Food Company He Says Will Make Americans Healthy. Their Meals Are Ultraprocessed,” by Amanda Seitz and JoNel Aleccia. Rachel Cohrs Zhang: The Wall Street Journal's “Prosecutors Question Doctors About UnitedHealth's Medicare Billing Practices,” by Christopher Weaver and Anna Wilde Mathews. Tami Luhby: The Washington Post's “A New D.C. Hospital Grapples With Too Many Patients and Too Few Nurses,” by Jenna Portnoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump's megabill is now law and it's sending shockwaves through California's healthcare system. The legislation makes major cuts to Medicaid, known here as Medi-Cal, which covers about one in three Californians.  Supporters say the bill reins in government spending. But critics warn it could shutter hospitals and force the state into painful budget choices. KQED Health Correspondent Lesley McClurg is joined by Angela Hart, senior correspondent for KFF Health News, to dig into what's at stake.  Check out Political Breakdown's weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The House on Thursday moved to approve the largest-ever cuts to federal safety net programs, the last step before the measure goes to President Donald Trump's desk. After the Senate very narrowly passed the bill, House GOP leaders ushered it past resistance from conservatives wary of adding trillions to the federal debt and moderates concerned about its cuts to Medicaid. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has continued to pursue his anti-vaccine agenda, despite promises that he would not. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Maya Goldman of Axios, and Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: The Lancet's “Evaluating the Impact of Two Decades of USAID Interventions and Projecting the Effects of Defunding on Mortality up to 2030: A Retrospective Impact Evaluation and Forecasting Analysis,” by Daniella Medeiros Cavalcanti, et al. Alice Miranda Ollstein: The New York Times' “‘I Feel Like I've Been Lied To': When a Measles Outbreak Hits Home,” by Eli Saslow. Maya Goldman: Axios' “New Docs Get Schooled in Old Diseases as Vax Rates Fall,” by Tina Reed. Sarah Karlin-Smith: Wired's “Snake Venom, Urine, and a Quest to Live Forever: Inside a Biohacking Conference Emboldened by MAHA,” by Will Bahr. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

00:08 — Mouin Rabbani is a nonresident fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, previously principal political affairs officer with the Office of the UN Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria. 00:33 — Phil Galewitz is senior correspondent for KFF Health News. 00:45 — Daniel Costa is Director of Immigration Law and Policy Research at Economic Policy Institute. The post Trump Executive Order Signs Away Major Syria Sanctions; Plus, “Big Beautiful Bill” Cuts Healthcare, Expands ICE appeared first on KPFA.

Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent at KFF Health News and host of the What the Health? podcast, talks about the House and Senate budget bills and what they would mean for Americans' access to healthcare.

Today, the domestic funding bill that President Trump has been pushing through Congress is undergoing a vote in the House of Representatives.On Today's Show:Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent, KFF Health News and host of the What the Health? podcast, talks about the House and Senate budget bills and what they would mean for Americans' access to health care.

The massive budget bill that Senate Republicans are debating pays for some of its tax cuts by slashing hundreds of billions of dollars in Medicaid spending. The latest report from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates nearly 12 million people will lose health insurance if the Senate version of the bill becomes law. Trump insists the cuts come from eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. Democrats have said they break Trump's promise not to touch Medicaid — and over the weekend, Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina agreed. "What do I tell 663,000 people in two years or three years when President Trump breaks his promise by pushing them off of Medicaid because the funding's not there anymore?" We asked Sarah Jane Tribble, the chief rural correspondent for KFF Health News, what the cuts will mean for rural residents of states like North Carolina — and the hospitals that serve them.For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this special episode taped before a live audience at Aspen Ideas: Health, three former governors — one of whom also served as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services — have a wide-ranging discussion about how state and federal officials can more effectively work together to improve Americans' health. Democrat Kathleen Sebelius, a former governor of Kansas and HHS secretary under President Barack Obama; Republican Chris Sununu, former governor of New Hampshire; and Democrat Roy Cooper, former governor of North Carolina, join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner for this discussion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Supreme Court this week said Tennessee may continue to enforce its law banning most types of gender-affirming care for minors. The ruling is likely to greenlight similar laws in two dozen states. Meanwhile, the Senate is preparing to vote on a budget reconciliation bill that includes even deeper Medicaid cuts than the bill that barely passed the House in May. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call, and Victoria Knight of Axios join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Plus, for “extra credit” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: The New York Times' “The Bureaucrat and the Billionaire: Inside DOGE's Chaotic Takeover of Social Security,” by Alexandra Berzon, Nicholas Nehamas, and Tara Siegel Bernard. Alice Miranda Ollstein: Wired's “What Tear Gas and Rubber Bullets Do to the Human Body,” by Emily Mullin. Victoria Knight: The New York Times' “They Asked an A.I. Chatbot Questions. The Answers Sent Them Spiraling,” by Kashmir Hill. Sandhya Raman: North Carolina Health News' “Ambulance Companies Collect Millions by Seizing Wages, State Tax Refunds,” by Michelle Crouch and Charlotte Ledger. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week did something he had promised not to do: He fired every member of the scientific advisory committee that recommends which vaccines should be given to whom. And he replaced them, in some cases, with vaccine skeptics. Meanwhile, hundreds of employees of the National Institutes of Health sent an open letter of dissent to the agency's director, Jay Bhattacharya, accusing the Trump administration of policies that “undermine the NIH mission, waste our public resources, and harm the health of Americans and people across the globe.” Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, and Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico Magazine join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president of the American Action Forum and former director of the Congressional Budget Office, to discuss how the CBO works and why it's so controversial. Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: Stat's “Lawmakers Lobby Doctors To Keep Quiet — or Speak Up — on Medicaid Cuts in Trump's Tax Bill,” by Daniel Payne. Joanne Kenen: ProPublica's “DOGE Developed Error-Prone AI Tool To ‘Munch' Veterans Affairs Contracts,” by Brandon Roberts, Vernal Coleman, and Eric Umansky. Anna Edney: KFF Health News' “Two Patients Faced Chemo. The One Who Survived Demanded a Test To See if It Was Safe,” by Arthur Allen. Sarah Karlin-Smith: Wired's “The Bleach Community Is Ready for RFK Jr. To Make Their Dreams Come True,” by David Gilbert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year's WNYC Health Convening with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation continues with a look at the current state of cancer research in the United States. Sudip Parikh, Ph.D., chief executive officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and executive publisher of the Science family of journals, and Otis Brawley, professor of oncology at The Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at Johns Hopkin and co-editor of The Cancer History Project, and Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent at KFF Health News and host of the What the Health? podcast, discuss what the impacts of the Trump administration's funding cuts to the National Health Institute have meant to clinical trials, and what a future without government funding to find a cure might look like should the science continue to be underfunded.