Brace Yourself: ACA Premium Hikes Explained in KFF Health News’ ‘What the Health?’

The health care landscape is shifting, and several key issues are front and center. Medicaid is in the spotlight due to significant federal funding cuts, a change that could affect millions. These cuts stem from a budget bill signed recently, shifting the focus toward the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the potential impact on health insurance coverage for many Americans by 2026.

Changes in immigration policy may also strain the health care sector. Many worry this could worsen the existing shortage of healthcare workers and potentially affect the availability of insurance that helps hospitals and clinics stay afloat.

This week, a panel of health policy experts discussed these issues, including Julie Rovner from KFF Health News, along with fellow panelists from various news organizations.

• Americans can anticipate higher health insurance premiums next year, especially for those using ACA plans. Most consumers rely on federal subsidies to keep these plans affordable, but those subsidies are set to expire, leaving many at risk of losing coverage.
• A new $50 billion fund for rural health care was part of the recent budget bill, designed to buffer the impact of Medicaid cuts. However, experts say this fund will likely fall short as more people lose health insurance, placing more financial burden on clinics and hospitals.
• Debate around the abortion pill mifepristone continues. Some lawmakers are questioning its safety, which has led to increased scrutiny over its approval. This situation heavily impacts clinics such as Planned Parenthood, which could lose federal funding, affecting not just abortion services but also other critical care.
• New laws allowing doctors to refuse treatments based on personal beliefs are causing concern. For example, a woman in Tennessee reported being denied prenatal care simply because she wasn’t married.

The panel also featured an interview with Jonathan Oberlander, a Medicare historian. He shared insights marking the 60th anniversary of the Medicare program.

Panelists also recommended health policy articles of interest this week:

• Julie Rovner: KFF Health News on Medicaid work requirements and fraud concerns.
• Julie Appleby: NPR’s article on new bills aimed at removing toxic ingredients from beauty products.
• Jessie Hellmann: Roll Call’s piece about skepticism toward mental health drugs at an FDA panel.
• Alice Miranda Ollstein: AP’s investigation into a food company linked to health claims despite their ultraprocessed meals.

As health policy evolves, these stories highlight the interplay between legislation, public health, and individual rights. Understanding these dynamics is essential for anyone who wants to stay informed about health care issues today.

For more detailed insights into current health policy changes, you can visit resources like [KFF Health News](https://www.kffhealthnews.org) or check the latest reports from [NPR](https://www.npr.org).

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Abortion, Health Care, Health Insurance, Medicaid, Medicare