Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Democrats Vow Swift Action On Reinstating ACA Subsidies, Medicaid Funding
The Washington Post: Democrats Aim To Restore ACA Subsidies And Medicaid Funding Next Year
Newly empowered congressional Democrats are aiming to fulfill their pledges to quickly attempt to revive generous Affordable Care Act subsidies and reverse Republicans’ Medicaid cuts when Congress convenes next year, according to two Democratic aides and another person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share internal deliberations. (Roubein, 11/4)
Bloomberg: Top Democrat To Target ‘Corporate Chokehold’ On Healthcare
A top Democratic lawmaker is promising to target the healthcare industry with his party’s newly minted congressional majority. Healthcare companies, including large insurers and drugmakers, scrambled to cut deals with President Donald Trump’s administration last year to avert regulatory action and tariffs in a highly unpredictable environment. Pfizer Chief Executive Officer Albert Bourla touted the pharma deals during an earnings call on Tuesday, lauding the stability they brought for investors. (Cohrs Zhang, 11/4)
MedPage Today: Investigating RFK Jr., Fixing Surprise Billing Law May Be On Agenda For New Congress
Changes to laws on surprise billing and price transparency as well as investigations of HHS officials could be on the menu when the Democratic-controlled Congress assumes office next year, analysts say. "We're heartened to see a number of people elected who are likely to be public health champions," Bruce Mirken, communications co-chair at Defend Public Health, said in a phone call. (Frieden, 11/4)
Democrats' other healthcare priorities —
NBC News: 5 Healthcare Fights Democrats Could Take On After Midterms Sweep
Democrats’ victories in the midterm elections could have a major impact on Americans’ healthcare, from how much people pay for health insurance and prescription drugs to what coverage is available to them, according to health policy experts and former White House advisers. If the Democrats and President Donald Trump are willing to work together, that is. With control of the House and Senate, Democrats will hold significant leverage to restore the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, reverse cuts to Medicaid and push for changes they say would make healthcare more affordable. (Lovelace Jr., 11/5)
Axios: Democrats' Big Challenge On Health Care Costs
Americans made it very clear on Tuesday that health care is too expensive. The challenge for Democrats is to agree on the quickest way to deliver some relief. (Owens, 11/5)
Fortune: How Abdul El-Sayed Would Build Medicare For All, From A Wealth Tax To A Fed-Style Governing Board
Near the end of his victory speech in Detroit early Wednesday, Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed returned to the line that carried his campaign: “It shouldn’t be this hard to see a doctor in the richest, most powerful country in the world.” (LaForge, 11/4)
