Podcast: ‘What The Health?’ How Confused Are We?


Open enrollment started with more of a whimper than a bang Nov. 1, as the Trump administration continued to talk down the health law it is required to operate. Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, lawmakers continue to struggle to reach agreement on legislation to renew funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which expired Oct. 1. And President Donald Trump’s commission on the opioid epidemic released its final report and recommendations.

In this episode of “What the Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Stephanie Armour of The Wall Street Journal, Joanne Kenen of Politico and Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post discuss these topics as well as possible health changes included in the emerging tax overhaul bill in Congress.

Among the takeaways from this week’s podcast:

Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists recommend their favorite health stories of the week they think you should read, too.

Julie Rovner: Kaiser Health News’ “’No One Is Coming’: Hospice Patients Abandoned At Death’s Door,” by JoNel Aleccia and Melissa Bailey.

Stephanie Armour: Slate’s “Going Out With a Bang,” by Melissa Jayne Kinsey.

Joanne Kenen: Health Affairs’ “Choosing Wisely Campaign: Valuable For Providers Who Knew About It, But Awareness Remained Constant, 2014-2017,” by Carrie H. Colla and Alexander J. Mainor.

Paige Winfield Cunningham: Vox.Com’s “The fax of life,” by Sarah Kliff.

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