Episode Details

Republicans are looking to cut as much as $880 billion from Medicaid, a federal program that provides healthcare for 72 million Americans. Distinct from Medicare, which covers seniors, Medicaid includes coverage for low income people, the disabled, substance abuse programs, nursing home care, and the Affordable Care Act, among other kinds of care. Nearly half of all births in the U.S. are covered by Medicaid, and polls show enormous support for the program across political parties. Donald Trump has said that cuts to Medicaid are off the table, but congressional Republicans’ proposed budget to pay for the president’s signature $4.5 trillion dollar tax cut relies on massive cuts to the program. We’ll talk to experts about the future of Medicaid.

Guests:

Larry Levitt, executive vice president, Kaiser Family Foundation

Joanne Kenen, journalist In-residence, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health

Kristof Stremikis, director of market analysis and insight, California Health Care Foundation, independent nonprofit focused on improving healthcare for Californians

Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, former administrator, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services; served as administrator during the Biden administration from 2021-2025