The Peculiar Politics of Hospitals

Democrats and Republicans on one of the House committees that oversees the Medicare program had strong words about high hospital pricing at a hearing on Capitol Hill this week, but it remains unclear whether the reality will match their rhetoric when it comes to reining in those prices. Meanwhile, some good health policy news: A study found the 988 suicide prevention hotline reduced suicides significantly in its first two years of operation. Shefali Luthra of The 19th, Rachel Roubein of The Washington Post, 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. Visit our website for a transcript of this episode.Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists share their favorite health policy stories of the week that they think you should read, too. Julie Rovner: The New York Times’ “While Advising Kennedy, Top Aide Had More Than $25 Million Stake in Wellness Company,” by Christina Jewett and Benjamin Mueller.  Joanne Kenen: ProPublica’s “Unfounded Health Concerns Are Powering a Solar Backlash,” by Anna Clark.  Rachel Roubein: KFF Health News’ “Big Companies Position Themselves for Payday from $50B Federal Rural Health Fund,” by Sarah Jane Tribble.  Shefali Luthra: The Atlantic and KFF Health News’ “A ‘Barbaric’ Problem in American Hospitals Is Only Getting Bigger,” by Elisabeth Rosenthal.