Virginia’s rural hospitals are facing a quiet crisis. Up to 70% are at risk of closure or serious financial distress, and the state is far from alone. This episode breaks down what’s driving the collapse of rural healthcare and who’s bearing the cost.
We also look at a buried provision in a new ACA rule that would let health insurance companies loan money to patients who can’t afford their own deductibles WITH interest. Do we really need a loan shark in our insurance plans?
Plus: RFK Jr.’s latest controversy: his promotion of unproven, unapproved stem cell treatments for autistic children costing up to $20,000 per session. Plus, a look at Kennedy’s “Take Back Your Health” tour and whether his visits to Republican toss-up districts constitute quiet campaign stops. And how much longer should we expect to see him leading HHS?
And welcome Dr Craig Spencer, an emergency physician who contracted Ebola in the 2014 outbreak. He discusses the current global outbreak and the implications of recent U.S. funding cuts to healthcare surveillance and response programs like USAID.
Plus! We are joined by friend of the show Dr. Kristin Lyerly, who has a BIG announcement!
LINKS:
Virginia Public Media (VPM): Roughly 1 in 5 rural Virginia hospitals at risk of closure
Becker’s Hospital Review: 720 hospitals at risk of closure, by state
STAT: HSA companies struck it big in Trump’s tax bill. They’re lobbying for more
The Great American Health Alliance ad: Reconciliation 3.0: Health Care Cannot Wait
The New York Times: Can’t Pay Medical Bills? Trump Officials Suggest Getting a Loan.
The Guardian: Autistic children being injected with unapproved stem cell treatments supported by RFK Jr
POLITICO: Milk’s the drink of choice at RFK Jr.’s event with swing-district Republican
MLive: ‘Destroying our country’: RFK Jr. urges healthy eating during Michigan visit
POLITICO: RFK Jr.’s movement was supposed to save the GOP’s majorities. It’s not even in the game.
Puck News: MAHA Faces the R.F.K. Rumor Mill
KFF Health News: Trump Bought Tobacco Stocks and Raked In Industry Donations as FDA Eased Standards
The Washington Post: Trump sees 22 medical specialists, appearing to set new bar for presidents
Craig Spencer’s Brown University bio is HERE
Craig Spencer on LinkedIn
Craig Spencer on X
Craig Spencer on Instagram
AXIOS: Trump admin pre-blames Europe for any World Cup Ebola
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