Miles and Dr. Rob kick off the new year by laying out the health care fights already shaping 2026. From rising insurance costs and unfinished ACA business to reinstating an upside-down food pyramid (while removing guidelines around alcohol moderation), the hosts break down how political decisions continue to put patients and families at more and more risk.
They also examine Republican hypocrisy on drug pricing, more changes to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule, and the continued erosion of public and international trust in America’s health institutions.
As the stakes rise heading into a pivotal election year, Miles and Dr. Rob explain what listeners should be watching closely, and what it will take to protect care, health, and basic government accountability in the months ahead.
Background reading:
The Center Square: First negotiated Medicare drug prices go into effect Jan. 1
Reuters Drugmakers raise US prices on 350 medicines despite pressure from Trump
HEALTH CARE un-covered: The Other Health Care Cliff Americans Are About to Fall Off
The Guardian: Canadian officials say US health institutions no longer dependable for accurate information
CIDRAP: CMS to stop requiring states to report childhood vaccination levels
The New York Times: Kennedy Scales Back the Number of Vaccines Recommended for Children
Annenberg Public Policy Center: CDC Urges ‘Shared Decision-Making’ on Some Childhood Vaccines; Many Unclear About What That Means
STAT: Why Denmark’s vaccine schedule works for Denmark — but not for the United States
NPR: Should the U.S. model its vaccine policy on Denmark’s? Experts say we’re nothing alike
KFF Quick Takes: Do We Want to Outsource U.S. Vaccine Policy to Denmark?
AMA Pres. Bobby Mukkamala’s Facebook post with RFK Jr. is HERE
NPR Shots: RFK Jr.’s new food pyramid puts meat, cheese and vegetables at the top
The Washington Post: In reversal, U.S. loosens guidance on alcohol
JAMA Internal Medicine: The Political Polarization of Physicians in the United States
Kevin Bass tweet about the political leanings of doctors is HERE
HUFFPOST: Trump Admin Says It’s Cutting Welfare Funds To Blue States Over Alleged Minnesota Fraud
HUFFPOST: Katie Miller Drops Revelation About Youngest Kid’s Vaccinations
The Wall Street Journal: As Signs of Aging Emerge, Trump Responds With Defiance
Wikipedia: Age and health concerns about Donald Trump
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