Instead of justifying murder, Democrats could do this to make health care better

After some sentences there should never, ever be a “but.” Far too often, however, the word appears, and what follows it is inevitably a justification of horrible things.

The worst example of this in 2024 came only recently, when liberals online and even some Democratic elected officials said they were “opposed to political violence, but ... ” when it comes to the assassination of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson by someone who appears to be a progressive anti-cap...

Government-run health care systems also deny or delay treatment 

Many critics of the U.S. health care system claim the tragic murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is understandable because health insurance companies occasionally refuse to cover certain medical treatments. And they often assert that if the country were to embrace a U.K. or Canadian-style government-run health care system, no one would be denied care. Those critics are either misinformed or intentionally trying to deceive the public, because government-run health care systems ...

The Conrad Rule is the answer to our budget reconciliation woes 

With the return of unified government in Washington, the Republican majorities in the House and Senate are getting ready to use one of the most powerful tools in the budgetary toolbox: budget reconciliation.  

In doing so, the new majority will undoubtedly try to pack as many of its policy priorities as possible into this filibuster-proof legislative vehicle, thereby requiring only a bare majority in the Senate. But what they certainly shouldn’t do is use the reconciliation...

How much impact could RFK Jr have as the head of HHS? 

Whether or not the U.S. Senate confirms Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the secretary of Health and Human Services, his nomination and that of others suggests the federal government's role in health policy might change dramatically in the second Trump administration. Members of Congress — and many others — are now asking an important question: What impact might changes at Health and Human Services have on the health of the nation? 

Between us, we have worked in federal, state and loc...

Tax lobbyists worry border bill could derail reform efforts

Tax lobbyists are worried Congress could endanger highly anticipated tax reform if it uses the first reconciliation bill to shore up immigration and border security funding.

Tax cuts enacted in 2017 by President-elect Trump’s signature bill are set to expire at the end of next year. Lobbyists already believe it will likely take longer to pass tax reform than the GOP originally hoped, and it could take even longer if Republicans opt to hold the tax package for a second reconcil...

Fewer than half of Latinos in the U.S. have adequate health insurance coverage

Latinos in the United States are less likely to have adequate health insurance than Americans overall, according to a new survey from health research nonprofit The Commonwealth Fund.  

The nonprofit found that 46 percent of Latinos in the U.S. of working age have health insurance for the whole year and are not underinsured, according to the survey published Tuesday. 

Another 21 percent of working-age Latinos have insurance for the whole year but are underin...

Trump 2.0: How many days before he loses momentum?

The Wall Street Journal recently featured a line from the “Karate Kid” movie to describe President-elect Trump’s agenda for his first 100 days in the White House: “Strike Hard, Strike First, No Mercy.”

That means on day one, Trump wants GOP majorities in the House and Senate voting to lower taxes, cut spending, increase border security and end subsidies to promote clean energy.

But as boxer Mike Tyson once put it, “Everybody has a plan until t...

Will anger at health insurers spur action? Democrats pessimistic

Democrats are pessimistic that Congress will enact new rules around the health insurance industry, even as they try to appear responsive to growing calls for reform following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.  

Luigi Mangione faces murder charges for the killing of Thompson on December 4. His death unleashed a torrent of anger on social media against the U.S. health system, and insurance companies specifically.  

It also opened an ...