Coronavirus and Health Policy Q&A

JAMA Health Forum editors John Ayanian, MD, MPP, and Melinda Buntin, PhD discuss changes in U.S. health care and health policy driven by the #coronavirus pandemic. Recorded on April 16, 2020.

Topics discussed in this interview:

0:00 Background info on Dr Ayanian and Dr Buntin
1:06 Infomation on the Congressional Budget Office where Dr Buntin was previously a Health Director
2:33 What are some of the health policies that have come out of the COVID-19 pandemic?
4:43 Have there be specific legislative policy changes that have impressed you?
5:32 Have there be specific changes in Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance as a result of COVID-19?
6:49 What have been the payment changes relating to telehealth and virtual doctor visits?
7:28 Have there been other financial changes to policies that have been striking to you?
9:16 What are some of the standout JAMA Health Forum pieces relating to COVID-19?
12:03 With state budget shortfalls expected as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, what is going to happen with Medicaid at the state level?
15:10 What are the long term ramifications of this pandemic?
17:18 Do you think telemedicine and telehealth will be incorporated into usual care?
18:09 What do you think will happen to hospitals and smaller practices after this crisis?
21:06 Joe Biden is talking about lowering the age of Medicare to 60 - is that a good idea?
23:12 How would Biden's plan work for people who are Medicare eligible but continue to use private insurance plans?
24:37 Does Medicare Advantage and the role of private insurance in Medicare make it an easier discussion to have in the United States than Medicare for All?
26:15 Will lowering the age of Medicare and expanding Medicare eligibility increase coverage of the uninsured?

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[rholuxe]

Expanding Medicare has a potential consequence not normally discussed. Some medical specialties, example Radiology, is reimbursed poorly under the Medicare system whether traditional or advantage. This reimbursement may drive additional physicians out of private practice and even into early retirement further pressuring the physician shortage. The private insurance sector (non-Medicare) balances that low reimbursement.

[jenniewilliamsmural]

Thanks for this great video- what a vital, encompassing platform you've been developing in this dynamic time. Your contributions / analysis will certainly be felt politically as we move toward elections.
I'm a triage nurse in ambulatory care - I've been watching your interviews since COVID-19 has been in the US.
I've gained perspective from watching and look forward to enjoying more of your work!

[cashcarstar]

Listening to people above 55 or so talk about health care is funny to me because public versus private always seems like such a big deal to them. I had friends out of high school and college who would worry about losing Medicaid eligibility and needing to navigate the exchanges to buy private health plans. I on'y bought health insurance through the exchanges twice between jobs. It was expensive, but it worked okay, so I can't speak to their direct experience. It's just something I heard from people, and I find the difference in perceptions fascinating.

[gabrieldomocos]

Love how doctors are talking like healthcare wont be nationalized in the USA. Good luck dealing with the cognitive dissonance guys!