The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary: "Trump TRIES TO DISTRACT as his GOONS act IN SILENCE"

Release Date: December 7, 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "Trump TRIES TO DISTRACT as his GOONS act IN SILENCE," the Meiselas brothers—Ben, Brett, and Jordy—delve deep into the current political landscape, focusing primarily on the healthcare industry's maneuvers amidst emerging political strategies and controversies. The discussion juxtaposes the actions of former President Donald Trump and his associates against the backdrop of significant policy shifts within the healthcare sector under the Biden administration.

1. Healthcare Industry's Subtle Moves Against Project 2025

The hosts begin by highlighting the healthcare industry's strategic efforts to implement Project 2025, a plan that has raised concerns about undermining the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Amidst widespread distractions—ranging from Trump's controversial cabinet picks to allegations of misconduct—the healthcare sector is making calculated moves that could have long-term implications for American democracy and healthcare access.

Ben Meiselas notes at [02:16]:
"While everybody's distracted and looking away at all of Donald Trump's cabinet picks and their child sex trafficking allegations and drunken behavior allegations... let's take a look at what some big pharma, big healthcare industries are doing."

2. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's Controversial Anesthesia Policy

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's recent unilateral decision to limit payment for anesthesia care beyond an arbitrary time limit during surgeries. This policy has sparked outrage among medical professionals and organizations.

Dr. Eric Feigel Dung explains at [02:16]:
"Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has unilaterally declared it will no longer pay for anesthesia care if the surgery or procedure goes beyond an arbitrary time limit, regardless of how long the surgical procedure takes."

The American Society of Anesthesiologists has publicly criticized this move, labeling it a "cynical money grab" aimed at increasing profits at the expense of patient care.

Ben further criticizes at [02:16]:
"It is a cynical money grab by Anthem and frankly, other healthcare providers."

3. Anthem/Elevance Health’s Financial Exploits

The podcast delves into the financial robustness of Anthem, now rebranded as Elevance Health, showcasing staggering profits and executive compensations that seem disconnected from patient care concerns.

At [02:16], the hosts discuss Anthem’s financials:
"Elements reported strong fourth quarter 2023 profits, $856 million, and strong fourth quarter revenue of $2.6 billion... Anthem's CEO earned nearly $21.9 million in total compensation... executive chairman making $16.4 million a year..."

This financial success contrasts sharply with the restrictive policies being imposed, raising questions about the prioritization of profits over patient welfare.

4. Biden Administration’s Commitment to Healthcare

In contrast to the healthcare industry's profit-driven maneuvers, the Biden administration's efforts to expand and protect healthcare access are highlighted as pivotal in maintaining and improving public health.

Ben references President Biden's continuous advocacy at [02:16]:
"On July 30, 2024... more Americans have health insurance than under any president in history... Kamala and I will always fight to protect and strengthen them."

Key initiatives discussed include expanding mental healthcare coverage, boosting Obamacare subsidies, and enhancing contraception coverage, all aimed at reducing uninsured rates and increasing healthcare accessibility.

Quote from Ben at [02:16]:
"Boosted Obamacare subsidies in the 2021 America Rescue Plan... pushed healthcare uninsurance rates to their lowest levels in U.S. history to 8.6%."

5. Trump's Distractions and Priorities

The brothers contrast Trump’s focus on personal controversies and social media antics with the substantive healthcare discussions under the Biden administration.

At [02:16], Ben criticizes Trump’s behavior:
"Donald Trump posting photos of him in Switzerland and saying, oh, Canada, that he wants the United States... What is he doing? Mocking Canada... that's his priority."

This behavior is portrayed as a distraction from more critical national issues, including the healthcare policies that directly impact Americans' lives.

6. Leadership Critique: RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz

The episode delves into the appointments within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), particularly focusing on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, criticizing their credentials and past actions.

Ben points out at [02:16]:
"Who does Donald Trump appoint to oversee? We know HHS is RFK Jr.... Look at what RFK Jr. did to Samoa... he told them not to take vaccines, leading to a massive measles outbreak."

Regarding Dr. Oz, the hosts highlight his controversial statements and policies proposed for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

At [12:35], Ben showcases Dr. Oz's remarks:
"Dr. Oz said... 'your local hospitals will fund [15-minute physicals]... give people an opportunity... they have the right to access a chance to get that health.'"

Furthermore, Dr. Oz's promotion of microchip implantation raises alarms about privacy and bodily autonomy.

At [13:26], Brett critiques Dr. Oz:
"Dr. Oz promoting implanting microchips into people... Elon Musk wants to put microchips into people's heads... Microchips. Let the government implant microchips."

7. Anthem's Policy Impact on Medical Professionals and Patients

The hosts emphasize the detrimental effects of Anthem's new anesthesia policy on both healthcare providers and patients, highlighting the potential for compromised patient care and financial strain on anesthesiologists.

At [09:15], Brett reiterates:
"Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield won't pay for the complete duration of anesthesia for patient surgical procedures... if an anesthesiologist submits a bill where the actual time of care is longer than Anthem's time limit, Anthem will deny payment."

This policy undermines the individualized care anesthesiologists provide, especially in complex or complication-prone surgeries.

8. Conclusion: Prioritizing Public Health Over Profit and Distractions

In wrapping up, the Meiselas brothers reaffirm their commitment to focusing on issues that directly impact listeners' lives, such as healthcare policies and their implications. They urge their audience, the "MeidasMighty," to stay informed and engaged, promoting education over distraction.

Jordy concludes at [14:47]:
"Handle this coverage now on these types of issues... make sure you stay up to date on the latest breaking news and all things Midas."

They also encourage active participation through subscribing, commenting, and joining their newsletter to foster a well-informed and proactive community.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Meiselas [02:16]:
  "While everybody's distracted and looking away at all of Donald Trump's cabinet picks and their child sex trafficking allegations and drunken behavior allegations... let's take a look at what some big pharma, big healthcare industries are doing."

• Dr. Eric Feigel Dung [02:16]:
  "Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has unilaterally declared it will no longer pay for anesthesia care if the surgery or procedure goes beyond an arbitrary time limit, regardless of how long the surgical procedure takes."

• Brett Meiselas [09:15]:
  "Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield won't pay for the complete duration of anesthesia for patient surgical procedures..."

• Dr. Oz [12:35]:
  "When you go home today, what should you do? I think you ought to think about 15 minute physicals... give them an opportunity because they don't have the right to health, but they have the right to access a chance to get that health."

• Brett Meiselas [13:26]:
  "Dr. Oz promoting implanting microchips into people... Let the government implant microchips."

Closing Remarks

The episode underscores the intricate interplay between healthcare policies, political distractions, and the overarching impact on American democracy and public health. The MeidasTouch Podcast continues to position itself as a critical voice, advocating for informed citizenship and the protection of essential services against profit-driven policies and political diversions.

For listeners seeking comprehensive analysis and unwavering support for democratic values, the MeidasTouch Podcast remains a go-to source, blending insightful discussions with engaging brotherly banter.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the segment timings within the provided transcript.