Trump TRIES TO DISTRACT as his GOONS act IN SILENCE

Summary

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

Release Date: December 7, 2024

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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%."

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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

Transcript

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[Host 2]

You that you're not getting anywhere else. So I want to share with you right now some of the things that the healthcare industry is doing to subtly and almost secretly try to implement Project 2025. 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 and rape of unconscious women accusations and cuddling up to Vladimir Putin accusations. I can't believe I even got to say that. Let's take a look at what some big pharma, big healthcare industries rather what they are doing. My friend Eric Feigel Dung Dr. Eric says the following holy in an unprecedented move, 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. In a very strongly worded letter from the American Society of Anesthesiologists, they call this out, that this is just the latest in a long line of appalling behavior by commercial health insurers looking to drive their profits up at the expense of patients and physicians providing essential care. It is a cynical money grab by Anthem and frankly, other health care providers. And as I take a look at the money being made by Anthem, its parent company is now called Elevance Health. That used to be Anthem. Strong fourth quarter revenue. Elements reported strong fourth quarter 2023 profits, $856 million and strong fourth quarter revenue of $2.6 billion in revenue. You take a look even at 2022, Anthem doubled its profits to 1.1 billion then, and it continues to grow. Anthem's CEO, the CEO of Elements Health earned nearly $21.9 million in total compensation, which comes out to about, I don't know, 60, $70,000 a day or such. You have also an executive chairman making $16.4 million a year, a chief administrative officer making about 4.2 million a year, and executive VP level positions making $4.5 million a year. And as you look at the revenue being made by all these large health care companies, 200 billion, 133 billion, 126 billion. They're talking about huge amounts of money. And meanwhile, they are. They now feel emboldened because of the Project 2025 section on taking away the Affordable Care act. And with Biden no longer going to be in office because let's remember what Biden would do all the time. Almost every day Biden would post about healthcare, right? I mean, not a day went by that he really didn't. He would say on the this is from pick any day. July 30, 2024, on the anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, more Americans have health insurance than under any president in history. It matters. Despite Republican attempts in Congress to put these programs on the chopping block, Kamala and I will always fight to protect and strengthen them. Here he is, September 9, 2024. Mental health care is health care. And today's new rules ensure mental health care will be covered at the same level as other healthcare improving access for 175 million Americans with private health insurance. And there's a lot more he talks about today. My administration took major steps to expand contraception coverage. And by the way, as Armand Domalewski explains, this was back from January in 2024. Nobody talks about this, but the boosted Obamacare subsidies in the 2021America Rescue Plan signed by President Joe Biden pushed healthcare uninsurance rates to their lowest levels in U.S. history to 8.6%. And the point folks, is that this isn't just some accident. This is actual policy in action. So you can have President Biden saying things like this. I'll Never forget at 14 years old, my mother telling me that my dad's company was no longer going to pay his health insurance. The Affordable Care act is for families that know that feeling the fear and uncertainty, I'll always fight like hell to protect it. That was Biden's priorities, right? That probably matters more to you than this Donald Trump posting yesterday a photo, an AI photo of him and Elvis. That's what Donald Trump's out clownish behavior. Donald Trump posting photos of him in Switzerland and saying, oh, Canada, to mock Canada, that he wants the United States. What, to go to war or to annex Canada? That's what Donald Trump is doing. You see the difference in priorities there?

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Safe like simplisafe may I? Just for a second. Just so you can educate people on these topics this is what the American Society of Anesthesiologists put out Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield won't pay for the complete duration of anesthesia for patient surgical procedures in an unprecedented moon, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans representing Connecticut, New York and Missouri have 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 calls on Anthem to reverse this proposal immediately. Anesthesiologists provide individualized care to every patient, carefully assessing the patient's health prior to the surgery, looking at existing diseases and medical conditions to determine the resources and medical expertise needed attending to the patient during the entire procedure, resolving unexpected complications that may arise and or extend the duration of the surgery and work working to ensure that the patient is comfortable during recovery. Payments for anesthesia services is based on several factors, including the exact amount of time for anesthesiologists to deliver care preoperatively during the operation and when transitioning the patient to recovery unit afterwards. With this new policy, Anthem will arbitrarily predetermine the time allowed for anesthesia care during a surgery or procedure. If an anesthesiologist submits a bill where the actual time of care is longer than Anthem's time limit, Anthem will deny payment for the anesthesiologist's care. With this new policy, Anthem will not pay anesthesiologists for delivering safe and effective anesthesia care to patients who may need extra attention because their surgery is difficult, unusual, or because a complication arises. And as I mentioned before, Dr. Donald Arnold says this is just the latest in a long line of appalling behavior by commercial health insurers looking to drive their profits up at the expense of patients and physicians providing essential care. So who does Donald Trump appoint to oversee? We know HHS is RFK Jr. By the way. I did a whole report on this. But go and look at what RFK Jr did to Samoa. Look at the 2019 Samoa measles outbreak and how the neighboring islands didn't have measles outbreak but where they used RFK to tell them not to take vaccines. In Samoa, they had a massive measles outbreak there which disproportionately affects children. That's the legacy of RFK in Samoa. And of course, we know all of his conspiracies about vaccines. We'll hear about those during his confirmation hearing. But it has real world impact where he screwed Samoa. Now, who did Donald Trump appoint to lead Medicare and Medicaid Services? A TV doctor, Dr. Oz. Now let me show you what Dr. Oz has had to say. Now, Dr. Oz, let me show you.

[Host 1]

This clip right here.

[Host 2]

Dr. Oz said you rather than comprehensive health care, what Dr. Oz says we need people to go to festival like health screenings because they don't have the right to health. What is he saying? Here, play this clip.

[Guest/Expert]

Now, when you go home today, what should you do? I think you ought to think about 15 minute physicals. Your local hospitals will fund these. They're incredibly inexpensive to run. You can screen thousands of people for almost nothing and you allow a conversation to take place in more of a festival like setting. It's not scary. And I mentioned earlier that almost everybody who comes to our 50 minute physicals has a job, but a lot don't have insurance. Give them a way of crawling back out of the abyss of darkness of fear over not having the health they need and 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.

[Host 2]

Or this one right here, you have Dr. Oz promoting implanting microchips into people. I mean, this was from his show back in the day. We're talking about what Elon Musk wants to put microchips into people's heads. You know, it's so fascinating to me that Magaz were How dare you make me wear a mask. How dare you. Microchips. Plant a micro. Let the government implant microchips. Seriously, here's Dr. Oz saying it. Just show the first 15 seconds or so. Play the clip.

[Guest/Expert]

The latest breakthroughs. Turns out one of the biggest discoveries is actually this tiny. See how small that is. This little chip may be the next big thing. And it sounds like it's right from a sci fi movie. But people all over the world are implanting these into their wrists.

[Host 2]

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Handling this coverage now on these types of issues.

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