STAT+: Democrats go hard on health care affordability

STAT PlusNewsletterD.C. Diagnosis Democrats go hard on health care affordability You’re reading STAT’s D.C. Diagnosis newsletter Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By John WilkersonApril 30, 2026 Washington Correspondent John Wilkerson[email protected]John Wilkerson is a Washington correspondent for STAT who writes about the politics of health care. He is also the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You’re reading the web edition of D.C. Diagnosis, STAT’s twice-weekly newsletter about the politics and policy of health and medicine. Sign up here to receive it in your inbox on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In the health secretary’s latest podcast, Mike Tyson and RFK Jr. compared their diets in the clink, and Iron Mike blamed prison violence on ultra-processed food. Share news tips and prison experiences at [email protected] or John_Wilkerson.07 on Signal.Advertisement Lower health care costs for everything, everywhere Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) outlined health care policy principles that call for lowering costs for everything, everywhere. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Congress, Health insurance, hospitals, Medicaid, Policy, public health, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints John Wilkerson Washington Correspondent John Wilkerson is a Washington correspondent for STAT who writes about the politics of health care. He is also the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended D.C. Diagnosis April 23, 2026 STAT Plus: RFK Jr. backs off some MAHA issues D.C. Diagnosis April 21, 2026 STAT Plus: RFK Jr. to face four GOP doctors at Senate hearings Advertisement D.C. Diagnosis April 16, 2026 STAT Plus: RFK Jr. begins his testimony marathon D.C. Diagnosis April 14, 2026 STAT Plus: Congress returns to a packed health care agenda D.C. Diagnosis April 9, 2026 STAT Plus: A new health care blueprint from a key Democratic think tank Subscriber Picks