STAT+: Democrats’ midterm landslide spells relief for hospitals

Prices and consolidation are likely to get a pass, while Democrats push to expand coverage Brandon Bell/Getty Images Nov. 6, 2026 Bob Herman is the author of Health Care Inc., an award-winning weekly newsletter about the business of health and medicine. Bob covers the money in health care, focusing on health insurance and hospitals. His stories delve into Medicare Advantage, opaque prescription drug benefits, and how much executives actually make. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09. The political environment is about to get friendlier for hospitals. With Democrats gaining control of the House and Senate, hospitals will not have to worry about Republican-led efforts to cut Medicaid payments further. In fact, Democrats have explicit goals to prioritize measures that are financially beneficial to the hospital industry. Within the first 100 hours of the next Congress, which starts in January, Democrats want to advance policies that would reverse Medicaid cuts outlined in President Trump’s tax law and “permanently restore” the enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans that expired earlier this year, according to a memo from party leaders. Democrats even plan to block a niche drug discount model, despised by hospitals, that the Trump administration proposed. 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 View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Business of Health Care Reporter Bob covers the money in health care, focusing on health insurance and hospitals. His stories delve into Medicare Advantage, opaque prescription drug benefits, and how much executives actually make. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09.