POLITICO's Pulse Check

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp

Episode Summary

"I think rural health care is on life support...[and] we need to redesign all of that." Sen. Heidi Heitkamp talks about delivering health care in North Dakota — and answers questions on Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation vote, Medicaid work requirements and what she's discussed with CMS Administrator Seema Verma.

Episode Notes

"I think rural health care is on life support...[and] we need to redesign all of that."

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp says that states like hers are facing multiple health care challenges: Too few hospitals and doctors, and too many mothers dying early. The North Dakota senator joined POLITICO's Dan Diamond to discuss rural health care, tribal health and other issues often overlooked in Washington, D.C.

Heitkamp — who narrowly won election in 2012 and is arguably Republicans' top target this fall — also explains why she supports some Medicaid work requirements and is against Medicare-for-all.

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MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

The Trump administration won't exempt Native Americans from Medicaid work requirements.

Heitkamp's campaign is airing ads on pre-existing conditions.

Brett Kavanaugh previously signaled that presidents could ignore laws that they think are unconstitutional.