Comment Text:
I am a public health researcher specializing in epidemiology. I understand the critical role of data in guiding evidence-based policy decisions. Kalshi's potential election contracts offer a promising tool for forecasting public health impacts of legislative changes, funding shifts, and regulatory reforms. These contracts could provide early warnings about potential disruptions in healthcare services and funding, allowing healthcare professionals to proactively mitigate risks and protect public well-being.
The CFTC's proposal to ban these contracts represents a significant oversight of their potential benefits in improving health system resilience and responsiveness. Extending the comment period would enable public health experts to present empirical evidence and case studies demonstrating how these markets contribute to more effective pandemic preparedness, resource allocation, and healthcare planning.