VP candidates may be quizzed on Medicaid expansion at debate

The second round of presidential debates and the single debate for the candidates' running mates will have different formats than the first fiery head-to-head between Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump.

The Oct. 9 debate will be in a town hall setting with an audience of uncommitted voters asking questions directly to the candidates.

Potential health topics that have not been touched on yet include prescription drug prices, the stability of the Affordable Care Act exchange marketplaces and the future of the ACA in general. Trump has vowed to repeal the law but has not said what he would put in its place. Clinton is campaigning on the successes of the law and her plans to improve it.

The vice presidential debate Tuesday will be divided into nine segments of about 10 minutes each. Trump's running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, could be asked about his decision to expand Medicaid under the ACA in his state. His plan, which includes health savings accounts, premium contributions and lockouts for not paying premiums, has become a model for conservatives, but analysis has shown mixed results on its success. Pence's rival, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, has backed unsuccessful efforts to expand Medicaid in his state. He has offered full-throated support for the ACA since he was governor of Virginia and in Congress has sponsored legislation to improve it and fix glitches.

The third presidential debate is Oct. 19. All events are 90 minutes long and don't include commercials.