DC EKG with Joe GroganThe Economics of Ozempic and Other Weight Loss DrugsEpisode 136.5 (“Prescription Refill” – A replay from the archives)Original Air Date: May 2024In this episode, Joe Grogan welcomes Ben Ippolito, Senior Fellow in Economic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, to discuss the rapidly evolving economics of GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.Ben explains the two main competitors in this market—Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy versus Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound. Revealing how insurance coverage decisions drive pharmaceutical marketing strategy.The conversation reveals a critical irrationality in Medicare policy: the statutory prohibition on covering weight loss drugs despite their profound clinical and quality-of-life benefits. Yet these same drugs are covered for diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction.Ben explores the surprising economics of drug pricing through gross-to-net pricing—the massive gap between list prices and what insurers actually pay through rebates and discounts.The episode examines critical implications of the Inflation Reduction Act's price negotiation provisions. Once Medicare negotiates Ozempic's price, that same price applies to all products using the same active ingredient. This creates cascading market effects: competitors must match those prices to remain on formularies, new entrants face lower pricing power even if clinically superior, and pharmaceutical companies may abandon promising programs due to regulatory uncertainty.Ben argues Congress doesn't need to act immediately to expand Medicare coverage, but likely will within a few years.Joe and Ben discuss unintended consequences of government price regulation, including effects on innovation and drug development pipelines. They explore how price controls announced before elections affect pharmaceutical strategy and development timelines.Concluding with Ben's research on Medicare Advantage and why both Democrats and Republicans scrutinize this private alternative to traditional Medicare. With over 50 percent of seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, bipartisan interest in reform is reshaping healthcare policy conversations on Capitol Hill.Key TopicsGLP-1 drugs, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, weight loss medications, obesity treatment, Medicare coverage, drug pricing, Inflation Reduction Act, pharmaceutical competition, rebates, gross-to-net pricing, health economics, cardiovascular benefits, diabetes treatment, Medicare Advantage, healthcare policy, innovation incentivesKey Timestamps00:00 Cold Open: "Turned Up to 11"00:24 Welcome to DC EKG00:46 Meet Ben Ippolito (AEI)03:48 The GLP-1 Landscape: Ozempic, Wegovy, and the Field05:04 One Drug, Two Names06:45 Medicare's Weight-Loss Coverage Ban07:21 Blockbusters and Big Effect Sizes09:32 Why Isn't Congress Acting?10:17 Why It Costs Less Than You Think12:34 The Coverage Irrationality14:05 Quality of Life as a Real Benefit15:17 Beyond Weight: Cravings and Addiction18:21 Devil's Advocate: Why Cover It At All?19:48 Gross-to-Net and the Rebate Problem22:41 Why Can't You Just Pay Cash?25:43 The IRA and the Ozempic Price Cut27:32 One Ingredient, One Price30:10 Unintended Consequences in Part D34:01 New Competitors and Killed Programs38:03 What's Next: Medicare Advantage42:04 Wrap-Up and CreditsAbout the Guest(As of May 2024) Ben Ippolito is a Senior Fellow in Economic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute. He holds a PhD and Master's degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Economics from Emory University. Ben examines drug pricing policy, Medicare Advantage, and healthcare innovation economics with regular engagement with Congress.Podcast: DC EKG with Joe GroganGuest: Ben IppolitoSponsor: Survivors for SolutionsProducer: Stay on Course StudiosExecutive Producer: John CZ Czwartacki, DC EKG Podcast

In Episode 136 of DC EKG, Joe Grogan hosts Tom Barker, a top drug-pricing attorney at Foley Hoag and former acting general counsel of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Bush administration. Tom helped implement Medicare Part D and now advises drugmakers and policymakers on complex pricing issues. The episode traces 20 years of policy: what went right with Part D, what the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) did, and what effective policy should look like.Tom explains that Part D's success rested on three pillars: private plans only, limited government control over benefit design, and a non-interference clause barring the government from intervening in negotiations among plans, pharmacies, and manufacturers. Competition worked and premiums stayed low, until the government asserted more control and weakened those pillars. The IRA, he argues, was a 16-year Democratic effort to repeal non-interference, creating price controls disguised as negotiations.The Trump administration has taken a different tack, focusing not on the IRA but on MFN and Globe Guard models pegged to other developed countries. Tom also breaks down the 340B program, now the country's second-largest expenditure program, and the fight between manufacturers and covered entities over contract pharmacies.His prescription is simple: let competition work. Speed FDA approval of generics and biosimilars, and trust the marketplace over price controls. He points to hepatitis C, where prices fell sharply once competition entered.In This ConversationThe three pillars that made Part D successful for 20 yearsHow non-interference kept government from setting drug pricesThe IRA as a 16-year Democratic push to repeal non-interferenceWhy Tom calls the IRA price controls disguised as negotiationsThe Trump administration's focus on MFN and Globe Guard pricing340B and the battle between manufacturers and covered entitiesThe Chevron repeal's impact on drug pricing lawHRSA's proposed rebate model and ongoing 340B litigationWhy effective policy means competition, not controlsTom's work helping North Korean defectors and refugeesKey Timestamps1:51 Tom's background at HHS and CMS2:30 The three pillars of Part D's success5:10 Why Democrats wanted to repeal non-interference5:55 Ted Kennedy's compromise and bipartisan votes11:38 The IRA as a 16-year repeal attempt12:03 What the IRA changed in Part D15:02 IRA negotiations vs. real negotiations16:25 How the excise tax makes it no real negotiation21:32 Trump's focus on MFN and Globe Guard25:37 340B's history back to 199128:45 340B as the second-biggest expenditure program29:30 Manufacturer vs. covered-entity acrimony33:18 The Chevron repeal's impact on pricing34:54 HRSA's rebate model, the next step on 340B35:40 The lawsuit over "patient" in 340B38:18 Tom's advice: let competition work39:30 Hepatitis C: competition drives prices down40:34 Competition for gene therapies and CRISPR41:36 Tom's work for North Korean defectors44:49 Sponsoring Free North Korea RadioMedicare Part D, drug pricing policy, Inflation Reduction Act, non-interference clause, 340B program, MFN pricing, Globe Guard pricing, pharmacy benefit managers, covered entities, contract pharmacies, biosimilars, generics, federal drug pricing, government price controls, Tom BarkerAbout the GuestTom Barker is a partner at Foley Hoag in Washington, DC, and one of the country's top drug pricing attorneys. He served as acting general counsel of HHS and chief legal officer at CMS under the Bush administration, where he helped implement Part D from its inception. He is now a go-to expert on drug pricing, and helps North Korean defectors navigate US immigration law.Podcast: DC EKG with Joe Grogan Episode: 136 Guest: Tom Barker Sponsor: Survivors for Solutions - https://survivorsforsolutions.org Executive Producer: John "CZ" Czwartacki, DC EKG Podcast Producer: Stay on Course Studios - https://www.stayoncourse.studio

undefined

In Episode 134 of DC EKG, former CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield joins Joe Grogan to discuss his new book, Redfield's Warning, and break down three major threats to public health: Long COVID, Hantavirus, and bird flu. Dr. Redfield explains the persistent viral reservoirs in long COVID patients, the cognitive dysfunction and autonomic dysfunction that devastate these individuals, and why the federal government must partner with the private sector to develop meaningful treatments. He also walks through the current Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, the human-to-human transmission of the Andes virus strain, and why bird flu is the most likely candidate for the next pandemic. Throughout, Dr. Redfield emphasizes the critical importance of antiviral development and the dangers of gain-of-function research.In This ConversationThe current Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship and human-to-human transmissionThe Andes virus strain and why it differs from Sin Nombre and Four Corners DiseaseTwo transmission routes: aerosolization and direct contaminationAsymptomatic transmission and the intrinsic bias in testingWhy has the US government not developed Hantavirus countermeasures in 70 yearsBird flu is the most likely candidate for the next pandemic.Gain-of-function research and the public disclosure of dangerous genetic dataLong COVID: viral reservoirs and the need for effective antiviral treatmentsWhy antivirals should be the priority over vaccines for emerging virusesOperation Warp Speed and the importance of private sector partnershipsThe dismissal of long COVID patients as psychosomatic and the need for validationKey Timestamps1:49  Details of the Hantavirus outbreak and cruise ship cases3:00  Two methods of transmission: aerosolization and direct contamination5:24  Asymptomatic transmission and testing bias10:35  The Hantavirus family and why the Andes virus goes from human to human12:35  How nervous should the public be16:43  Shifting to bird flu and Redfield's Warning19:00  Bird flu spread in US poultry and mammal populations22:00  The four amino acids for bird flu to infect humans23:30  The debate with Fauci over gain-of-function research27:55  Unregulated gain-of-function research worldwide33:35  Why antivirals should be the priority37:55  Long COVID viral reservoirs and treatment gaps42:37  The economic burden and need for solutions43:57  The story of Joy and psychiatric misdiagnosis of long COVID48:12  The solvability of long COVID and the importance of investingHantavirus, Hantavirus transmission, Andes virus, Sin Nombre virus, Four Corners Disease, cruise ship outbreak, bird flu, avian influenza, gain of function research, Dr. Robert Redfield, CDC Director, antivirals, vaccines, long COVID, pandemic preparedness, infectious disease, virology, Redfield's WarningAbout the GuestDr. Robert Redfield is the former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A trained virologist with decades of experience in infectious disease, he has been a leading voice on public health policy, pandemic preparedness, and biosecurity. He is the author of Redfield's Warning: What I Learned as CDC Director and What We Must Do to Be Prepared for the Next Pandemic, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Redfields-Warning-Learned-Couldnt-Might/dp/1510785051Podcast: DC EKG with Joe GroganEpisode: 134Guest: Dr. Robert Redfield, former CDC DirectorSponsor: Survivors for Solutions – https://survivorsforsolutions.orgExecutive Producer: John "CZ" Czwartacki, DC EKG PodcastProducer: Stay on Course Studios – https://www.stayoncourse.studio

In Episode 133 of DC EKG, Joe Grogan welcomes back Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau for Part 2 of their conversation, this time turning to the European Union. Christiaan walks Joe through the post-World War II origins of the EU as a peace initiative built around the Schuman Plan, the pooling of coal and steel between France and Germany, and the visionary leadership of Robert Schuman and Konrad Adenauer. He explains why understanding the EU's founding purpose is essential to understanding what has gone wrong since. Joe and Christiaan unpack the principle of subsidiarity, the rise of EU bureaucracy and over-regulation, the ideological capture of Brussels institutions, and the long detour into cultural battles that were never the EU's job to fight. They discuss Germany's strategic mistake of abandoning nuclear energy, the widening economic gap between the US and Europe, and why Friedrich Merz himself has called the EU the world champion of over-regulation. The second half of the episode looks at the US-EU relationship under President Trump's second term, including the Digital Services Act and free speech, decades of European free-riding on American defense, and the rise of bilateral engagement between Washington and individual European capitals. The conversation closes with a sharp discussion of the leadership vacuum across the West and Europe's growing economic dependence on China. In This Conversation How the European Union began as a Franco-German peace project Why the Schuman Plan and the pooling of coal and steel still shape Europe today The principle of subsidiarity and how Brussels has overstepped it Why Germany's abandonment of nuclear energy was a strategic disaster How EU institutions have been captured by ideology The Digital Services Act and the threat to free speech in Europe Why the US-EU relationship is under serious strain Whether Washington should deal with Brussels or with national capitals Europe's leadership vacuum and growing dependence on China Timestamps 0:00  Why Brussels has become the global champion of over-regulation 1:10  Joe welcomes back Christiaan for Part 2 1:32  Christiaan reintroduces himself and his background 3:00  Why the EU is misunderstood on both sides of the Atlantic 4:15  The historical origins of the EU and the Franco-German conflict 6:00  The Schuman Plan and the pooling of coal and steel 11:30  Truman, the Marshall Plan, and Dean Acheson 12:37  What went wrong with the EU 14:50  Bureaucracy, nuclear energy, and the German mistake 19:35  The principle of subsidiarity and why it matters 23:24  Cultural overreach by Brussels 26:44  Friedrich Merz on EU over-regulation 27:28  The widening US-EU economic gap 32:03  Free speech, the Digital Services Act, and Trump 38:33  European free-riding on American defense 44:07  Should Washington bypass Brussels 48:30  The rise of bilateral engagement 51:23  The leadership vacuum across the West 58:30  Europe's economic dependence on China 1:01:12  Wrap-up European Union, EU history, Schuman Plan, Franco-German conflict, subsidiarity, EU bureaucracy, EU overregulation, German nuclear energy, Digital Services Act, free speech Europe, US-EU relations, Trump and the EU, NATO defense spending, Europe-China dependence, transatlantic relationship, Christiaan Alting von Geusau, DC EKG About Our Guest Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau is a lawyer, professor, advisor, and host of the podcast The Educated Leader. Born in the United States and raised in the Netherlands, he studied law at Leiden University and Heidelberg University. He earned his doctorate in philosophy of law at the University of Vienna. He leads the International Catholic Legislators Network, serves as the principal of Ambrose Advice, and is the Rector emeritus and Professor of Philosophy of Law and Education at ITI Catholic University in Austria. Podcast: DC EKG with Joe Grogan Episode: 133 Guest: Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau Sponsor: Survivors for Solutions –  https://survivorsforsolutions.org Executive Producer: John “CZ” Czwartacki, DC EKG Podcast Producer: Stay on Course Studios –  https://www.stayoncourse.studio

In Episode 132 of DC EKG, Joe Grogan sits down with Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau for a timely discussion on Hungary’s election, Viktor Orbán’s loss, and what comes next under Peter Magyar. Christiaan explains why the size of the election wipeout surprised even seasoned observers, why the mainstream narrative about democracy in Hungary misses key facts, and why the new Hungarian parliament remains entirely on the right side of the political spectrum.  Joe and Christiaan break down the structure of Hungary’s political system, the collapse of Orbán’s long-running coalition, the rise of Peter Magyar out of a political scandal, and the challenge of governing with a brand new party full of political newcomers. They also discuss whether Western media is misreading the result as a rejection of conservatism and why the more important question may be whether the new government has the experience to govern effectively.  The second half of the episode turns to Hungary’s position on Russia and Ukraine, the country’s cultural conservatism, the future of its relationship with the European Union, and the dangers of revenge politics after a major political transition. This is a wide-ranging conversation on democracy, power, media narratives, and the future of Hungary in Europe.  In This Conversation What happened in Hungary and why Orbán lost so badly Who Peter Magyar is and why his rise shocked the political class Why Hungary’s new parliament is still entirely right of center What the election means for democracy and conservatism Hungary’s position on Russia Ukraine and the European Union Why the competence of the new government may matter more than ideology The risks of revenge politics after a major political transition Timestamps0:00 Is Hungary’s election really a repudiation of conservatism0:55 Joe welcomes Christiaan Alting von Geusau1:14 Christiaan’s background and his dual US Dutch perspective4:00 Why Hungary matters and what makes its politics unique5:30 What happened in Hungary and why the wipeout was so large10:06 How Hungary’s electoral system magnified the result11:48 What happened to Fidesz and the Christian Democrats12:37 Why the new parliament is still entirely right of center16:00 The scandal that changed Hungarian politics18:20 Peter Magyar’s rise and political comeback20:00 Who Peter Magyar is and what he believes22:50 What changes Peter Magyar is likely to make24:00 The risks of governing with political newcomers28:50 What this means for Russia Ukraine and the EU34:33 Will Hungary remain culturally conservative36:34 Are Western media misreading the result41:06 Has Christiaan’s view changed since election night43:24 The economic challenges facing the new government44:04 Why revenge politics can damage a country48:03 Outro Hungary election, Viktor Orban, Peter Magyar, Christiaan Alting von Geusau, Fidesz, Christian Democrats, Hungary politics, European Union, Russia Ukraine war, democracy, conservatism, revenge politics, cultural conservatism, political transition, DC EKG About Our GuestDr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau is a lawyer, professor, advisor, and host of the podcast The Educated Leader. Born in the United States and raised in The Netherlands, he studied law at Leiden University and Heidelberg University and earned his doctorate in philosophy of law at the University of Vienna. He leads the International Catholic Legislators Network, serves as principal of Ambrose Advice, and is Rector emeritus and Professor for Philosophy of Law and Education at ITI Catholic University in Austria. Podcast: DC EKG with Joe GroganEpisode: 132Guest: Dr. Christiaan Alting von GeusauSponsor: Survivors for Solutions – https://survivorsforsolutions.orgExecutive Producer: John “CZ” Czwartacki, DC EKG PodcastProducer: Stay on Course Studios – https://www.stayoncourse.studio

In Episode 131 of DC EKG, Joe Grogan sits down with Dr. John Goodman to discuss what both parties continue to get wrong about healthcare, why patient incentives still matter, and how market-based reforms could lower costs and improve access. Drawing on decades of work in health economics and policy, Dr. Goodman explains how special interests helped shape Obamacare, why supply-side constraints still distort care, and why patients are too often left out of the policymaking process.  The conversation then turns to Health Savings Accounts, Medicaid reform, emergency room overuse, and why policymakers remain so resistant to giving patients more control over healthcare dollars. Dr. Goodman also outlines his view that self-directed care and consumer choice can improve value and expand access, especially for vulnerable populations.  In the second half, Joe and Dr. Goodman dive into reference pricing as a major reform idea. Using real-world examples, they discuss how clearer prices and patient-driven decision-making could create more meaningful competition across healthcare markets. The episode closes with a broader conversation on bipartisan reform, the tax code, and why durable change remains so hard to achieve in Washington.  In This Conversation What both parties keep getting wrong about healthcare How special interests shaped Obamacare and why patients were left out Why HSAs remain controversial and what they change about incentives Medicaid reform, emergency room use, and patient access How self-directed care can improve outcomes and satisfaction What reference pricing is and why it could create real competition Why bipartisan healthcare reform keeps breaking down in Washington Timestamps0:00 How special interests shaped Obamacare0:46 Joe welcomes Dr. John Goodman1:09 Dr. Goodman’s background and the origins of HSAs5:22 What both parties get wrong about healthcare7:36 Why physician supply stays restricted9:26 Spending more without getting healthier14:16 What Washington should actually be debating15:52 Insurance that meets patients’ needs20:06 HSAs and consumer-directed care22:29 Why Medicaid patients rely more on emergency rooms24:50 Medicaid reform and letting patients pay the difference28:07 Self-directed care and “Cash and Counseling.”29:35 Reference pricing explained32:14 How reference pricing could reshape insurance markets36:06 Why Dr. Goodman is optimistic40:36 The tax code and healthcare policy44:22 Where to find Dr. Goodman’s work45:42 Outro Obamacare, health savings accounts, HSA, John Goodman, Joe Grogan, healthcare reform, healthcare policy, Medicaid reform, emergency room visits, patient incentives, consumer-directed care, reference pricing, tax policy, bipartisan reform, healthcare economics About Our GuestJohn C. Goodman is President of the Goodman Institute for Public Policy Research and is widely known for his work in health economics, Health Savings Accounts, and consumer-directed healthcare reform.  Podcast: DC EKG with Joe GroganEpisode: 131Guest: John C. GoodmanSponsor: Survivors for Solutions – https://survivorsforsolutions.orgExecutive Producer: John “CZ” Czwartacki, DC EKG PodcastProducer: Stay on Course Studios – https://www.stayoncourse.studio

In Episode 130 of DC EKG, Joe Grogan sits down with Ryan Long to unpack two policy stories that are driving real-world drug costs and healthcare spending: the 340B program and the fallout from Medicare Part D changes under the Inflation Reduction Act.  Ryan explains why the current 340B structure can incentivize higher costs, hospital consolidation, and contract pharmacy expansion, while often directing the biggest windfalls toward larger, wealthier systems rather than truly resource-constrained hospitals. They cover contract pharmacies, exposure to diversion and fraud, Medicare Part B reimbursement dynamics, and why reforms need to address the incentives baked into the program.  They then turn to Medicare Part D, the shift from copays to coinsurance, premium pressure, the accelerated move into “catastrophic” coverage, and what happens when Washington promises savings that do not materialize. The episode closes with a broader look at fraud, program integrity, and why durable reform requires Congress to act.  In This Conversation Why does 340B incentivize higher costs and hospital consolidation  Contract pharmacies, diversion risk, and fraud exposure  Who really benefits from 340B and why rural hospitals can lose out  Medicare Part D premium pressure and the IRA tradeoffs  Copays vs coinsurance and what seniors experience at the pharmacy counter  Fraud, program integrity, and why limited resources should go to patients who need them  Timestamps0:00 Why the 340B structure drives higher costs and consolidation0:37 Ryan Long joins Joe1:13 What has changed in 340B, and why it is getting attention6:57 Payer mix, spreads, and why wealthier systems benefit more11:06 How 340B expanded post-2010 and contract pharmacies16:56 Why contract pharmacy reform alone does not fix the incentives22:11 Medicare Part D and what the IRA changed24:23 Explaining the donut hole28:54 Premium increases, catastrophic coverage, and cost shifting32:26 Copays to coinsurance and unexpected out-of-pocket changes40:37 Fraud exposure and program integrity52:09 Where to find Ryan’s work52:38 Outro 340B program, contract pharmacy, hospital consolidation, drug pricing, Medicare Part D, Medicaid rebate, Affordable Care Act, healthcare spending, healthcare costs, fraud exposure, policy impact, legislative reform, patient assistance About Our GuestRyan Long is a Fellow at the Paragon Health Institute and a Scholar at the USC Schaeffer Center. He previously served as health policy lead for Speaker Kevin McCarthy and is a longtime Energy and Commerce veteran focused on drug pricing, Medicare, Medicaid, and healthcare spending reform.  Podcast: DC EKG with Joe GroganEpisode: 130Guest: Ryan LongSponsor: Survivors for Solutions – https://survivorsforsolutions.orgExecutive Producer: John “CZ” Czwartacki, DC EKG PodcastProducer:  Stay on Course Studios – https://www.stayoncourse.studio

In Episode 130 of DC EKG, Joe Grogan sits down with Ryan Long to unpack two policy stories that are driving real-world drug costs and healthcare spending: the 340B program and the fallout from Medicare Part D changes under the Inflation Reduction Act.  Ryan explains why the current 340B structure can incentivize higher costs, hospital consolidation, and contract pharmacy expansion, while often directing the biggest windfalls toward larger, wealthier systems rather than truly resource-constrained hospitals. They cover contract pharmacies, exposure to diversion and fraud, Medicare Part B reimbursement dynamics, and why reforms need to address the incentives baked into the program.  They then turn to Medicare Part D, the shift from copays to coinsurance, premium pressure, the accelerated move into “catastrophic” coverage, and what happens when Washington promises savings that do not materialize. The episode closes with a broader look at fraud, program integrity, and why durable reform requires Congress to act.  In This Conversation Timestamps0:00 Why the 340B structure drives higher costs and consolidation0:37 Ryan Long joins Joe1:13 What has changed in 340B, and why it is getting attention6:57 Payer mix, spreads, and why wealthier systems benefit more11:06 How 340B expanded post-2010 and contract pharmacies16:56 Why contract pharmacy reform alone does not fix the incentives22:11 Medicare Part D and what the IRA changed24:23 Explaining the donut hole28:54 Premium increases, catastrophic coverage, and cost shifting32:26 Copays to coinsurance and unexpected out-of-pocket changes40:37 Fraud exposure and program integrity52:09 Where to find Ryan’s work52:38 Outro 340B program, contract pharmacy, hospital consolidation, drug pricing, Medicare Part D, Medicaid rebate, Affordable Care Act, healthcare spending, healthcare costs, fraud exposure, policy impact, legislative reform, patient assistance About Our GuestRyan Long is a Fellow at the Paragon Health Institute and a Scholar at the USC Schaeffer Center. He previously served as health policy lead for Speaker Kevin McCarthy and is a longtime Energy and Commerce veteran focused on drug pricing, Medicare, Medicaid, and healthcare spending reform.  Podcast: DC EKG with Joe GroganEpisode: 130Guest: Ryan LongSponsor: Survivors for Solutions – https://survivorsforsolutions.orgExecutive Producer: John “CZ” Czwartacki, DC EKG PodcastProducer:  Stay on Course Studios – https://www.stayoncourse.studio

In Episode 129 of DC EKG, Joe Grogan sits down with returning guest Adam Thierer, Resident Senior Fellow for Technology and Innovation at the R Street Institute, to break down the surge of state by state AI laws and why a patchwork approach could slow innovation, especially in healthcare. Adam explains how more than a thousand state AI bills are flooding the zone, what types of “everything bills” are emerging, and why some states are trying to set national standards from Albany or Sacramento. Joe and Adam connect the federalism debate to real world health innovation, including mental health chatbots, algorithmic discrimination laws, and why compliance costs hit “little tech” hardest. They also discuss Adam’s “AI Articles of Confederation” framing, the failed effort to create a federal moratorium on state AI rules, and what a better model could look like, such as regulatory inventories, learning labs, and sandbox style approaches that allow experimentation without shutting innovation down. Key link: https://www.rstreet.org/commentary/congress-should-lead-on-ai-policy-not-the-states/ In This Conversation Timestamps0:00 What is happening with state AI bills right now1:36 Adam’s background and how he got into AI policy5:55 The shift from federal regulation to state action10:27 What these state bills try to regulate13:29 Micron, permitting delays, and stopping progress20:00 Why some red states are pushing AI Bills of Rights26:24 “AI Articles of Confederation” and why it matters31:01 The attempted moratorium in the “big, beautiful bill”38:03 Preview of “The AI Terrible Ten” and worst state models39:43 Mental health chatbot bans and the mental health crisis44:25 What governors should do instead of rushing to regulate49:05 What Adam is tracking next51:48 What AI tools Adam uses52:42 Where to find Adam’s work SEO Keywordsstate AI laws, AI policy, federal preemption, healthcare innovation, algorithmic discrimination, mental health chatbots, interoperability, AI regulation About Our GuestAdam Thierer is a Resident Senior Fellow at the R Street Institute focused on technology and innovation policy. He writes and speaks widely on AI governance, federalism and preemption, and how regulatory models can either accelerate or stall innovation, including in healthcare. Podcast: DC EKG with Joe GroganEpisode: 129Guest: Adam Thierer, Resident Senior Fellow, Technology and Innovation, R Street InstituteSponsor: Survivors for Solutions – https://survivorsforsolutions.orgExecutive Producer: John “CZ” Czwartacki, DC EKG PodcastProducer: Julie Riga, Stay on Course Studios – https://www.stayoncourse.studio

In Episode 128 of DC EKG, Joe Grogan is joined by Kat McDavitt and Lisa Bari, co-hosts of the Health Tech Talk Show, for a practical conversation on what the next wave of health IT policy could unlock for patients and innovation. They break down the proposed HTI 5 rule from ONC, why it is framed as deregulation, and how it aims to shift the market away from long EHR certification checklists toward one core goal: data that moves. The conversation digs into information blocking, TEFCA, patient access, and the reality of who controls health data in practice. Joe presses a simple question: if it is “my data,” why do patients still struggle to pull a complete record? Kat and Lisa explain how HIPAA is often used as a barrier instead of a bridge, how secondary data use markets operate, and why privacy gets complicated in a world of apps, brokers, and advanced compute. They also explore how HTI 5 connects to the AI wave, why state AI laws can create risk for innovation, and whether ideas like a Medicare app library help patients or end up picking winners too late. In This Conversation ,Timestamps0:36 Intro1:14 Welcome Kat McDavitt and Lisa Bari2:05 Lisa on her new role and what she is working on4:17 First reactions to HTI 5 and EHR deregulation7:34 HTI 5 in plain English11:27 Who controls health data and why this rule matters14:08 Why patients still cannot easily access complete records17:36 HIPAA and how it is used today22:24 Privacy outside HIPAA and secondary use25:50 How HTI 5 targets information blocking28:16 Screen scraping and why it is controversial36:09 How HTI 5 connects to healthcare AI47:28 Medicare app library concerns52:05 Closing and where to find Health Tech Talk Show Health Tech Talk Show YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HealthTechTalkShow/streams SEO Keywords (Megaphone)HTI 5, ONC, information blocking, TEFCA, interoperability, healthcare APIs, HIPAA, health data access, healthcare AI policy, data liquidity, screen scraping, Medicare app library About Our GuestsKat McDavitt is co-host of the Health Tech Talk Show, President and Founding Partner of Innsena, and CEO and Founder of the Zorya Foundation.Lisa Bari is the Vice President of Policy and Partnerships at Innovaccer, where she leads health and AI policy, government relations, and global partnerships. She is the creator and host of the Policy Stack podcast, co-host of the Health Tech Talk Show, and a board member of the Zorya Foundation. Previously, she was the founding CEO of Civitas Networks for Health.Podcast: DC EKG with Joe GroganEpisode: 128Guests: Kat McDavitt and Lisa BariSponsor: Survivors for Solutions – https://survivorsforsolutions.orgExecutive Producer: John “CZ” Czwartacki, DC EKG PodcastProducer: Julie Riga, Stay on Course Studios – https://www.stayoncourse.studio

Episode 127 Rural Health on the Front Lines: Dr. Manny Sethi on Access, Private Equity, and Prevention In Episode 127 of DC EKG, Joe Grogan sits down with Dr. Manny Sethi of Vanderbilt and Healthy Tennessee to talk about what rural health looks like up close and what policy changes could actually improve access. Dr. Sethi shares his story growing up in small town Tennessee as the son of immigrant physicians, then training as an orthopedic traumatologist and treating high-energy injuries that often collide with chronic disease and limited access to care. The conversation centers on why rural communities struggle to find primary care and specialists, how administrative burden and electronic medical record requirements can crush independent practices, and why private equity and large systems buying clinics can reduce real access for patients. Dr. Sethi also explains how Healthy Tennessee built a volunteer, community-based model of prevention through health fairs that screen hundreds to thousands of people, partner with food banks, and connect high-risk patients to follow-up care. If you care about rural healthcare, access to care, private equity in medicine, physician shortages, preventative care, EHR burden, Medicaid, Medicare, and community health, this episode is a practical look at what is broken and what can be done. In This Conversation Joe and Dr. Sethi cover: Timestamps (Audio platforms) 0:52 Intro 1:14 Meet Dr. Manny Sethi (Vanderbilt, Healthy Tennessee) 4:38 Why he launched Healthy Tennessee 6:59 Volunteers, screenings, and what the health fairs deliver 12:09 Who shows up and why access is still hard even with insurance 21:51 The biggest rural health problems and the access crunch 24:18 Private equity buying practices and what changes for patients 28:24 What policy fixes could actually move doctors to rural areas 31:41 Follow-up care for uninsured and high-risk patients 34:09 Trauma care realities and why we pay for sickness, not wellness 40:27 Faith, meaning, and why he keeps doing the work Key Takeaways About Our GuestDr. Manny Sethi is an orthopedic traumatologist at Vanderbilt and co-founder of Healthy Tennessee, a nonprofit he launched with his wife in 2011 to bring prevention and screening to underserved communities through volunteer-driven health fairs and partnerships across the state. --- Show Sponsor: Survivors for Solutions – https://survivorsforsolutions.org Executive Producer: John “CZ” Czwartacki, DC EKG Podcast Producer: Julie Riga, Stay on Course Studios – https://www.stayoncourse.studio

In Episode 126 Joe speaks with Sue Peschin, President and CEO of the Alliance for Aging Research, about what Alzheimer’s and dementia look like in the real world and how policy determines who gets help and when.  Sue explains the mission and 40–year history of the Alliance for Aging Research and lays out the scope of the Alzheimer’s crisis in plain language: who is affected, how dementia types differ, and why neuropsychiatric symptoms like agitation, psychosis, and depression are so often ignored in policy and practice. They discuss why early detection matters more than ever now that disease-modifying therapies and amyloid inhibitors exist, and why so many cases are still missed in primary care. Sue walks through new blood biomarkers, digital cognitive assessments, and how Medicare coverage, CED restrictions, and the proposed ASAP Act will shape access to testing and treatment. Joe and Sue also dig into Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) in Medicare, whether CMS is overstepping what Congress intended under Section 1801, and how restrictive coverage decisions have limited access to Alzheimer’s drugs to a tiny fraction of eligible patients. Finally, they talk about caregiver burden, stigma around behavioral symptoms, and what families and clinicians can realistically do today. If you care about Alzheimer’s, dementia, early detection, blood biomarkers, Medicare coverage, CED, the ASAP Act, primary care, caregiver burden, vascular dementia, and aging research, this episode connects the science with the politics and the lived experience. In This ConversationJoe and Sue cover: Timestamps (Audio platforms) Key Takeaways About Our GuestSue Peschin is President and CEO of the Alliance for Aging Research, the leading nonprofit focused on advancing science, policy, and education to improve healthy aging and access to care. At the Alliance, Sue has driven national work on Alzheimer’s, dementia, neuropsychiatric symptoms, Medicare policy, CED reform, and aging research, empowering older adults and caregivers to advocate for better care.

"Obamacare Exempt" Plans - STLDI and ACA Coverage: Costs, Choice, and Tradeoffs Joe Grogan is joined by Michael Cannon (Cato Institute) to break down short-term, limited-duration insurance (STLDI), also known as “Obamacare-exempt” plans. They explain why STLDI can be far cheaper than ACA exchange coverage, how renewal guarantees work, and why allowing more consumer choice can reduce pressure on exchange risk pools. They also dig into the politics of pre-existing conditions, how ACA rules change insurers' incentives, and why coverage debates often miss the real drivers of cost, access, and quality. The conversation ends with a broader look at public trust, healthcare fear, and how policy choices shape what insurers can and cannot do. Timestamps / Chapters00:01 – Intro00:23 – Michael Cannon joins + what STLDI is02:27 – STLDI explained: “Obamacare-exempt” plans, renewal guarantees, and lower premiums06:00 – ACA history: why STLDI was restricted07:46 – International comparisons + pre-existing conditions incentives and the Colette Briggs story12:10 – Why healthcare stays broken: regulation, lobbying, and “government-designed” systems16:59 – Subsidies and the politics of pre-existing conditions22:22 – Renewal guarantees, employer tax exclusion, and why Medicare entered the picture30:37 – Public trust after Brian Thompson’s murder and Cannon’s letter41:56 – Wrap-up In This Conversation Key Takeaways About Our GuestMichael Cannon is the Director of Health Policy Studies at the Cato Institute and a leading voice on the ACA, health insurance regulation, and market-based health reforms.

Podcast TitleDC EKG with Joe Grogan: A Healthcare Policy Podcast Episode124 Episode TitleRyan Long on the ACA Subsidy Fight, Phantom Enrollees, and Reforming 340B Episode DescriptionJoe Grogan is joined by Ryan Long of Paragon Health Institute and the University of Southern California to break down two fights shaping health policy right now: a California wealth tax pitch framed as a health care fix, and the battle over extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies. They unpack how enhanced subsidies changed who qualifies, why zero-premium plans opened the door to broker-driven enrollment and fraud, and why the medical loss ratio creates perverse incentives that can push premiums higher. They also explain how silver loading and cost-sharing reduction policy distort the exchange market, and what reforms could lower costs without writing a blank check. The episode closes with Ryan's latest work on the 340B program, including why drug arbitrage rewards hospitals with a stronger commercial mix and can fuel consolidation, and why direct, targeted assistance could better support hospitals that truly serve low-income and rural patients. Chapters and Timestamps00:01 Intro00:23 Welcome, and what is on the agenda01:25 California wealth tax and structural deficits11:20 Enhanced ACA subsidies and the shutdown fight16:54 Income caps, zero premium plans, and phantom enrollees21:50 Fraud, Medicaid exposure, and public trust30:39 Medical loss ratio incentives and ACA market fixes38:41 340B: how arbitrage works and why it drives consolidation44:51 What reform could look like47:20 Closing SEO KeywordsAffordable Care Act, ACA subsidies, enhanced subsidies, premium tax credits, exchange plans, zero premium plans, phantom enrollees, medical loss ratio, cost sharing reduction, silver loading, Medicaid fraud, Minnesota fraud, California wealth tax, 340B program, drug arbitrage, hospital consolidation, site neutral payments, commercial mix, Medicare Trust Fund About Our GuestRyan Long is a health policy expert with experience on Capitol Hill, including years in the Speaker's office and on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He is affiliated with Paragon Health Institute and the University of Southern California. CreditsSponsor: Survivors for SolutionsExecutive Producer: John “CZ” Czwartacki, DC EKG PodcastProducer: Julie Riga, Stay on Course Studios, https://www.stayoncourse.studio

DC EKG with Joe Grogan: A Healthcare Policy Podcast Ep. 122 In this episode of DC EKG with Joe Grogan: A Healthcare Policy Podcast, Joe recaps the first Healthcare AI Policy Summit, held on December 10th in Washington, DC, with his co-host for the event, Naomi Lopez, founder of Nexus Policy Consulting. They walk through the big themes shaping healthcare AI right now: how HHS is approaching AI adoption, what real regulatory clarity could look like, and how new federal initiatives like ACCESS and TEMPO may reshape chronic disease management for Medicare patients. Joe and Naomi unpack HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill’s view of AI in government, from using large models to improve physician productivity, payment integrity, and care coordination to managing privacy and re-identification risk when working with federal health data. They dig into the ACCESS Medicare payment model and the FDA TEMPO initiative, explaining how these pilots test AI and machine learning tools in real-world chronic disease management (hypertension, diabetes, musculoskeletal pain, and depression), and what that means for Medicare payment models, FDA oversight, and healthcare innovation. The conversation then widens to physician burnout, interoperability, rural care, and the role of states and federal preemption in setting the rules for healthcare AI. If you care about the real-world impact of healthcare AI on policy, payment, and patients, this episode offers a clear, practical summary of what the summit revealed and what to watch next. Today Joe and Naomi cover: Key Takeaways: Healthcare AI is being built into policy through programs like ACCESS and TEMPO, tying AI tools to Medicare payment and FDA pathways in chronic disease management. Joe's guest, Naomi Lopez, is the founder of Nexus Policy Consulting and a leading voice in healthcare policy, healthcare AI, and state health reform. She co-founded a healthcare AI working group with Joe Grogan and co-hosted the inaugural Healthcare AI Policy Summit on December 10th in Washington, DC.

In Episode 123 of DC EKG, Joe Grogan sits down with Jackson Hammond (Senior Policy Analyst, Paragon Health Institute) to unpack what the latest CMS National Health Expenditure (NHE) data says about where U.S. health care is headed. They break down the June 2025 NHE release, compare it to Jackson’s earlier “Paragon Prognosis” analysis, and explain what changed, what didn’t, and what it means for affordability, Medicare, Medicaid, and long-run fiscal pressure. They also connect the spending outlook to Jackson’s paper, “How to Reform the CMS Innovation Center with a Choice and Competition Approach,” and debate whether CMMI is bending the cost curve or just adding bureaucracy without accountability. Jackson argues we should aim for health care so affordable you barely need insurance. Chapters / Timestamps  00:00 – Intro + welcome  00:55 – Jackson’s background: how he got into health policy  03:39 – Focus areas: Medicare, hospitals, drug pricing, PBMs, 340B  05:14 – What the NHE report is showing  06:14 – $5.2T → $5.6T → $8.6T: why the trajectory matters  08:00 – Why health spending isn’t really “optional”  10:11 – Where the money is going: payer mix + per-enrollee costs  12:23 – Medicaid costs, provider taxes, and state financing tactics  15:58 – Medicare spending pressure and fiscal risk  21:06 – Misconception: “coverage = care”  26:18 – Why provider payments keep rising (post-COVID demand + consolidation)  33:01 – Rural care, consolidation, and the REH / hub-and-spoke model  40:08 – Drug pricing: retrospective vs prospective MFN  49:20 – 2026 outlook + closing thanks In This Conversation  • NHE 2025: what the June 2025 data confirms about spending growth and the federal share.  • Rising prices, flat health: why prices climb while outcomes lag.  • Medicare and Medicaid: why they remain major budget drivers.  • Coverage vs access: why an insurance card doesn’t guarantee care or better health.  • Hospitals and consolidation: what’s driving higher payments and fewer choices.  • Rural vs urban: why patients bypass local hospitals and what a better model could look like.  • Drug pricing: what MFN approaches might mean for costs and innovation.  • 2026: what Jackson expects next and what reform could realistically look like. Key Takeaways  • NHE data points to continued, unsustainable spending growth.  • Medicare and Medicaid drive long-term budget pressure.  • Consolidation and payment incentives shape prices as much as utilization.  • CMMI reform hinges on accountability, choice, and competition.  • Smarter drug pricing policy should lower costs without undermining innovation. About Our Guest  Jackson Hammond is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Paragon Health Institute focused on health spending, CMS policy, and reforms centered on choice, competition, and patient-centered care. He authors Paragon’s “Paragon Prognosis” analyses and wrote “How to Reform the CMS Innovation Center with a Choice and Competition Approach.”

In this episode of DC EKG with Joe Grogan: A Healthcare Policy Podcast, Joe sits down with health economist Tony LoSasso to dissect what serious, workable Obamacare reforms could look like without blowing up the Affordable Care Act entirely. They dig into the structure of healthcare subsidies, why current premium tax credits dull price sensitivity, and how that undermines insurance competition, drives up healthcare costs, and threatens the law's fiscal sustainability. Tony lays out a path to modernize the ACA with defined-contribution-style subsidies, patient-directed “health freedom” accounts, and targeted support for people with preexisting conditions through high-risk pools, rather than hiding transfer programs inside community-rated premiums. Along the way, they tackle essential health benefits, community rating, Medicare pricing, certificate-of-need laws, and growing hospital market concentration, and ask what a real bipartisan healthcare reform deal might look like in today’s political climate.

Joe Grogan sits down with James Gelfand, president and CEO of The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), to break down the future of employer-sponsored insurance and the challenges shaping healthcare policy. They discuss how rising healthcare costs affect both employers and employees, the evolution of health savings accounts, and why direct primary care and telehealth represent major shifts in employer benefits. The conversation highlights the growing crisis in mental health, the impact of hospital consolidation on costs and quality, and the political battles over healthcare reform. Gelfand explains why employer-sponsored insurance remains a critical safety net and what changes are needed to bring more transparency, value, and balance to the healthcare system.

In this episode of DC EKG, host Joe Grogan is joined by Ryan Long, Capitol Hill veteran and senior research fellow at the Paragon Institute, to unpack two big health policy debates: the 340B drug discount program and the enhanced ACA premium tax credits. Ryan explains how 340B drives higher drug spending, hospital consolidation, and rising premiums, while often benefiting wealthier hospitals over safety-net providers. He also breaks down why the temporary ACA subsidies are set to expire in 2025, the fraud and enrollment issues they’ve created, and what both parties are gearing up for as the fight continues.

In this episode of DC EKG, Joe Grogan sits down with healthcare entrepreneur and advocate Dutch Rojas to unpack some of the most pressing and misunderstood issues in American healthcare. From his unconventional path from accounting into healthcare to his outspoken advocacy for physician-owned hospitals, Rojas brings a fresh, unapologetic perspective to how we can break through the gridlock of consolidation and outdated policy. Rojas makes the case for why charity care is often used as a business strategy rather than genuine community support, and explains how site-neutral payments could dramatically lower costs for patients and employers alike. He also outlines how innovations like a healthcare commodities exchange could finally deliver the price transparency Americans deserve, and the competition the system desperately needs.

Join host Joe Grogan for an exclusive masterclass with Dr. Robert Burns, James Joo-Jin Kim Professor of Health Care Management at the Wharton School. A nationally recognized expert on the U.S. healthcare system, Dr. Burns unpacks the complex forces driving healthcare costs. With a background in sociology, anthropology, and decades of research, Dr. Burns reveals why so many healthcare reforms fail, what policymakers and business leaders get wrong, and how the U.S. healthcare ecosystem really works behind the headlines. If you’ve ever wondered why American healthcare is so expensive, and what can actually be done about it, this episode is a must-listen.

Critics have been quick to attack the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), but how much of what you’ve heard is true? In this episode, Joe Grogan sits down with Brian Blase to set the record straight on the bill’s health policy reforms and why they matter. From Medicaid funding changes to the role of provider taxes, Brian and Joe break down the bill’s impact, debunk common myths, and explore what’s next for U.S. healthcare policy. They cover how work requirements, eligibility reviews, and a focus on value could transform the system. Paragon Institute Myth-Busting Series on OBBB: https://paragoninstitute.org/issue-library/obbb-myths-and-facts/ Brian Blase X: https://x.com/brian_blase?lang=en

In this episode of DC EKG, Joe Grogan sits down with Sean Spicer, former White House Press Secretary and host of The Sean Spicer Show. Spicer shares his experiences from working in various political roles, his thoughts on Republican strategies for the midterms, and the challenges of communicating healthcare policies. The discussion also delves into the differences between legacy media and new media, highlighting the need for self-reflection within traditional news outlets.

Stephen Parente, former White House Chief Economist for Health Policy and current Minnesota Insurance Industry Chair of Health Finance and Associate Dean at the Carlson School of Management, joins host Joe Grogan to discuss the state of healthcare transparency. They dive into the pros and cons of price transparency, the impact of the No Surprises Act, challenges for insurers and providers, and what transparency means for healthcare costs and future policy. Parente also hosts the On Background podcast, where he explores key issues in health finance and public policy.

In this episode of DC EKG, host Joe Grogan sits down with Dan Troy, former Chief Counsel of the FDA and a nationally recognized expert on healthcare law and the First Amendment. They explore Troy’s unique journey from free speech litigator to one of the FDA’s top legal voices, examining how the agency regulates what drugmakers, doctors, and companies are allowed to say—and what they’re not. The conversation dives into the legal boundaries of off-label promotion, the impact of direct-to-consumer advertising on patient care, and the growing tension between innovation and regulation in the pharmaceutical industry. Troy also offers his perspective on the Inflation Reduction Act and its potential chilling effect on drug development, underscoring the need for bipartisan support in shaping healthcare policy.

In this episode, Michael F. Cannon, the Cato Institute’s Director of Health Policy Studies, dives into the policy decisions that shaped Medicare and fundamentally distorted the U.S. health insurance market. From how tax incentives nudged Americans into employer-sponsored plans to the unintended consequences that left many seniors uninsured, Cannon breaks down the government’s role in creating systemic challenges in health care. He also explores how tax policy has long been used as a tool to mandate certain health behaviors, and what a less distorted, freer market might look like. If you want to understand the policy roots behind today’s health care complexities, this conversation is a must-listen.

In this conversation, Joe Grogan interviews Peter Pitts, a former FDA associate commissioner and current president of the Center for Medicine and the Public Interest. They discuss the role of FDA advisory committees, the importance of transparency in regulatory processes, and the intersection of vaccination and nutrition in public health. Pitts emphasizes the need for better dosing guidelines for obese patients and the significance of user fees in ensuring predictable FDA reviews. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities within the FDA and the broader healthcare landscape.

In this episode of DC EKG, host Joe Grogan interviews historian and political veteran Tevi Troy about the complex relationship between U.S. presidents and powerful industries. They discuss themes from his book The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry and his op-ed In Defense of Big Pharma. The conversation explores why pharmaceutical companies are often political targets and the impact on innovation, how historical antitrust cases shape today’s tech and biotech battles, insights on Trump’s leadership and the future of the GOP, the importance of communication skills in politics and business, and behind-the-scenes stories from the Trump administration, offering valuable leadership lessons. This episode provides important insights for policymakers, investors, and anyone interested in the intersection of health, economics, and democracy.

Joe Grogan sits down with Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio, a neurosurgeon and health policy researcher, for a wide-ranging conversation on the challenges facing America’s healthcare system. Drawing on his experience at a safety net hospital, Dr. DiGiorgio discusses the realities of trauma care, including the treatment of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, and the systemic issues within Medicaid that hinder access and quality of care. The conversation also explores the misuse of the 340B program, the ethics and logistics of overlapping surgeries, and the growing crisis of physician burnout. Dr. DiGiorgio shares his advocacy for direct primary care and the promise of AI as tools to reduce administrative burdens and improve patient outcomes.

In this episode of DC EKG, policy expert Ryan Long unpacks the tangled evolution of the 340B program—from its origins in the early 1990s to its explosive, unintended role in today’s healthcare market. Originally designed to help hospitals serving the uninsured access affordable drugs, 340B has morphed into a tool for profit, driving hospital consolidation, inflating costs, and straining the biotech innovation ecosystem. Ryan explains how vague eligibility rules, lack of oversight, and policy loopholes have turned a small support program into a massive $54 billion industry—with no requirement that savings actually reach the patients it's meant to help. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in how drug pricing policy, hospital behavior, and innovation incentives are shaping the future of medicine in America.

In this episode of DC EKG, host Joe Grogan speaks with Kelly Cleary, a partner at Akin Law, about her career in healthcare regulatory law and her experience at HHS. They discuss the recent repeal of the Richardson waiver, its historical significance, and implications for healthcare policy and regulation. The conversation also touches on the end of Chevron deference and its potential impact on agency regulations, as well as personal reflections on the value of government service in shaping legal practice.

In this episode of DC EKG, host Joe Grogan sits down with Dr. Brian J. Miller to dissect the critical barriers slowing medical innovation in the United States. Together, they unpack the notorious "Valley of Death"—the daunting gap between FDA approval and Medicare coverage that delays patient access to groundbreaking treatments and technologies, often by an average of 5.7 years. Dr. Miller shares his insights on how outdated regulatory processes at both the FDA and CMS create unnecessary hurdles for life sciences and technology entrepreneurs. They explore how modernizing third-party reviews, streamlining clinical trials, and reforming coverage decisions could dramatically accelerate the journey from lab to patient.

In this episode, Joe Grogan and Brian Blase dive into the current state of Medicaid, exploring the urgent need for reforms to tackle inefficiencies, improper payments, and discriminatory reimbursement rates. Blase discusses the challenges stemming from the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how it has impacted traditional enrollees. The conversation also uncovers the troubling issue of Medicaid money laundering, shedding light on the practice of state-directed payments that sometimes surpass Medicare rates. Together, they discuss the pressing need for a more effective and equitable healthcare system that better serves those in need while ensuring accountability in healthcare spending. This episode is a critical look at how the ACA and Medicaid policies are shaping the future of American healthcare.

In this episode, Joe Grogan and Sally Pipes dive into the future of U.S. healthcare policy, discussing potential reforms under a second Trump administration. They explore executive orders, Medicaid challenges, and the flaws in Canada’s healthcare system. The conversation also tackles a provocative question: Could Canada ever become the 51st state? Sally breaks down the political, economic, and healthcare implications of such a shift. Plus, they discuss California’s wildfire mismanagement and the urgent need for political change.

In this episode, Joe Grogan speaks with Professor Josh Rauh about the ongoing pension crisis in the United States, focusing on the inefficiencies of government pension systems and the impact on taxpayers. They explore the history of government pensions, the shift from defined benefit plans to 401(k) plans, and the alarming statistics of underfunded pensions in major cities like Chicago. The conversation also delves into potential budget cuts under the new DOGE initiative and the urgent need for fiscal responsibility in government spending to address America’s growing financial challenges. Tune in to learn how these issues could shape the future of government efficiency and public pensions.

In this episode, Joe Grogan sits down with Vance Ginn, an economist and host of the Let People Prosper podcast, to dive into healthcare reform, economic policy, and the power of state-level innovation. Vance shares his inspiring journey from his humble beginnings to his role as Chief Economist at the Office of Management and Budget. He discusses his work with think tanks, the challenges of federal spending, and the need for a market-based approach to healthcare to improve outcomes and reduce costs.Listen to Vance’s podcast, Let People Prosper, for more insights on how economic policies can help individuals and families thrive.Listen to Let People Prosper

In this episode, Joe Grogan speaks with Dr. Anthony Lo Sasso, a health economics expert, about the complexities of health insurance, healthcare access, and the role of employers in the healthcare system. They discuss the evolution of health economics, the misconceptions surrounding health insurance, and how these misunderstandings impact health outcomes. The conversation also covers the implications of employer-sponsored insurance and its influence on access to care. Throughout, Dr. Lo Sasso emphasizes the need for more public engagement from economists and the importance of understanding the dynamics of the healthcare market.For further reading, check out the articles discussed in the episode:Health Care Reform: The Tax Exclusion Dilemma: https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/5004743-health-care-reform-tax-exclusion/Misconceptions About Health Insurance: https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/5046301-health-insurance-misconceptions/

In this episode of DC EKG, Joe Grogan is joined by Kat McDavitt and Lisa Bari, hosts of the Health Tech Talk Show, to discuss the broader challenges and opportunities surrounding healthcare data interoperability. They explore the critical role of CMS, state data infrastructure, and private sector efforts in improving data movement across healthcare systems. The conversation emphasizes the need for policy changes, innovation, and better regulatory frameworks to enhance data exchange, especially in Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs. Kat and Lisa also dive into the future of health tech innovations, including AI, women’s health, and behavioral health, highlighting the potential for progress in these areas. Later in the episode, the discussion turns to the ongoing legal battle between Epic and Particle Health, with Kat and Lisa offering insights into the dispute over healthcare data exchange. They explore the challenges of balancing innovation with patient privacy, particularly in light of Epic's decision to stop responding to data requests from Particle Health due to privacy concerns.Resources Mentioned:https://www.healthtechtalkshow.com/home-

In this conversation, Dr. Joel Zinberg discusses the complex relationship between health insurance and health outcomes, arguing that while insurance provides financial security, it does not significantly improve measurable health outcomes. He critiques the focus on government insurance programs like Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, highlighting issues with access to care and the effectiveness of preventive measures. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of behavioral factors and medical innovation in improving health, suggesting that a shift in focus is needed to address the root causes of health issues, such as obesity and chronic diseases.

In this insightful episode of DC EKG, Dr. Robert Redfield, former CDC Director, discusses the critical issues facing America's public health system. He advocates for vaccine transparency, individual choice, and reflects on the failures of the COVID vaccine rollout. Redfield calls for a holistic approach to public health, focusing on obesity, mental health, and addiction as key priorities. He stresses the need for a biosecure health system and biosecurity reforms to prepare for future pandemics. This episode explores actionable solutions to rebuild a healthier, more resilient America.

How can we reform our government’s institutions to remain effective in a politically polarized era, where elites influence policy, global competition is rising, and social media shapes public perceptions? Daniel Rothschild and Joe Grogan explore this urgent challenge in-depth. They discuss the need for fundamental reform to modernize bureaucratic systems, improve efficiency, and increase accountability in government operations, particularly in relation to the federal budget. They analyze the political realignment in the U.S., the implications of Trump's reelection, and the role of elites in shaping public policy. The conversation also delves into the global state of democracy, touching on how social media affects public perception of government actions, and how institutions can be restructured to meet the demands of today’s complex political and economic landscape.

In this episode, Joe Grogan and Eric Ueland are joined by Dr. Lanhee Chen to discuss the future of healthcare policy in the U.S. They reflect on healthcare reforms under the first Trump administration and what a second term could bring, including the importance of price transparency and reorienting the system around patients. The conversation also covers Medicaid reform, state-level innovations, and critiques of the Inflation Reduction Act, highlighting the need for a more competitive, consumer-focused healthcare system. Chen shares his insights on the shift from staffer to candidate, emphasizing accountability in democracy and the need for deeper policy discussions in the media.

In this conversation, Joe Grogan and Justin Schubow discuss the recent World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., exploring its artistic significance, contrasting it with other memorials, and examining the broader implications of architectural design in the city. Schubow emphasizes the importance of classical architecture and critiques modernist designs, advocating for a revitalization of Washington's aesthetic integrity. The discussion also touches on the political dynamics surrounding architectural commissions and the need for a more inviting public space in the nation's capital.

In this conversation, Joe Grogan and Ge Bai discuss the complexities of healthcare finance, focusing on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its implications for drug pricing and Medicare. They delve into the role of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in estimating the financial impacts of healthcare policies, highlighting the discrepancies between projected savings and actual costs. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by seniors under Medicare Part D, the potential consequences for drug innovation, and the need for bipartisan solutions in healthcare reform. Additionally, they explore the implications of proposed long-term care policies and the financial burdens they may impose.

In this episode of DCEKG, hosts Eric Ueland and Joe Grogan engage with economist Casey Mulligan to dissect the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act, the dynamics of Medicare Advantage, and the challenges posed by regulatory overreach. They explore the shortcomings of the Congressional Budget Office in accurately scoring healthcare legislation, the impact of environmental policies on market dynamics, and the need for reform in the FDA's drug approval process. The conversation highlights the tension between government regulation and market efficiency, emphasizing the importance of understanding economic principles in shaping effective policy.

In this episode of DC EKG, we sit down with Mark Paoletta, a Partner at Schaerr Jaffe LLP and Senior Fellow at the Center for Renewing America. Paoletta takes a deep dive into the concept of impoundment—the presidential power to refuse to spend funds allocated by Congress. Drawing from historical examples, Paoletta critiques the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, arguing that it unconstitutionally limits the president’s authority over the budget. He also explores how various administrations have handled impoundment, with a focus on key disputes between the executive branch and Congress.Connect with Mark Paoletta:Twitter: @MarkPaolettaWebsite: markpaoletta.comListen to DC EKG:Spotify: DC EKG on SpotifyApple Podcasts: DC EKG on Apple Podcasts

In this episode of DC EKG, Tim Frost, Founder and President of 50 Elixir and Senior Fellow at the Cicero Institute, delves into the intersection of healthcare and policy, with a specific focus on the evolving role of pharmacists. Tim highlights the need for healthcare deregulation to spur innovation and improve patient care, particularly in light of the rising costs of medications and the challenges faced by independent pharmacies.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Cicero Institute50 ElixirWhere to Find Us:Listen to DC EKG on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google PodcastsConnect with Tim Frost:Tim Frost on LinkedInTim Frost's Work at Cicero InstituteRate and Review Us! Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to rate and review us on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue delivering great content!

Callie Means, CEO of TruMed and co-author of the book Good Energy, discusses the partnership between RFK Jr. and Donald Trump in addressing childhood chronic disease. Means explains how he saw an alignment between Trump and RFK Jr. in their concern for childhood chronic disease and decided to bring them together. He emphasizes the need to address the corruption and conflicts of interest in the scientific guidelines and medical industry that contribute to the increasing rates of chronic disease. Means also highlights the importance of questioning the current system and finding solutions that prioritize the health of children.Subscribe & Follow:Don’t miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also follow the show on X and visit our website for updates and behind-the-scenes content.Leave a Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a review on your preferred platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to provide valuable content.Join the Conversation:Share your thoughts on this episode and join the discussion by tagging us on social media with the hashtag #DCEKG. Let's work together to make a difference!Resources Mentioned:Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Health and Metabolism by Casey Means & Calley MeansTrueMed

In this riveting episode of DC EKG, we sit down with Yuval Levin, a leading voice in American constitutional thought and the author of the newly released book, American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation and Could Again. Levin delves deep into the origins and evolution of the U.S. Constitution, offering a fresh perspective on its role in fostering unity across a diverse nation.Resources:Yuval Levin’s New Book: American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation and Could Again – Available now on Amazon. Don’t miss out on this essential read that reexamines the promise of American constitutionalism.Learn More About Yuval Levin: For more insights into Levin’s work and his impact on constitutional studies, visit his profile at AEI.

In this special DC EKG rerun, Victoria Coates—former advisor to Defense Secretary Don Rumsfeld and coauthor of his memoir Known and Unknown—delivers a critical analysis of the 10/7 terrorist attacks and their impact on Arab-Israeli relations, a dynamic she helped shape during her tenure as Deputy National Security Advisor under President Trump. Coates reveals the current administration's failures in maintaining global peace, its narrow focus on China and climate issues, and the overextension in Ukraine, allowing Iran and Russia to undermine U.S. interests for the sake of their climate agenda

Join host Joe Grogan as he chats with Dr. Joel Zinberg, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, in this insightful episode. Dr. Zinberg brings a unique perspective with his dual background in medicine and law. He shares his fascinating journey of pursuing both an MD and JD simultaneously, and how he balanced the demands of a surgical residency with law school. Dr. Zinberg provides valuable insights into his work in organ transplantation, highlighting the ethical and legal challenges involved. Dr. Zinberg also critiques recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) decisions, particularly concerning pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), arguing that these actions are based on insufficient evidence and unproven legal theories, lacking empirical support.Tune in for an enlightening conversation that delves into pressing issues in healthcare today!Support the Show:Follow us on Twitter @DCEKGpodcastCheck Out Joel's Work:Learn more about Dr. Joel Zinberg here

Hosts Joe and Eric chat with Jonathan Wolfson about his policymaking career, focusing on deregulation and workforce development at the Labor Department. They discuss government decision-making challenges and the Cicero Institute's entrepreneurial policy solutions. One notable proposal addresses the U.S. doctor shortage by allowing foreign-trained doctors to obtain provisional licenses, a policy now implemented in several states.Chapters07:22 Jonathan Wolfson's Career in Policymaking18:19 The Wide Range of Issues Covered by the Labor Department22:34 The Philosophical Approach of the Labor Department25:04 Why Government Often Makes the Wrong Decisions27:47 Working in State Policy30:41 State Policy as a Model for Federal Policy34:11 Policy Areas of Focus36:02 Addressing the Shortage of Doctors39:31 Factors Contributing to the Doctor Shortage47:39 Potential Solutions for Increasing Access to Healthcare51:39 Importing Foreign-Trained Physicians

In this riveting episode, hosts Joe and Eric dive into two major political events shaping America's current landscape: the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and key takeaways from the Republican National Convention. Join us for in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and the hosts' reactions to these significant developments. We'll explore how the media played a dual role—bringing the assassination attempt to the public's attention while also attempting to downplay its significance.

In this insightful episode, Joe and Eric begin by delving into the recent historic shakeup in UK politics. They dissect the reasons behind Labour's significant win and the surprising success of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party. The discussion then shifts to the aftermath of the first presidential debate in the US. Joe and Eric analyze its implications for both Joe Biden and Donald Trump's candidacies, exploring how each candidate performed across different policy areas and what these performances could mean for their respective campaigns moving forward.Support the show: https://x.com/DCEKGpodcastFollow Joe: https://x.com/RealJoeGroganFollow Eric: https://x.com/RealEU4U

In this episode, hosts Joe and Eric discuss Brenda Hafera's impactful report, "Men Without Meaning: The Harmful Effects of Expressive Individualism," from The Heritage Foundation. The report examines the crisis facing American boys and men across mental, physical, economic, academic, and spiritual dimensions. Hafera critiques welfare policies for their unintended impact on single motherhood and explores how the sexual revolution has reshaped family dynamics. She also addresses the transformation of marriage into a later-life status symbol and concerns about the decline of free play in schools, impacting child development. The episode further explores links between absent fathers and school violence, advocates for positive depictions of fatherhood, and emphasizes the need for supportive educational and vocational environments for boys.Support the show: https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcastBrenda's latest work: https://www.heritage.org/staff/brenda-hafera

In this episode of DC EKG, hosts Joe Grogan and Eric Ueland welcome Jackson Hammond, a Senior Policy Analyst at Paragon Health Institute, to explore the future of U.S. health spending. Jackson provides a detailed analysis of the CMS National Health Expenditure report, discussing the projected $7.7 trillion spending by 2032, current expenditure trends, and the drivers behind 2023's spending spike. The conversation also covers the impact of inflation and policy changes, the challenges of sustaining such high spending levels, and potential reforms like enhancing patient control, transparent pricing, and reducing health system monopolies.

In this episode of DC EKG, hosts Joe Grogan and Eric Ueland sit down with Sally Pipes, the President and CEO of the Pacific Research Institute, to discuss California's decision to provide free healthcare to illegal immigrants and its implications for taxpayers and the healthcare system. Throughout the discussion, Sally delves into the challenges of a single-payer healthcare system, discusses patient empowerment amidst government-centric policies, and critiques the Affordable Care Act for its ongoing issues.Support the show: https://x.com/DCEKGpodcastFollow Sally: https://x.com/sallypipes

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kevin Bardosh to explore the profound impacts of COVID-19 policies on society. From the harms of social distancing and lockdowns to the ethical dilemmas posed by vaccine mandates, Dr. Bardosh provides a comprehensive analysis of the balance between individual rights and public health needs. We also delve into the ideology driving current public health policies and discuss necessary reforms. Finally, we examine the WHO's proposed Pandemic Treaty and the broader implications for global health governance.

In a special DC EKG flashback episode, we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations with Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the director of Stanford's Center for Demography and Economics of Health and Aging. Jay tells the sad and painful story of how the government, big tech, and academia conspired to suppress voices. Blacklisting at Twitter, ruined careers, and zero tolerance for questioning use of masks on children, the efficacy of vaccines, and lockdowns. The federal government's implied and real threats to ensure censorship. and the terrible price price paid that will echo through generations. Dr. Jay shares ideas on how to restore public trust and improve the scientific community.You can also see this interview on our YouTube page here: https://youtu.be/8HBeapB0nws

In this episode of DC EKG, Dr. Marty Makary uncovers the alarming truth behind some of modern medicine's most significant blunders, revealing how medical groupthink has caused widespread harm. From the surge in peanut allergies due to misguided recommendations to the dire consequences of opioid misinformation, he exposes the hubris of the medical establishment and its failings. Additionally, he delves into the recent congressional inquiry on deleted COVID-19 emails, highlighting where medicine faltered and emphasizing the critical need for transparency in healthcare.-LINKS-Support the show: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FDCEKGpodcastSupport Dr. Makary: https://x.com/martymakary?lang=enPre-order new book BLIND SPOTS now

Join hosts Joe Grogan and Eric Ueland on DC EKG as they delve into the complexities of health economics in America with special guest Ben Ippolito. In this episode, they explore the skyrocketing prices of GLP-1 weight loss drugs and discuss the potential for Medicare coverage. Ben Ippolito sheds light on the current prohibition against Medicare covering weight loss drugs, the shift from viewing obesity as a cosmetic issue to recognizing it as a clinical outcome, and the high out-of-pocket expenses people are willing to pay. Ben also examines the business implications for pharmaceutical companies if Medicare covers these drugs, the impact of price caps under the IRA, and the competitive challenges new market entrants face.--LINKS--Follow DC EKG: https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcastFollow Ben: https://twitter.com/ben_ippolito

In this episode of DC EKG, hosts Joe Grogan and Eric Ueland sit down with John C. Goodman, renowned as the "father of the health savings account" by The Wall Street Journal. As the President of the Goodman Institute for Public Policy Research and a Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute, Goodman sheds light on the transformative power of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in the realm of healthcare.During the discussion, Goodman delves into the essence of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and their pivotal role in empowering patients by giving them the autonomy to allocate their healthcare spending according to their needs and preferences. The conversation extends to exploring the potential Republican healthcare plan, with a particular focus on the advantages of portable insurance and how it can enhance healthcare access and flexibility for individuals.Moreover, Goodman provides insights into proposed changes to HSAs, highlighting their potential to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability for a broader segment of the population. Additionally, the episode touches upon the emergence of concierge doctors and their significance in the evolving healthcare landscape, offering a glimpse into the future of patient-centered healthcare delivery.-LINKS-Support the show: https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcastFollow Dr. Goodman: https://twitter.com/DrJohnCGoodmanPre-order Dr. Goodman's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1598133179/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_uTrYFbQ7HAM7A

In this episode of DC EKG, former United States Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tevy Troy, delves into the troubling rise of anti-Semitic and anti-American protests on college campuses. With a keen eye on historical context, Troy offers invaluable insights into the roots of these movements and their implications for the future. Additionally, he sheds light on the unexpected consequences of elite colleges prioritizing traits like progressive activism in their admissions processes, sparking a provocative discussion on the evolving landscape of higher education.Support the show: https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcastFollow Tevy: https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcast

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brian Miller, a Family Medicine Physician and Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University, to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing burnout within the healthcare industry and streamlining administrative processes. Dr. Miller highlights the regulatory burdens across various healthcare services and their impact on the well-being of doctors and nurses. We discuss how AI can enhance the efficiency of healthcare professionals, enabling them to focus more on high-value patient care while navigating risk aversion and regulatory barriers that have hindered innovation in the field. Drawing parallels with the FCC, Dr. Miller suggests how the FDA could facilitate data portability and centralization to drive innovation in healthcare. Furthermore, we delve into how AI holds promise in alleviating the burnout epidemic among healthcare workers, offering solutions to improve their work-life balance. Dr. Miller also explains how AI implementation can lead to cost savings within the healthcare system and empower FDA regulators to provide more value in pharmaceutical oversight, facilitating a shift towards proactive monitoring.Dr. Brian Miller Opinion Articles: https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/innovation-driven-future-food-and-drug-administrationhttps://www.aei.org/research-products/report/using-artificial-intelligence-to-improve-administrative-process-in-medicaid/Follow Dr. Miller: https://twitter.com/DrBrian4HealthRegister for Health Policy and the 2024 Election Event: https://www.aei.org/events/health-policy-and-the-2024-election/Follow DC EKG: https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcast

In this episode of DC EKG, Eric Ueland addresses questions crafted by AI regarding the integration of AI in healthcare, sparked by Nvidia and Hippocratic AI's partnership in developing empathetic health agents. Delving into ethical and regulatory considerations, Eric examines the implications of AI's role in healthcare staffing, patient care, and the balance between cost-efficiency and quality of care.-Links-Follow Eric:https://twitter.com/realeu4u?lang=en Follow DC EKG: https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcast

In this episode of DC EKG, former HHS policy staffer now activist Judy Stecker shares her deeply personal journey advocating for her son Wheeler, who suffers from a rare genetic disease. Peeling back the layers of FDA bureaucracy, Judy exposes the rigid, bureaucratic structure that obstructs access to life-changing medications. We discuss the stringent regulations that hinder innovation, ethical considerations surrounding clinical trials, the impact of Operation Warp Speed on expediting procedures, as well as invaluable insights on fostering broader accessibility to groundbreaking treatments.-Links-Judy’s WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-fda-could-help-save-my-son-from-a-rare-disease-bureaucracy-efficacy-7090ac82Wheeler’s Warriors: https://wheelerswarriors.org/our-storyFollow us: https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcast

Economist and author Jeremy Weber explains to Joe and Eric how numbers and policy aides can avoid mistakes of their academic training. Former lead economist for White House's Council of Economic Advisors writes the must-read book all econ and policy aides to policymakers: Statistics for Public Policy: A Practical Guide to Being Mostly Right (or at Least Respectably Wrong) https://a.co/d/bkVxHSH

2020 memoir, honorary Emmy and a scrubbing of deadly nursing home death data all added up to an epic undoing of the New York governor. Scarce Covid tests for his family, public resources used for his book, and mounting sexual harassment allegations all tip the scales against the bullying and ambitious Andrew Cuomo. Joe and Eric divine the facts around this complex scandal which ultimately took the lives of thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers. Consultant study has been commissioned but lacks independence or subpoena power. The responsibility of public officials is to honestly look at what we did wrong. Will call for a full accounting of the facts gain traction?

Bill shares his deep, first hand knowledge of America’s second largest Medicaid program. The current governor has departed from the historic efforts to rein in the always bloating health system to runaway growth in the program. This episode sets up the second part of this interview, the rise and fall of then governor Andrew Cuomo. Nursing home deaths, suppressed public data, and possible impeachment.

Joe and Eric geek out over budget and reconciliation details with their guest, Greg D’Angelo; this trifecta of budget experts talk over the $1.8 trillion HHS proposal. If you caught the administration’s Federal Budget news last week, you don’t want to miss these “deep tracks:” HHS delivers their “QFRs” more than a year late (imagine what “single payer” waiting rooms would be like?); rebate rules and expanded ACA; a timid and disappointing administration approach to AI; and what the deep state plans to spend tax dollars allotted for Medicare Rx prices- six times more than was given to set up the entire Obamacare program.

Eric and Joe invited Art Kleinschmidt back to the program for his expert viewpoint. Art, who after his own recovery, was awarded several advanced degrees, established a clinical practice, and served as the deputy United States “drug czar”, assessed the current opioid crisis. He shares how overdoses under the previous administration were reduced, why the Covid lockdowns shattered that tenuous progress, and how the enabling policies of the current administration have seen deaths increase by nearly 40% and now results in more than 106,000 deaths a year.

Joe and Eric offer their unique insight into what does into the address, a breakdown of the issues you can expect to hear about, and even a few takes on what the White House’s staff may work into the remarks to help their own job searches. Thoughts about how gallery guests are used to illustrate points, ideas about how they will pull off the “breathing room” trope, and the tough job of giving the response, assigned this year to the junior senator from Alabama.

Chris Jones talks with Joe and Eric about the team Gov. Doug Burgum built, the stories of overcoming bureaucracy, and achieving better outcomes for beneficiaries and taxpayers alike. Currently with the think tank Cicero Institute, Chris is sharing how one state was able to deflate cost AND improve health.

Ge Bai, born and raised in China but a US resident for two decades, applies her Michigan State phD in accounting and time at Johns Hopkins to the American health care landscape in a riveting discussion with Joe and Eric. Ge exposes the exploitation of taxpayers by the so-called non-profit hospital system, explores market and policy failures promising spiraling shortages, while shining a light on glimmers of hope for the robust and undeterred problem solving DNA of the American consumer and marketplace.

In the third episode of this three-part discussion, Art shares details on his latest effort to help improve substance abuse treatment in the US. He began a nonprofit called the “Recovery Now” foundation. They also review current public policies branded as “harm reduction.” During this administration these measures are normalizing dependency and drug use, which in his view is the most effective way to break down the family unit. They also discuss how meth labs have been put out of business by importation of more legal and powerful drugs manufactured south of the border. They conclude discussion about how to get help for those who need it by calling 800-662-4357 *Episode aired October 26, 2022*

In the second part of their three-part discussion, the discussion begins with what Art saw on his trip (August of 2022) to the southern border. Art shares how drug cartels monitor and control the border, use migrants who can’t afford the $6000 fee coyotes charge to smuggle them across the US, and the sophisticated tactics the cartels use to evade US border patrol. Art also unmasks the fallacy of public distribution of “test strips” and buddy system use stating flatly that “there is no safe way to consume outside a hospital.” Because the euphoric effect of the drug diminishes before exiting the human body, users would be tempted to consume more while actual levels of the opioid are still in the system leading to tragic overdoses. He also confirms with previous podcast Casey Mulligan’s data on the number of opioid overdose deaths in the US is 108,000 which is up from the approximate death toll under President Trump. For help with substance abuse call 800-662-4357 *Episode originally aired October 6, 2022*

This episode tackles one of the most important public policy issues facing the US today. Joe and Eric hold a three-part discussion with their guest Art Kleinschmidt, where they review the current opioid crisis, discuss what public policy and recovery look like, and explore Art’s story of how he lived as a recovering user himself.   The following three episodes take place in September of 2022, and all three include information to share if you or someone you know is in need of help with a substance abuse addiction. The hotline number to find help near you: 800-662-4357. *Episode originally aired October 26, 2022*

Take a listen to the federal takeover efforts of state Medicaid policy from Minnesota-based policy expert Peter Nelson. Peter is a senior policy fellow at the Center for the American Experiment, based in the Twin Cities, Federalization, attacks on "too much" choice, and state golden handcuffs of continuous coverage requirements leading too many people with double coverage. 'Precautionary Principle" leading to militant opposition to state good faith attempts to help the system. Peter is in MN, but served in CMS 5 years ago and shares the chaos of the exchanges and the gigantic increases in premiums (93%) and little competition. Listen to a fresh voice with expertise earned from both the state and federal levels.

Joe and Eric continue their discussion with Charley. The conversation explores how drugmakers approach the market and fund new research. They highlight the explicit ways the IRA will undermine the delicate development process for life prolonging and life saving drugs. *This episode aired October 2022*

Joe and Eric continue their discussion with Charley. The conversation explores how drugmakers approach the market and fund new research. They highlight the explicit ways the IRA will undermine the delicate development process for life prolonging and life saving drugs. *This episode aired October 2022*

Joe and Eric drop invaluable deep takes on how the world will shape up in 2024. From healthcare, to to the elections, to policy, problems, and politics of ‘24 … are all right here. Healthcare fights; possible “curve ball” disruptions; Republican todos January 21, 2025; Biden second term; congressional election prediction. Plus more on our final program of 2023.

Hosts Joe Grogan and Eric Ueland explore the paths forward for policymakers grappling with the limitless possibilities of AI. They are joined by prolific author and 30+ year veteran of Washington’s approach to technology, innovation, and public policy, Adam Thierer. They discuss how global regulators have helped—or harmed—human progress and American innovation. This episode is a master class in the precedents and current thinking shaping this rapidly evolving technology. See more at these links.Helpful links:Pieces by AdamWithout Section 230 Protections, Generative AI Innovation Will Be DecimatedFlexible, Pro-Innovation Governance Strategies for Artificial IntelligenceOverregulating AI Will Disrupt Markets and Discourage CompetitionWhite House Executive Order Threatens to Put AI in a Regulatory CageWhat I Learned about the Power of AI at the Cleveland ClinicRunning List of My Research on AI, ML & Robotics PolicyCommentary and contributions by JoeAI Healthcare Working GroupAI in health care: The perils of Biden's executive orderNews and recent developmentsE.U. Agrees on Landmark Artificial Intelligence RulesExecutive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence

Designed to give seniors more options, the Congress designed MA is ways that be working too well. Highly informative discussion about the wonky details of Medicare, its trust fund, and why MA is in so many cross hairs.

Joe and Eric speak with Charley Hooper, author of the book Should the FDA Reject Itself?  Part one of their discussion explores the likely impact of the Inflation Reduction Act and its drug pricing provisions, which include: overall drug production, the total impact on inflation, as well as the irony of prices actually going up as a result. *Episode aired Oct 26, 2022*

Former Judge Sullivan walks us through her 11 years on the bench and what works for people who struggle with addiction. From presiding over local “problem solving court” to her own experience being in recovery herself for 20+ years, her time in the department of justice in Washington, she helps explain why the hopelessness of addiction is made worse by bad government. Enabling addiction with free crack pipes and warm washcloths, and ignoring community (and free) solutions like Alcoholics Anonymous. In 2020, 10,000 AA participants studied were found it to be the most effective treatment. But not something the government controls.Common sense from an uncommon voice of reason and experience, this is not to be missed.

Longer human life doesn’t have to be the gloomy picture demographers have portrayed. Humans have diminished most early childhood diseases, and many middle aged fatalities. We need to live, learn, and work smarter for a longer period of time. We should look at the increasing lifespan as a longer middle age and plan for it. Andrew Scott takes us through how to approach having longer life ahead, from his book The 100 Year Life.

Justin Shubow joins Eric and Joe to share insights and history of the best, worst, and most brutal of government buildings and monuments.

This week’s program hosts a raw, unpacking of hard truths about: the SPR, nuclear opponents within the NRC, and the conflict between China hawks vs green energy advocates. Join Eric and Joe for their discussion with energy strategist, Mike McKenna for unvarnished jolt of reality.

Former advisor to former Defense Secretary Don Rumsfeld and coauthor of his book, Known and Unknown. Victoria shares her insights about the 10/7 terrorist attackers and the impact on Arab-Israeli relations. Relations which she played a role in advancing during her time on the Trump White House working as the deputy national seocurity adviser. She exposes the failures of the current administration to safeguard peace, myopic view of chi China and climate, and the taking on too heavy a burden in defending Ukraine. Iran and Russia are both allowed to trample our interests in service of their climate agenda. c

Joe gets Eric to provide a tutorial on what is really going on in the House. Don’t miss this discussion around the speaker pro tem, the legislation on hold, and how we got here. Note: congressman Steve Scalise was shot during a practice for a congressional baseball game. It was incorrectly mentioned as “softball”.

undefined

This episode explores the enormous historical figure that is Justice Clarence Thomas. Insights on his story are detailed in a discussion about the book Mark co-wrote/edited, Created Equal: Clarence Thomas in His Own Words, which discusses Justice Thomas’s early life surviving the deepest of challenges of poverty. We also explored Justice Thomas’s experience being taught by Irish nuns and the profound and systemic racism he experienced growing up in the deep south.

This episode covers how the Congress can investigate the FTX scandal, the need to learn what happened with the botched and tragic pullout from Afghanistan, and how to begin the examination of the government’s actions regarding Covid-19. The best ways to conduct an examination of public health mistakes of the last few years include examination of free speech suppression; the conduct of large bureaucracies; the lockdown of schools, and inappropriate influence by outside groups. Mark’s experience and advice on proper oversight is a must see.

Joe and Eric review breaking news out of Washington. Eric gives a deep cut on the spending crisis and what is in store for both the house andpp senate. Plus McCarthy grief.

Over the next three episodes Joe and Eric speak with Mark Paoletta, a distinguished attorney in Washington, a former oversight lawyer on Capitol Hill, and the editor/author of the book Created Equal: Clarence Thomas in his Own Words. This episode explores how the new Republican House majority should conduct oversight. The discussion centered on Mark’s experience investigating the malfeasance at Enron, WorldCom, and Global Crossing, as well as his thoughts on how Congress can inform the public and itself about fraud and abuse in the private sector and within the executive branch. This interview was recorded in early November 2022 just after the new majority was declared in the House of Representatives.

Common misconceptions and why pharmaceutical market is so different. List price, co pays and deductibles, oh my. Bio similars v small molecule, how the evolution here promises great things. Competition is real and generates real savings, and deflation. Opportunity for savings was real, IRA causing disruption to that. Cell and gene therapies are just the latest revolution for patients therapies: branded drugs, generic medicines, small molecule, bio similar. Who pays for these high cost, high reward solutions. How does performance play a role?

Discussed: Batch processing versus Continuous flow technology to onshore manufacturing of medicine. The way we increase the reliability of the supply chain is embrace innovation and bring this close to home. National security is improved as well. Supply driven shortages is again a factor, replacing the Covid crisis “demand “driven shortages. On, or near, shore needs to continue. Also discussed: Manufacturing is facing R&D impacts and the IRA is making substantial impact. Uncertainty and changes to research and development are expected not a theory. When the government constrains the price they pay, the price paid by everyone else goes up.

Who better to hear from about the condition of the condition of shortages dogging the healthcare supply chain than someone closest to the issue. David Senior is a longtime official with AmerisourceBergen, one of the world’s largest players in that chain. He discusses the historical challenges as well as the pressures of deflation on supply.

Naomi wraps the third segment with a flourish of innovative thought. About how much value is being added by the latest developments in medicine, how the shrinking cost of most drugs are spurring market choices, and how states are driving some exciting developments in health public policy. Plus the importance of staying healthy as we age.

The conversation continues with helpful insights- and cautions- about regulating AI, observations about the ability of Washington to keep up with the pace of change, and how we need to reimagine our approach. Also the invidious efforts to ration cures through the IRA under the cover of price controls. Bureaucracies and political agendas are stepping in to decide that they know better than patients and doctors about the value of your life.

Goldwater institute health expert, Naomi Lopez, shares her view on why artificial intelligence should not be feared, and can bring great advantages to medicine. elements of it have also been around for a long time, powering every day items like driver assist and crash avoidance. Naomi also talks about her work on behalf of “right to try” and the help it has delivered to people who have been frustrated by slow FDA approval’s.

Recorded on 7/20- the same day the Stamford University president was forced to resign - Dr. Jay offers comment (50:10) on the hostile work environment allowed on campus.The sad and painful story of how the government, big tech, and academia conspired to suppress voices. Blacklisting at Twitter, ruined careers, and zero tolerance for questioning use of masks on children, the efficacy of vaccinees, and lockdowns. The federal government's implied and real threats to ensure censorship. and the terrible price price paid that will echo through generations. Dr. Jay shares ideas on how to restore public trust and improve the scientific community.You can also see this interview on our YouTube page here:https://youtu.be/8HBeapB0nws

The importance of growing the economy, the promise of AI, and why the future will brighter we needn’t be afraid.

The budget conversation continues with Paul. Here Joe and Eric press the question of the viability of maintaining such a large national debt and how economic growth is so vital. Currently the US is world’s leading asset today but we should de-risk our position by remaining a strong nation and drive economic growth. It’s Paul’s view that you cannot grow revenue faster than you grow the economy.

Paul shares his career history, the journey to his newly minted PhD, and useful context for today’s fiscal strife in DC. In this first part of a three-part conversation, Joe and Eric dive into what brought Paul to the fold of federal budget expertise, and useful top line takeaways from his London school of economics training.

Part III of Joe and Eric’s talk with economist Tomas Philipson focuses on his role as acting head of the Council of Economic Advisers from the start of the Covid crisis. What it was like to watch the “blue collar boom” and 3%+ GDP growth get undone by the pandemic, and how public health attitudes toward prevention at any cost, cost us dearly. And how the two tier approach (protect venerable / keep economy open) advocated by CEA lost out to fear and public health virologists who were not okay with getting healthy people information to decide for themselves.

In the second part of a three-part interview, hosts Joe Grogan and Eric Ueland glean more gems from University of Chicago economist, Tom Philipson. Discussed are the damaging results of the two-year decline in US real wages, market volatility caused by government largesse, and the asymmetrical focus on bureaucrats over actual economic supply and demand metrics. Part one of this discussion begins with a unyielding dissection of the damage be done by the IRA to medical discovery. This week they discuss the regressive harm, being done in the name of “green” energy with additional burdens placed on lower income people. Learn more about Tom and keep up with his latest writings on his LinkedIn page:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomas-j-philipson-02878024/

From the public announcements of discontinued research, the fuzzy CBO math that is under-counting the reductions in cures, to the bloated use of taxpayer dollars to implement price control. Its a data rich discussion that's sure to send shivers down the spines of policymakers, practitioners , and patients alike.Tom can be found: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomas-j-philipson-02878024/

In a wide-ranging discussion, the boys explore the cause-and-effect of both the legal and illegal opioid epidemic. The role of an unsecured southern border has on the drug trade, the long-lasting impact of covid shutdowns on children and American health productivity, and current threats from inflation and possibility of recession. *Episode originally aired July 21, 2022*

The boys discuss the work and background of PhD economist, and University of Chicago's own, Casey Mulligan. Part one looks into how as a member of President Trump Counsel of Economic Advisors (CEA) informed and updated the president on socialism, wages, and the historic deregulatory effort his administration was undertaking. *Episode originally aired July 21, 2022

Tevi Troy, best-selling presidential historian and a former senior government official, joins DC EKG

Tevi Troy, best-selling presidential historian and a former senior government official, joins DC EKG

Tevi Troy, best-selling presidential historian and a former senior government official, joins DC EKG

CZ and the guys wrap up their talk and bring us to the current day. He now grapples with his current disability by focusing his efforts on preserving the hope and innovation that benefited him… and millions more. He sees real threats to the pipeline of breakthroughs as a result of 40 years of bipartisan public policy that unleashed 40 years of medical miracles. All that changed under “the cover of Covid” with health provisions tucked into the IRA law passed on a party line vote in 2022. Today with Survivors for Solutions he is giving voice to the forgotten stakeholders: patients. Lost in the shuffle of special interests are patient voices downstream of this policy fight; a fight that is personal for CZ.

CZ continues his discussion on DCEKG with sharing how having the hope of a breakthrough drug rescued him from a life cut short; how his MS issued a near-knockout blow, sending him to live stuck in his parents’ Long Island basement, dependent, and unproductive. Hope arrives in the form another innovative drug. Soon after he begins his second DMT, he goes from single, wheelchair bound, and alone, to married, with four kids, and career Forest Gump would find implausible. He credits the science and having multiple treatment options or holding back his MS, for what turned out to be relief from disease progression for almost 20 years. Shortly after leaving Capitol Hill, he spent ten years at Verizon followed by a move to his wife’s family’s home state of Minnesota. Until CZ and his family return from self-imposed exile after the new president’s team calls seeking help with confirming three of cabinet nominees. A brief volunteer gig turns into tours of service at the OMB, CFPB, and the West Wing; with his MS riding shotgun the whole time. When the inevitable happens and he can no longer work, he takes on a new cause and founded a nonprofit patient advocacy group, called Survivors for Solutions.

Veteran of high-stakes DC public policy and communications, co-creator of this podcast, and a good, long time friend of both Eric and Joe, John “CZ” Czwartacki maps his career with how his 30 year battle with multiple sclerosis began. Long in public service, CZ has never discussed his MS publicly… until now. This program reviews the early part of his career - Kemp, Boehner, Paxon, Dole-Kemp, and Lott - and how his diagnosis of an incurable disease, and his battle with it, played out. More from this conversation will be released next week.

Tevi Troy, best-selling presidential historian and a former senior government official, joins DC EKG

Tevi Troy, best-selling presidential historian and a former senior government official, joins DC EKG

Tevi Troy, best-selling presidential historian and a former senior government official, joins DC EKG

Joe and Eric continue their discussion with Tyler Goodspeed and explore disruptions that come from inflation. Tyler reveals that the best indicator of how the economy is doing in high and medium inflation environments is the consumer, better than government economists and academics. Tyler explains how the US dollar is the world's reserve currency and is not under threat by China, or any other entity at this time. But he does say that he could see other central banks diversifying into more than US Treasuries.

In the next part of this conversation Joe and Eric probe Tyler for his thoughts on current economic challenges. Specifically, the show looks at how to unwind the regulatory hurdles put in place by the current administration. Tyler also explores the problems with the workforce participation rate and whether extending federal supplemental unemployment benefits kept people out of the workforce. Additionally, we explore how inflation caused declines in real wages and impacts on the US consumer.

Tyler Goodspeed is the guest for the next three episodes with Joe and Eric. Tyler served on the Council of Economic Advisors and is currently at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He recently spent time in the UK advising Liz Truss, the shortest serving Prime Minister in U.K. history. Tyler then shared an insider perspective on why her policy rollouts did not go as well as they could have, and the experiences he had in Great Britain with the think tank culture of London.

This episode covers how the Congress can investigate the FTX scandal, the need to learn what happened with the botched and tragic pullout from Afghanistan, and how to begin the examination of the government’s actions regarding Covid-19. The best ways to conduct an examination of public health mistakes of the last few years include examination of free speech suppression; the conduct of large bureaucracies; the lockdown of schools, and inappropriate influence by outside groups. Mark’s experience and advice on proper oversight is a must see.

This episode explores the enormous historical figure that is Justice Clarence Thomas. Insights on his story are detailed in a discussion about the book Mark co-wrote/edited, Created Equal: Clarence Thomas in His Own Words, which discusses Justice Thomas’s early life surviving the deepest of challenges of poverty. We also explored Justice Thomas’s experience being taught by Irish nuns and the profound and systemic racism he experienced growing up in the deep south.

Over the next three episodes Joe and Eric speak with Mark Paoletta, a distinguished attorney in Washington, a former oversight lawyer on Capitol Hill, and the editor/author of the book Created Equal: Clarence Thomas in his Own Words. This episode explores how the new Republican House majority should conduct oversight. The discussion centered on Mark’s experience investigating the malfeasance at Enron, WorldCom, and Global Crossing, as well as his thoughts on how Congress can inform the public and itself about fraud and abuse in the private sector and within the executive branch. This interview was recorded in early November 2022 just after the new majority was declared in the House of Representatives.

In part three of this discussion with Charley Hooper, FDA expert and former NASA official, they examine the legacy of FDA’s its “white hat” reputation and how it’s not as deserved as it once was. In addition, they discuss the chilling effect new legislation will have on new cancer treatments, as well as the punitive effect this will have on generic drugs, patients in need of drugs for rare disorders, and testing already approved drugs to combat other diseases.

Joe and Eric continue their discussion with Charley. The conversation explores how drugmakers approach the market and fund new research. They highlight the explicit ways the IRA will undermine the delicate development process for life prolonging and life saving drugs. *This episode aired October 2022*

Joe and Eric speak with Charley Hooper, author of the book Should the FDA Reject Itself?  Part one of their discussion explores the likely impact of the Inflation Reduction Act and its drug pricing provisions, which include: overall drug production, the total impact on inflation, as well as the irony of prices actually going up as a result. *Episode aired Oct 26, 2022*

In the third episode of this three-part discussion, Art shares details on his latest effort to help improve substance abuse treatment in the US. He began a nonprofit called the “Recovery Now” foundation. They also review current public policies branded as “harm reduction.” During this administration these measures are normalizing dependency and drug use, which in his view is the most effective way to break down the family unit. They also discuss how meth labs have been put out of business by importation of more legal and powerful drugs manufactured south of the border. They conclude discussion about how to get help for those who need it by calling 800-662-4357 *Episode aired October 26, 2022*

In the second part of their three-part discussion, the discussion begins with what Art saw on his trip (August of 2022) to the southern border. Art shares how drug cartels monitor and control the border, use migrants who can’t afford the $6000 fee coyotes charge to smuggle them across the US, and the sophisticated tactics the cartels use to evade US border patrol. Art also unmasks the fallacy of public distribution of “test strips” and buddy system use stating flatly that “there is no safe way to consume outside a hospital.” Because the euphoric effect of the drug diminishes before exiting the human body, users would be tempted to consume more while actual levels of the opioid are still in the system leading to tragic overdoses. He also confirms with previous podcast Casey Mulligan’s data on the number of opioid overdose deaths in the US is 108,000 which is up from the approximate death toll under President Trump. For help with substance abuse call 800-662-4357 *Episode originally aired October 6, 2022*

This episode tackles one of the most important public policy issues facing the US today. Joe and Eric hold a three-part discussion with their guest Art Kleinschmidt, where they review the current opioid crisis, discuss what public policy and recovery look like, and explore Art’s story of how he lived as a recovering user himself.   The following three episodes take place in September of 2022, and all three include information to share if you or someone you know is in need of help with a substance abuse addiction. The hotline number to find help near you: 800-662-4357. *Episode originally aired October 26, 2022*

In a wide-ranging discussion, the boys explore the cause-and-effect of both the legal and illegal opioid epidemic. The role of an unsecured southern border has on the drug trade, the long-lasting impact of covid shutdowns on children and American health productivity, and current threats from inflation and possibility of recession. *Episode originally aired July 21, 2022*

The boys discuss the work and background of PhD economist, and University of Chicago's own, Casey Mulligan. Part one looks into how as a member of President Trump Counsel of Economic Advisors (CEA) informed and updated the president on socialism, wages, and the historic deregulatory effort his administration was undertaking. *Episode originally aired July 21, 2022

In the final part of their conversation, the boys discuss with Brian how the IRS was pressured into changing rules to accommodate what was known as “the family glitch,” and the origins of the “why and how” of Paragon Health was created. Paragon is Brian’s response to the vacuum in public policy of market-based ideas in healthcare policy. His experience has assembled a team to assist a grassroots think tank to feed and share with state leaders ideas for better public health policy. *This episode originally aired Jun 3, 2022*

In reviewing the history of health efforts under President Trump, Joe and Eric continue their talk with Brian exploring what emerged from the ashes of the failed “repeal and replace” legislative efforts on Capitol Hill. Through executive orders and Brian’s hard work at NEC, President Trump detailed a three part agenda: Association Health Plans; 2. short duration health insurance; 3. Health reimbursement accounts. These ideas became the center of health reform for conservatives even after Associated Health Plans were struck down by a federal court. *This episode originally aired Jun 3, 2022*

Joe Grogan and Eric Ueland begin a three-part discussion with Brian Blase, formerly of the National economic Council and now CEO of Paragon Health. Part one covers the early days of the Trump administration with stories of frustration and missed opportunities. What it was like to work for a president who assumed that Republican leadership on Capitol Hill would be ready with a plan of their own after a decade talking about the need to "repeal and replace" Obamacare. Apparently, that was too much to hope for. Luckily, Brian had a plan – and an executive order – to reinvigorate the debate around choice and competition. *This episode aired June 3, 2022 *

Welcome to DC EKG where Joe and Eric explore and explain “the what and why” of Washington. Through thoughtful interviews with inside the room experts, they shine a light on the black box of DC and break down healthcare issues and policy areas that shape healthcare.