POLITICO's Pulse Check
604 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 452 ratingsPOLITICO Pulse Check delivers the latest news in health care with sharp policy analysis and a dose of real-world perspective. Hear what stories POLITICO's deep bench of Health Care policy reporters are watching and their analysis of the critical issues facing regulators, legislators, and practitioners.
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Episodes
The two big ways AI is changing health care
December 22, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 4.58 MBArtificial intelligence is changing the way doctors practice, but also how the health care business runs. Host Chelsea Cirruzzo talks with POLITICO health care reporter Daniel Payne about the ways AI is already used across the medical landscape and how regulators are responding.
For HHS, AI is an inside job
December 21, 2023 10:00 - 4 minutes - 3.97 MBAs federal officials scramble to regulate artificial intelligence in health care, HHS has already become one of the top federal agencies using the technology. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO health reporter Chelsea Cirruzzo about some of the 80 implemented or planned uses of AI by HHS agencies.
A look back at abortion policy in 2023 and a look forward to 2024
December 20, 2023 10:00 - 7 minutes - 5.97 MBAbortion policy changes made since the fall of Roe v. Wade continue to spur ongoing political turmoil nationwide. Host Lauren Gardner talks with POLITICO health care reporter Alice Miranda Ollstein about the most significant developments surrounding abortion this year and what to expect heading into 2024.
Fentanyl’s fatal year in review
December 19, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.29 MBFatal overdoses of the synthetic opioid have hit record highs in the U.S. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLITICO global health reporter Carmen Paun about the devastating impact of the fentanyl epidemic.
What the USPS is hiding about worker safety
December 18, 2023 10:00 - 7 minutes - 5.91 MBHeat is the second-leading cause of injury to postal workers after slips and falls. Letter carriers are supposed to receive training for dealing with high temperatures, but the Postal Service acknowledged to E&E News that it had in some cases falsified training records, reporter Ariel Wittenberg tells host Kelly Hooper.
What Biden's new fair price drug policy means
December 15, 2023 10:00 - 4 minutes - 4.51 MBThe Biden administration announced Thursday that drug companies receiving research funding from HHS’ emergency response arm, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, will have to commit to a “fair price” – not more than they charge in other countries. Host Chelsea Cirruzzo talks with POLITICO health care reporter Robert King about the Biden administration's efforts to curb high prescription drug prices.
Congress’ health reform package: Where does it stand?
December 14, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 4.71 MBAs Congress pursues landmark health reforms, lawmakers must align House and Senate legislation that includes ensuring transparency from hospitals, insurers and pharmacy benefit managers and reauthorizing a law that would expand treatment for opioid use disorders. Host Megan Messerly talks with POLITICO health care reporter Ben Leonard about the chances of reconciling the chambers’ competing bills.
The future of milestone opioid law
December 13, 2023 10:00 - 7 minutes - 6.16 MBCongress has moved to reup treatment for opioid use disorder as the rate of fatal overdoses remains near record highs in the US. Host Lauren Gardner talks with POLITICO global health reporter Carmen Paun about the role of the SUPPORT Act in the ongoing opioid epidemic.
How the coming mining boom could upend local health care
December 12, 2023 10:00 - 7 minutes - 6.21 MBMining companies offer good jobs with good benefits that can counterintuitively damage health care access, boosting it for some while hampering it for others. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLITICO health care reporter Megan Messerly about the unintended ripple effects of mining companies' good health benefits plans.
Why Congress is deadlocked over PEPFAR
December 11, 2023 10:00 - 7 minutes - 6 MBCongressional negotiations to reup the law governing the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief are at an impasse over abortion. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO global health reporter Carmen Paun about what's going on and what it means for a program credited with saving 25 million lives.
Some drug patents in the Biden administration's crosshairs
December 08, 2023 10:00 - 7 minutes - 5.91 MBThe White House says it can use "march-in rights" to seize patents for certain medicines partly developed with federal funds. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO White House Correspondent Adam Cancryn about how the move could give the president another tool in his effort to lower drug prices.
Who’s calling the shots on health care policy now?
December 07, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.4 MBLouisiana Republican Mike Johnson's rise to House Speaker and the departure of some key health care policy aides are shifting power on the Hill, giving more sway to the priorities of committee chairs and their senior staffers in the shaping of health care policy in 2024. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with POLITICO health care reporter Megan R. Wilson about the changes.
Dr. Google’s legislative test
December 06, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 4.78 MBGoogle wants to make your phone a "doctor in your pocket" using artificial intelligence, but lawmakers worry the tech giant and others are innovating too fast before patient protections are set. Host Lauren Gardner talks with POLITICO health care reporter Ruth Reader about artificial intelligence and Washington's drive to regulate.
Repeal-and-replace redux
December 05, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.2 MBThe Affordable Care Act insures more than 40 million people and is very popular. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLITICO health care reporter Alice Miranda Ollstein about why calls by former President Donald Trump to replace the law could fall on deaf ears. (edited)
Sickle cell gene-editing treatment poised for FDA approval
December 04, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.13 MBThe FDA is close to a decision on a landmark one-time gene-editing treatment for patients with sickle cell disease and another blood disorder. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO health care reporter Lauren Gardner about how the therapy works, its safety profile, who will be eligible for it and the significant challenges around affordability and access.
Trump reignites Affordable Care Act battle
December 01, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.52 MBFormer President Donald Trump is once again calling to repeal the Affordable Care Act, a move the Biden administration views as a political gift ahead of the 2024 election. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO White House Correspondent Adam Cancryn about Trump’s comments and the potential political implications.
The changing face of primary care
November 30, 2023 10:00 - 7 minutes - 5.73 MBDemocrats and Republicans agree that the primary care system needs an overhaul. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with POLITICO health care reporter Daniel Payne about the push to encourage nurses to take on new duties.
China’s virus outbreak: Seasonal return or new threat?
November 29, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.5 MBChina is seeing a surge in respiratory infections, especially among children, but health experts in the U.S. say it’s not a sign of another pandemic. Host Lauren Gardner talks with POLITICO global health care reporter Carmen Paun about the current outbreak and why experts say we shouldn’t be too concerned.
Medicare Advantage plans on the rise, and under scrutiny
November 28, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 4.69 MBBipartisan concern is growing on Capitol Hill over reports of care denials by Medicare Advantage plans through a tool known as prior authorization. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLITICO health care reporter Robert King about the increasing congressional scrutiny.
Organ transplant reforms stalled by lack of funding
November 27, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 4.08 MBPresident Joe Biden signed into law an overhaul of the nation's organ transplant system, the first major reform in 40 years. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with POLITICO health care reporter Chelsea Cirruzzo about how a lack of funding has stalled the effort.
Why the forecast is cloudy for year-end health legislation
November 22, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 4.03 MBThe recent short-term government funding agreement has likely closed the door on typical year-end omnibus spending packages that could have advanced health priorities. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO health care reporter David Lim about the dim prospects for passing health policies before year’s end and what it means for 2024.
A clear and present danger
November 21, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 5 MBThe latest Lancet Countdown report details the dire consequences of rising temperatures and increasing energy emissions. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLITICO EU health care reporter Ashleigh Furlong about the potential catastrophic threats climate change poses to human health.
More infant RSV shots sent as winter nears
November 20, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 4.05 MBThe CDC announced last week that over 77,000 additional doses of a monoclonal antibody shot protecting infants from severe RSV are being distributed to providers amid ongoing shortages. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO health care reporter Chelsea Cirruzzo about the extra doses arriving as the winter illness season approaches.
U.K. approves world’s first gene-editing therapy
November 17, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.18 MBIn a global first, the United Kingdom has approved a gene-editing treatment for some rare blood diseases that may receive U.S. approval next month. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO Europe health care reporter Carlo Martuscelli about the U.K. decision.
Health policy fixes in flux without year-end omnibus spending bill
November 16, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 4.53 MBThe lack of a year-end omnibus spending bill creates uncertainty for health industry groups seeking 11th hour fixes on Medicare physician payment cuts. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with POLITICO health care reporter Robert King about possible backup plans for the groups or fixes potentially getting added to other year-end spending bills.
Connecticut’s solution to covering pricey weight-loss drugs
November 15, 2023 10:00 - 7 minutes - 5.83 MBThe high cost of weight-loss drugs has states trying to figure out how their employee health plans can afford to cover them. Host Lauren Gardner talks with POLITICO health care reporter Kelly Hooper about Connecticut’s approach, which ties health plan coverage to lifestyle programs, and whether that method can serve as a model for other states.
Will Florida be the exception for abortion-rights supporters?
November 14, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.06 MBOrganizers behind an abortion-rights initiative have yet to gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot in the Sunshine State. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLITICO policy reporter Arek Sarkissian about the challenges facing the campaign.
GOP seeks 95 percent cut to Trumps AIDS program
November 13, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.28 MBFour years ago, President Donald Trump convinced Congress to commit millions in funding toward ending AIDS. But House Republicans plan to vote this week to cut most of the funding. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO's Evan Peng about what's behind this dramatic change in Republican support.
Voters have their say on abortion restrictions
November 10, 2023 10:00 - 8 minutes - 6.68 MBSupport for abortion rights cuts across party lines, doing significantly better with voters than President Joe Biden and other Democrats. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO health care reporter Megan Messerly, who breaks down the results of Tuesday’s elections and what’s ahead for the 2024 race.
2023 Milken Future of Health summit takeaways
November 09, 2023 10:00 - 8 minutes - 6.46 MBAt the 2023 Milken Institute Future of Health Summit this week, experts agreed AI will revolutionize health care, but lawmakers, regulators and thought leaders warned of the risks around misinformation and data privacy, among others . Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with Politico health care reporter Daniel Payne about the key takeaways from the conference.
Finding a doula in New York just got easier
November 08, 2023 10:00 - 7 minutes - 5.73 MBDoulas — birthing experts who provide nonmedical support during pregnancy and childbirth — have been shown to improve health outcomes and combat racial inequities in maternal mortality and morbidity. New York just passed legislation to increase access to doulas. Host Ruth Reader talks with POLITICO health care reporter Maya Kaufman about the law and how New York plans to expand access statewide.
CDC panel recommends changing infection-control guidelines
November 07, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.18 MBThe CDC’s advisers on infection control are proposing updates to 16-year-old guidance on how doctors can limit transmission of viral infections in health care facilities. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO health care reporter Chelsea Cirruzzo about what’s ahead for the proposed changes.
Notable change in NY's approach to overdose prevention funding
November 06, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.56 MBGov. Kathy Hochul now opposes state funding for new overdose-prevention centers, despite an advisory board's recommendations. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO health care reporter Maya Kaufman about the governor's shifting stance.
Transparency concerns at drug pricing patient sessions
November 03, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.77 MBCMS is holding public listening sessions on Medicare price negotiations for the first 10 drugs selected, but reporting uncovered concerns patient advocates and the pharma industry have over transparency and potential conflicts of interest from some speakers. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLITICO health care reporter David Lim about the ties some speakers have to the industry or advocacy groups.
The ACA's open enrollment began this week: Here's what's new
November 02, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 5.29 MBThe 2024 Affordable Care Act open enrollment period started Wednesday, with changes such as higher premiums and different plan choices. Federal, and in some cases state, subsidies are expected to shield most enrollees from cost hikes. Host Evan Peng talks with POLITICO health care reporter Kelly Hooper about the open enrollment process and what to expect.
Coming to terms with AI’s future role in health care
November 01, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.63 MBArtificial intelligence is working its way into health care. But, so far, government agencies have done little to regulate its use, potentially putting patients at risk for misdiagnoses, bias and privacy violations. Host Lauren Gardner talks with POLITICO health care reporter Daniel Payne about those risks and the debate over how to balance innovation and patient safety.
The future is here: AI in health care
October 31, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.05 MBA Biden administration executive order directs HHS to develop guidelines and oversight for the use of AI in health care. Host Chelsea Cirruzzo talks with POLITICO health care reporter Ben Leonard about what the order means for the sector.
Abortion on the ballot: What the Ohio vote means
October 30, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 5.42 MBOhio voters will decide next week whether to amend the state constitution to protect abortion rights, overriding the current six-week ban. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO Morning Score author Madison Fernandez about what's at stake.
Congress debates Biden’s nursing home staffing rules
October 27, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.36 MBCongress took up new rules from the Biden administration that set minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes. At a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing this week, members debated whether more staff would help care for patients or make it impossible for the businesses to stay afloat. Host Evan Peng talks about that and other workforce issues with POLITICO health care reporter Daniel Payne.
Bernie Sanders' failed fight to lower drug prices in 2023
October 26, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 4.87 MBSen. Bernie Sanders sought Democratic support for more action on lowering drug prices this year before he advanced President Joe Biden's pick to lead the NIH. It didn't work. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with POLITICO health care reporter Erin Schumaker about why Sanders' "no" vote on advancing Dr. Monica Bertagnolli's nomination failed.
How CDC Director Mandy Cohen is kicking off a new era
October 25, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.75 MBThe CDC has a new leader who’s working to regain the public’s trust in the sometimes-beleaguered agency. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO health care reporter Chelsea Cirruzzo, who caught up with CDC Director Mandy Cohen to discuss her national “trust” tour and her plans for the agency’s future.
Why some states want more power over Medicare Advantage plans.
October 24, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 5.81 MBSome state insurance commissioners want Congress to restore their authority to regulate Medicare Advantage marketing. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLITICO health care reporter Robert King about what they want and why.
Congress not acting on the opioid epidemic
October 23, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 6.36 MBThe U.S. drug overdose crisis is out of control. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with Carmen Paun about why Washington’s efforts are failing.
Why experts are criticizing FDA's approach to some neurological drugs
October 20, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 5.99 MBSome experts fear the FDA's accelerated approval process for neurological disease treatments greenlights clinically promising but unproven drugs that can result in giving patients false hope. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO health care reporter Katherine Ellen Foley about how the FDA is balancing those concerns against the needs of patients.
Why and how CMS is 'reining in' Medicare Advantage ads
October 19, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 6.07 MBFor the first time, CMS is screening Medicare Advantage plan TV ads before they air, blocking hundreds of them over what the agency calls misleading information and unsubstantiated claims. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with POLITICO health care reporter Robert King about the impact of CMS policing ads during Medicare’s annual open enrollment period.
How Bidens’ insurer transparency rules hinder shopping around
October 18, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 5.73 MBThe Biden administration’s health care price transparency rules were meant to help employers get better deals from insurers. But, so far, the data’s quality has been so poor that they can’t use it. Host Lauren Gardner talks with POLITICO health care reporter Kelly Hooper about how the unclear data prevents employers from shopping around for insurers.
House speaker chaos, or not …
October 17, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.58 MBHealth care policy is at the center of some congressional hearings this week. Host Megan R. Wilson talks with reporter Ben Leonard about how health care issues figure into upcoming action on Capitol Hill.
Biden’s NIH pick finally gets her confirmation hearing
October 16, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.4 MBAfter months of delay, senators on the HELP Committee on Wednesday will vet President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the National Institutes of Health: Dr. Monica Bertagnolli. Host Daniel Payne talks with POLITICO health care reporter Erin Schumaker about the reasons for the delay and what to expect at the hearing.
What's behind Rep. McCaul's anti-fentanyl push?
October 13, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 6.16 MBRep. Michael McCaul's (R-Texas) has seen the fentanyl crisis up close, whichdrives his push for bipartisan legislation against opioid trafficking. Host Daniel Payne talks with POLITICO global health reporter Carmen Paun about McCaul's attempts to build support.
Impact of Ohio’s vote on abortion rights
October 12, 2023 09:00 - 8 minutes - 7.69 MBIn four weeks, voters in Ohio will decide whether to add abortion protections into the state constitution. Host Lauren Gardner talks with Alice Miranda Ollstein about why anti-abortion groups are pinning their hopes on the Buckeye State.