DC EKG

Obamacare, HSAs, and Reference Pricing with Dr. John Goodman

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:58:00 GMT

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

340B, Part D, and the Real Drivers of Drug Costs with Ryan Long

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:38:00 GMT

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

State AI Laws, Preemption and Health Innovation with Adam Thierer

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

Why state AI bills are accelerating and what is driving them
“Mega measures” that try to regulate frontier models, child safety, jobs, and copyright in one bill
New York and California style rulemaking with national spillover
The Micron example and how permitting and lawsuits can stop progress
Algorithmic discrimination laws and why healthcare gets hit hardest
Mental health chatbot bans and the access and workforce tradeoffs
Preemption and why Congress keeps punting
Alternative models: inventories, learning labs, sandboxes, and targeted gap fixes

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

HTI 5, Health Data Control and AI with Kat McDavitt and Lisa Bari

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:00:00 GMT

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

What HTI 5 is and why ONC is scaling back parts of EHR certification
Information blocking, TEFCA, and what real interoperability requires
Patient access vs business-to-business exchange and why complete records are still hard to get
HIPAA and the gap between intent and real-world data sharing
Screen scraping, automation, and why data access is becoming an AI issue
State AI regulation and federal direction on AI policy

,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

Rural Health on the Front Lines: Dr. Manny Sethi on Access, Private Equity, and Prevention

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:41:00 GMT

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:

Dr. Sethi’s background and why he returned to Tennessee to practice trauma care
Why Healthy Tennessee was created and how prevention can reduce downstream costs and complications
How volunteer health fairs work, who shows up, and why many attendees now have insurance but still cannot get appointments
The role of insurers, employers, food banks, and community partners in scaling prevention and screening
How private equity consolidation can narrow access and accelerate monopolies in rural markets
Policy ideas that could move clinicians to rural communities, including better reimbursement and stronger incentives

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

Rural access problems are not only about coverage; they are about workforce, consolidation, and appointment availability.
Administrative and EHR burdens can push small practices toward sale, accelerating consolidation.
Prevention works when it is local, trusted, and paired with real follow-up pathways.
Incentives matter; better rural payments and stronger recruitment tools can move clinicians where they are needed.

About Our Guest
Dr. 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.

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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

Alzheimer’s in Real Life: Sue Peschin on Early Detection, Biomarkers, CED, and the ASAP Act

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 02:09:00 GMT

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:

What the Alliance for Aging Research is and why it focuses on “gap” aging and brain health issues
How many Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, including younger-onset cases
The difference between Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and other dementias, and why neuropsychiatric symptoms matter
Why early and accurate detection is critical, even before someone qualifies for a disease-modifying therapy
New tools: blood-based biomarkers, digital assessments, PET scans, and when they are used
How Medicare coverage, Coverage with Evidence Development (CED), and the ASAP Act affect access to diagnostics and treatments
The tension between FDA’s role on safety and effectiveness and CMS’s role on cost control and coverage

Timestamps (Audio platforms)

0:00 Intro and Sue’s background / Alliance for Aging Research
5:30 How big is the Alzheimer’s and dementia problem
10:30 Why early detection matters and why diagnoses are still missed
18:30 Neuropsychiatric symptoms, stigma, and caregiver burden
26:30 Blood biomarkers, digital tools, and primary care
33:30 The ASAP Act and Medicare coverage for biomarkers
38:30 Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) and Section 1801
45:00 How to get involved and where to find resources

Key Takeaways

Alzheimer’s is one of several dementias, and many patients have mixed dementia (Alzheimer’s plus vascular changes).
Early detection is vital, not only for disease-modifying therapies, but to rule out other treatable causes and to help families plan.
New blood biomarkers and digital assessments could make detection cheaper and easier, but coverage and adoption lag behind the science.
Medicare’s CED policy has sharply limited access to Alzheimer’s therapies despite FDA approval and labeled indications.
The ASAP Act aims to secure Medicare coverage for Alzheimer’s blood-based biomarkers without waiting on slow guideline processes.

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.

STLDI and ACA Coverage: Costs, Choice, and Tradeoffs

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:03:00 GMT

"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

What STLDI is and how it compares to ACA exchange plans
Why renewal guarantees matter for long-term protection
Risk pools, affordability, and why the “junk insurance” debate persists
Pre-existing conditions, politics, and how incentives affect networks and access
Why employer-based coverage and Medicare policy shaped today’s system

Key Takeaways

STLDI is a legal, consumer-driven coverage option that can reduce premiums and expand choice.
Renewal guarantees are a major consumer protection that changes the long-term risk story.
Pre-existing conditions policy is often debated emotionally, but incentives determine outcomes.

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.

Ryan Long on the ACA Subsidy Fight, Phantom Enrollees, and Reforming 340B

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:02:00 GMT

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

Healthcare AI Gets Real: Naomi Lopez on ACCESS, TEMPO, and the Future of Care

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 01:52:00 GMT

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:

Jim O’Neill’s vision for AI at HHS, including internal AI adoption and keeping a direct line open for small innovators.
ACCESS and TEMPO as new federal test beds for AI in chronic disease management and Medicare payment.
How wearables, remote monitoring, and “virtual ICU” models can support aging in place and reduce pressure on state budgets.
Ways AI can reduce documentation burden, support care coordination, and act as a first-line triage tool without replacing clinicians.
The emerging idea of personal AI agents that help patients navigate the system and share the right data with clinicians.
How AI-enabled diagnostics and tools can expand access in rural and underserved communities.
Why interoperability, ONC’s API rules, and the balance between state AI regulation and federal preemption will shape how quickly these tools scale.
The potential for tech companies to become Medicare Part B providers under ACCESS, and what that means for reimbursement and competition.

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.

Regulatory clarity and predictable routes from FDA clearance to Medicare reimbursement are essential for sustained AI adoption.
AI is currently most valuable as a force multiplier for physician productivity, taking on administrative and analytic work so clinicians can focus on patients.
Personal AI agents may become a primary interface between patients and the health system, coordinating data, benefits, and care.
Rural and underserved communities could benefit significantly if payment and regulatory rules support AI-enabled diagnostics and remote care.
Interoperability, state AI laws, and federal preemption will determine whether healthcare AI stays in pilots or reaches patients nationwide.

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.

Are We Getting Our Money’s Worth? Jackson Hammond on NHE, CMS Reform & Making Insurance Almost Obsolete

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 01:49:00 GMT

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.”

Fixing Obamacare Without Repeal: Tony LoSasso on Competition, Subsidies & Fiscal Reality

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:53:00 GMT

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.

James Gelfand on Ending Hospital Rip-Offs, Cutting Costs, and the Future of Employer-Sponsored Healthcare

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:58:00 GMT

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.

Ryan Long on The Hidden Costs of 340B and ACA Subsidies—and Why Reform Matters

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:12:00 GMT

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.

Dutch Rojas on Physician-Owned Hospitals, Transparency, and Ending Healthcare Monopolies

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:52:00 GMT

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.

Inside the Business of American Healthcare with Wharton’s Dr. Lawton Burns

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 16:11:00 GMT

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.

Debunking the Myths of the One Big Beautiful Bill with Brian Blase

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:39:00 GMT

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

Sean Spicer on Why Legacy Media Is Failing, Trump’s Impact & the Future of GOP Messaging

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 23:36:00 GMT

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 on How Transparency Can Fix U.S. Healthcare Costs

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 17:27:00 GMT

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.

Dan Troy on the FDA, Free Speech, and the Future of Drug Innovation

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:49:00 GMT

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.

How to Rescue Medicare and Rebuild America’s Health Insurance Market with Michael Cannon

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 01:05:00 GMT

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.

Peter Pitts on Navigating FDA Bureaucracy and Unlocking Health Innovation

Fri, 23 May 2025 19:55:00 GMT

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.

Tevi Troy on Power, Politics, and the Fight to Reclaim Big Pharma’s Image

Wed, 14 May 2025 18:23:00 GMT

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.

How to Restore Patient Care in a Broken System with Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 09:00:00 GMT

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.

Ryan Long on How the 340B Drug Program Got Hijacked—and What It’s Costing Patients

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:25:00 GMT

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.

How Legal Shifts Are Reshaping U.S. Healthcare Policy with Kelly Cleary

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 18:57:00 GMT

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.

How Regulatory Reform Can Accelerate Medical Innovation in America with Dr. Brian Miller

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 21:07:00 GMT

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.

Unpacking the Obamacare Money Laundering Scheme with Brian Blase

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 17:41:00 GMT

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.

Trump’s Healthcare Overhaul & Canada as the 51st State? Sally Pipes Weighs In

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:55:00 GMT

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.

Josh Rauh on the DOGE Initiative: Can It Fix America’s Financial Crisis?

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 21:42:00 GMT

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.

Reforming Healthcare and Economic Policy to Help Americans Thrive with Vance Ginn

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:50:00 GMT

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

3 Key Changes That Could Transform American Healthcare with Economist Anthony LoSasso

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 10:00:00 GMT

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/

Kat McDavitt and Lisa Bari of The Health Tech Talk Show on Healthcare Tech, Data, and Interoperability

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 20:05:00 GMT

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-

What Actually Drives Better Health in America with Dr. Joel Zinberg

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 13:58:00 GMT

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.

Dr. Robert Redfield on How RFK Jr.'s Vision for Health Reform Can End America’s Health Crisis

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 18:08:28 GMT

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.

3 Ways to Fix Government in a Polarized Era with Daniel Rothschild

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 14:42:00 GMT

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.

What a Trump 2.0 Presidency Means for the Future of Health Care with Dr. Lanhee Chen

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:19:35 GMT

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.

Justin Shubow on the Politics of Architecture and How to Make America Beautiful Again

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:32:32 GMT

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.

Ge Bai on the IRA, CBO Insights, and Long-Term Care Financial Burdens

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:43:00 GMT

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.

Economist Casey Mulligan on How Democrats Secretly Gutted Medicare

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:19:00 GMT

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.

Examining the Impoundment Act and Its Impact on Budget Control with Mark Paoletta

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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: @MarkPaoletta

Website: markpaoletta.com

Listen to DC EKG:

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Apple Podcasts: DC EKG on Apple Podcasts

How Pharmacists Can Revolutionize Healthcare with Tim Frost

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:30:00 GMT

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 Institute

50 Elixir

Where to Find Us:

Listen to DC EKG on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Connect with Tim Frost:

Tim Frost on LinkedIn

Tim Frost's Work at Cicero Institute

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Calley Means on Trump, RFK Jr. and the Path to Making America Healthy Again

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:00:00 GMT

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.

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Resources Mentioned:

Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Health and Metabolism by Casey Means & Calley Means

TrueMed

Yuval Levin on How the Constitution Can Heal a Divided Nation

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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.

Unveiling National Security Failures: Victoria Coates on Arab-Israeli Relations and Global Geopolitics [DC EKG Rerun]

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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

Dr. Joel Zinberg on Telehealth, AI, and Healthcare Reform – Insights from a Surgeon and Lawyer

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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:

Check Out Joel's Work:

Learn more about Dr. Joel Zinberg here

Why Government Often Makes the Wrong Decisions with Jonathan Wolfson

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 10:09:38 GMT

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.

Chapters

07:22 Jonathan Wolfson's Career in Policymaking

18:19 The Wide Range of Issues Covered by the Labor Department

22:34 The Philosophical Approach of the Labor Department

25:04 Why Government Often Makes the Wrong Decisions

27:47 Working in State Policy

30:41 State Policy as a Model for Federal Policy

34:11 Policy Areas of Focus

36:02 Addressing the Shortage of Doctors

39:31 Factors Contributing to the Doctor Shortage

47:39 Potential Solutions for Increasing Access to Healthcare

51:39 Importing Foreign-Trained Physicians

Joe Grogan & Eric Ueland on Social Media’s Reaction to Attempted Assassination on Trump + RNC Highlights

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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.

What Biden's Debate Means for His Candidacy & a Historic UK Political Shakeup: Joe & Eric React

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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/DCEKGpodcast

Follow Joe: https://x.com/RealJoeGrogan

Follow Eric: https://x.com/RealEU4U

Men Without Meaning: Brenda Hafera on the Crisis Facing Boys in America

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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/DCEKGpodcast

Brenda's latest work: https://www.heritage.org/staff/brenda-hafera

Jackson Hammond on the Exploding Costs of U.S. Health Care: Analyzing the 2023 CMS NHE Report

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 13:00:03 GMT

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.

Why California's Free Healthcare for Illegal Immigrants Spells Trouble with Sally Pipes

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 09:39:00 GMT

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/DCEKGpodcast

Follow Sally: https://x.com/sallypipes

Lessons from the Covid Years with Dr. Kevin Bardosh

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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.

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya: The War on Academic & Scientific Freedom (Flashback Episode)

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 16:58:00 GMT

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

Dr. Marty Makary on What Medicine Gets Wrong & How it Impacts Our Health

Tue, 28 May 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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=%2FDCEKGpodcast

Support Dr. Makary: https://x.com/martymakary?lang=en

Pre-order new book BLIND SPOTS now

The Economics of Ozempic & Other Weight Loss Drugs: A Deep Dive with Ben Ippolito

Mon, 20 May 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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/DCEKGpodcast

Follow Ben: https://twitter.com/ben_ippolito

Exploring Health Savings Accounts with John C. Goodman

Mon, 13 May 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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/DCEKGpodcast

Follow Dr. Goodman: https://twitter.com/DrJohnCGoodman

Pre-order Dr. Goodman's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1598133179/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_uTrYFbQ7HAM7A

Ivy-League Anti-Semitism with Tevy Troy

Mon, 06 May 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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/DCEKGpodcast

Follow Tevy: https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcast

Dr. Brian Miller On How AI Can Save Healthcare

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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-administration

https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/using-artificial-intelligence-to-improve-administrative-process-in-medicaid/

Follow Dr. Miller:

https://twitter.com/DrBrian4Health

https://www.aei.org/events/health-policy-and-the-2024-election/

Follow DC EKG:

https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcast

Eric Ueland Deciphers AI Healthcare Policy Questions... Generated by AI!

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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

The EYE OPENING Reality Of Accessing Life-Changing Medications & FDA Bureaucratic Battles With Judy Stecker

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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-7090ac82

Wheeler’s Warriors:

https://wheelerswarriors.org/our-story

https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcast

Jeremy Weber on statistics and public policy

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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

Inside New York's health care politics and policy, part two.

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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?

Part One of a Two part Intererview with Bill Hammond of the Empire Center and a journalist of 30 years about health care and Albany politics

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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.

Healthcare Budget Dissected with Greg D’Angelo

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG interviews former deputy "Drug Czar" Art Kleinschmidt, 2024

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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.

2024 State of the Union Address: Immigration, Inflation, and Israel, Oh My!

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMT

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.

Report from Medicaid's Front Lines: Discussion with a Fmr State Director of Human Services, Chris Jones

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 10:00:00 GMT

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.

+Health Care Time Bomb: How IRA price controls guarantee shortages, fewer innovations

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 10:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG Revisits: Art Kleinschmidt Part 3

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 10:00:00 GMT

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*

DC EKG Revisits: Art Kleinschmidt Part 2

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 10:00:00 GMT

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*

DC EKG Revisits: Art Kleinschmidt Part 1

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 10:00:00 GMT

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*

Medicaid misinformation abounds. Fiscal discipline, not so much.

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 10:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG Revisits: Charley Hooper Part 3

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 10:00:00 GMT

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*

DC EKG Revisits: Charley Hooper Part 2

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 10:00:00 GMT

‘Forecast 24:’ DC EKG previews the year ahead

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 10:00:00 GMT

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.

AI: DC Policymakers Face a Crossroads

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 10:00:00 GMT

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 Adam

Without Section 230 Protections, Generative AI Innovation Will Be Decimated

Flexible, Pro-Innovation Governance Strategies for Artificial Intelligence

Overregulating AI Will Disrupt Markets and Discourage Competition

White House Executive Order Threatens to Put AI in a Regulatory Cage

What I Learned about the Power of AI at the Cleveland Clinic

Running List of My Research on AI, ML & Robotics Policy

Commentary and contributions by Joe

AI Healthcare Working Group

AI in health care: The perils of Biden's executive order

News and recent developments

E.U. Agrees on Landmark Artificial Intelligence Rules

Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence

DC EKG: Medicare Advantage with Lisa Grabert

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 10:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG Revisits: Charley Hooper Part 1

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 10:00:00 GMT

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*

DC EKG talks to former Judge Katie Sullivan

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 10:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG: Talks about the 100 year life

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 10:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG: Talks w/ Building and design expert Justin Shubow

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 12:30:43 GMT

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

DC EKG: Energy and regulation with Mike McKenna

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG National Security expert, Victoria Coates

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG: Joe and Eric on Speaker chaos

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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”.

DC EKG: Talks with the fmr head of Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bill Beach

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 06:00:00 GMT

DC EKG Revisits: Mark Paoletta Part 3

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 04:05:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG Revisits: Mark Paoletta Part 2

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG: Special Edition- speaker turbulence, shutdown looms. and the political landscape

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG Revisits: Mark Paoletta Part 1

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG: Talks with David Senior Part III

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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?

DC EKG Talks w/ David SENIOR PART II

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG: Talks w/ medical supply chain expert David Senior , Part I

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG: Talks w/ Naomi Lopez Part III

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG: Talks w/ Health Expert, Naomi Lopez Part II

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG: with Naomi Lopez, part I

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG: Talks with Dr. Jay Bhattacharya

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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

DC EKG: Talks w/ Budget Expert Paul Winfree, Part III

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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

DC EKG: Talks w/ Budget Expert Paul Winfree, Part II

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG: Talks w/ Budget Expert Paul Winfree, Part I

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG: Economist Tomas Philipson, Part III

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

DC EKG: Economist Tomas Philipson, Part II

Mon, 29 May 2023 23:25:56 GMT

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/

DC EKG: Talks w/ Economist Tomas Philipson, Part I

Mon, 22 May 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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/

DC EKG Revisits: Conversation with Casey Mulligan, Part 2

Mon, 15 May 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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*

DC EKG Revisits: Conversation with Casey Mulligan, Part 1

Mon, 08 May 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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

DC EKG Revisits: Conversation with Tevi Troy, Part 3

Mon, 01 May 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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

DC EKG Revisits: Conversation with Tevi Troy, Part 2

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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

DC EKG Revisits: Conversation with Tevi Troy, Part 1

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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

Ep8: Part 3: Conversation with John Czwartacki

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

Ep8: Part 2: Conversation with John Czwartacki

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

Ep8: Part 1: Conversation with John Czwartacki

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

Ep7: Part 1: Conversation with Tevi Troy

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT

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

Ep7: Part 2: Conversation with Tevi Troy

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT

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

Ep7: Part 3: Conversation with Tevi Troy

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT

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

Ep6: Part3: Conversation with Tyler Goodspeed

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 19:00:00 GMT

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.

Ep6: Part2: Conversation with Tyler Goodspeed

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 18:00:00 GMT

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.

Ep6: Part1: Conversation with Tyler Goodspeed

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT

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.

Ep5: Part2: Conversation with Mark Paoletta

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Ep5: Part3: Conversation with Mark Paoletta

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 19:00:00 GMT

Ep5: Part1: Conversation with Mark Paoletta

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Ep4: Part3: Conversation with Charley Hooper

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 17:00:00 GMT

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.

Ep4: Part2: Conversation with Charley Hooper

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Ep4: Part1: Conversation with Charley Hooper

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 12:49:00 GMT

Ep3: Part3: Conversation with Art Kleinschmidt

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 21:45:00 GMT

Ep3: Part2: Conversation with Art Kleinschmidt

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 21:38:00 GMT

Ep3: Part1: Conversation with Art Kleinschmidt

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 21:36:00 GMT

Ep2: Part 2: Conversation with Casey Mulligan, PhD

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 17:58:00 GMT

Ep2: Part 1: Conversation with Casey Mulligan, PhD

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 17:39:00 GMT

Ep1: Part 3: Conversation with Brian Blase

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 17:32:00 GMT

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*

Ep1: Part 2: Conversation with Brian Blase

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 17:28:00 GMT

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*

Ep1: Part 1: Conversation with Brian Blase

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 17:26:00 GMT

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 *

TRAILER

Mon, 30 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT

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.