Health Care News Podcast

The Heartland Institute
  • 3.8 (30)
  • NEWS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

The Heartland Institute podcast featuring libertarian and conservative health care scholars who are working to put power back into the hands of patients and doctors, and away from government bureaucrats.

  1. Why Obamacare Was Never Affordable — A Candid Look at the 2025 Health Care Stalemate

    OCT 15

    Why Obamacare Was Never Affordable — A Candid Look at the 2025 Health Care Stalemate

    Health economist Devin Herrick joins AnneMarie Schieber to break down the fight over Obamacare subsidies behind the government shutdown, what happens if they expire, and how free-market reforms could reshape health care—from $2 million drugs to Costco’s new Ozempic plan.

    41 min
  2. Republicans are resisting pressure to include Obamacare premium tax credits

    SEP 25

    Republicans are resisting pressure to include Obamacare premium tax credits

    Republicans are resisting pressure to include Obamacare premium tax credits in the Stopgap Funding bill which would fund the government until November 21.  In this episode of The Heartland Daily Podcast, AnneMarie Schieber, managing editor of Health Care News and Devon Herrick, of the Goodman Institute Health Blog discuss why Republicans should resist that idea.  Also on tap, how health insurance premiums have increased 297 percent in the past 24, the rising cost of having a baby, whether there is a special interest campaign to get HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. fired, Trumps’ news conference on Tylenol and autism, and in a $5 trillion industry, how is it that bankruptcies in health care are on the rise?

    44 min
  3. From $2.5 Million to $104 Million: How Medicaid Exploded in Minnesota

    AUG 21

    From $2.5 Million to $104 Million: How Medicaid Exploded in Minnesota

    How did Minnesota’s Medicaid program balloon from $2.5 million to $104 million today? Join AnneMarie Schieber, managing editor of Health Care News, and Devon Herrick of the Goodman Institute Health Blog as they discuss how fraud in two programs—both aimed at addressing non-medical “social determinants” of health care—has contributed to this explosive growth. Also in the show: the troubling connection between untreated mental illness and the recent wave of violence and murder-suicides across the country, including incidents in Michigan, New York City, Atlanta, and Austin, Texas, between July 28 and August 11. Why weren’t these individuals in institutional care?Should privacy laws be loosened so extended families can better monitor and help their loved ones?Can Medicaid be revised to provide more flexibility for substance abuse and mental health treatment?Should we investigate the link between marijuana use and psychosis?Helpful resources include the Treatment Advocacy Center and the discussion of outpatient civil commitment in Committed: The Battle over Involuntary Psychiatric Care. Other topics covered in this episode: Trump backing down on mandating IVF coverage in insurance plansThe shocking cost of a $21,000 post-exposure rabies shot

    39 min
  4. RFK Jr. is clamping down on removing organs from patients declared “brain dead.”

    AUG 5

    RFK Jr. is clamping down on removing organs from patients declared “brain dead.”

    HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. is clamping down on removing organs from patients declared “brain dead.” Join AnneMarie Schieber, managing editor of Health Care News and Devon Herrick, of the Goodman Institute Health Blog  to find out starting new facts on, as well as the latest headlines in health care from a free market perspective. Also on tap, Minnesota is encouraging moms on Medicaid to deliver babies at home, what happened to hormone replacement therapy for women? Will FDA Commissioner Martin Makary take steps to make it more available? Sen. Josh Hawley wants to repeal limits on Medicaid provider taxes to keep rural hospitals afloat, states are suing to stop ICE from using Medicaid data to enforce immigration laws, and is being a doctor today a job or a calling? Devon explains what has changed over the years.

    49 min
  5. What is next in the fight to manage waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid now that the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is law?

    JUL 17

    What is next in the fight to manage waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid now that the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is law?

    What is next in the fight to manage waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid now that the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is law?  Join AnneMarie Schieber, managing editor of Health Care News and Devon Herrick, of the Goodman Institute Health Blog as they discuss the latest headlines in health care from a free market perspective. Will there be an effort to make states more financially responsible for their Medicaid programs outside the OBBB?  How will states manage Medicaid work requirements and will work requirements ultimately eliminate Medicaid waste? Also, it appears Congress is ready to tackle  “site neutral payments” under Medicare, the latest Supreme Court decisions impacting “Medicaid Provider of Choice” and required preventative screenings under the Affordable Care Act. And, did the 2020 No Surprises Act make an impact in surprise medical bills and balance billing? Plus, health savings account expansion and what this means to patients.

    48 min
  6. Hot Topics—Prior Authorization Shakeup, Gig Worker Health, Heat Wave Dangers & Whole Milk Wins

    JUL 4

    Hot Topics—Prior Authorization Shakeup, Gig Worker Health, Heat Wave Dangers & Whole Milk Wins

    Welcome to another episode of the Heartland Daily Podcast, where Ann Marie Sheber and healthcare economist Devon Herrick unpack this week’s biggest developments in health policy: 🔹 Prior Authorization ReformHHS Secretary RFK Jr. & CMS’s Dr. Oz secured voluntary pledges from major insurers to streamline prior authorization—cutting red tape, boosting transparency, and digitizing approvals by 2026–2027. Devon shares a personal story of how prior auth actually saved his wife thousands—and why this process isn’t always the bogeyman. 🔹 Healthcare for Gig WorkersWith gig roles rising, rigid benefits laws in states like California have faltered. We discuss how personal HSAs and portable coverage could replace one-size-fits-all models—and help millions working flexibly. 🔹 The Heat Wave & Health RisksFrom Chicago’s 1995 heat disaster to Europe’s recent summer crisis, air conditioning isn’t a luxury—it’s lifesaving. We highlight how cooling can protect vulnerable populations and why power reliability matters. 🔹 Whole Milk Isn’t the EnemyNew research (Maha Commission) reveals full-fat milk may benefit kids more than skim—boosting nutrition and curbing junky snack cravings. Is it time to rethink “fat-free” school policies?

    44 min
  7. Why don’t we have a health care reform bill yet?

    JUN 24

    Why don’t we have a health care reform bill yet?

    In this episode of the Heartland Daily Podcast, AnneMarie Schieber and economist Devon Herrick break down the latest health care debates in Washington. They discuss how promised reforms like Medicaid work requirements and health savings account expansions are being stripped from President Trump’s health care package, and what that means for patients and taxpayers. The conversation covers efforts to close costly Medicare Advantage loopholes, the push for site-neutral payments, and Minnesota’s controversial plan to incentivize Medicaid-funded home births. They also examine Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s overhaul of the federal vaccine advisory committee and the growing concern about political bias in mental health counseling. Finally, Devon explains why age — more than lifestyle choices — is the biggest risk factor for cancer. Get a clear, free-market perspective on these vital health care issues. Visit Health Care News and the Goodman Institute Health Blog for more insights.

    55 min
  8. Why Republicans Dropped the Ball on Medicaid Reform

    MAY 28

    Why Republicans Dropped the Ball on Medicaid Reform

    The "Big Beautiful Act" turned into a big disappointment for Medicaid reform. Instead of adding ways to improve Medicaid benefits, like cutting non-medical spending, Republicans caved. Work requirements and eliminating provider taxes will help, but the failure to fix Medicaid spending now creates major debt headaches just a few years down the road.AnneMarie Schieber, managing editor of Health Care News, and Devon Herrick of the Goodman Institute Health Blog discuss how this golden opportunity was lost in the U.S. House.Also on tap: tips beyond the obvious to bring down your prescription drug bill. Plus, what happened to baby powder? Why does it now feel like chalk? Trial lawyers. Even the American Cancer Society isn't convinced talc is dangerous. And what's a realistic way to understand risk? Vox had a good read on how to consider risk. Devon and AnneMarie agree it’s time to "take a deep breath, relax, and educate yourself." We all die; the only difference is when and how.

    50 min
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3.8
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

The Heartland Institute podcast featuring libertarian and conservative health care scholars who are working to put power back into the hands of patients and doctors, and away from government bureaucrats.

Information

  • Creator
    The Heartland Institute
  • Years Active
    2010 - 2025
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Heartland Institute
  • Show Website
    Health Care News Podcast

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