Health Care News Podcast

The Heartland Institute
  • 3.8 (30)
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Health Care News Podcast

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 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
  2. Hospitals Rejecting Medicare Advantage: What's Really Going On?

    MAY 28

    Hospitals Rejecting Medicare Advantage: What's Really Going On?

    Are hospitals locking out Medicare Advantage enrollees? Find out the likely real reason behind the shutout and why we should be worried if MA can no longer compete with traditional fee-for-service Medicare. 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. Also on their radar: the mad rush by states to pass assisted medical suicide bills. Is the U.S. becoming Canada? Is assisted suicide becoming a means to ration ever-escalating health care costs?Additionally, former President Joe Biden’s aggressive prostate cancer is receiving increasing attention as Congress probes who knew what—and when—about Biden’s cognitive impairment. How in the world could a president not be screened regularly for a condition he previously had? Finally, will it be the carrot or the stick when it comes to creating rules based on the MAHA Commission report?

    36 min
  3. AI Doctors Are on the Rise

    MAY 1

    AI Doctors Are on the Rise

    Will AI replace your doctor? Bill Gates seems to think so. In today’s podcast, AnneMarie Schieber, managing editor of Health Care News, and Devon Herrick of the Goodman Institute Health Blog discuss where AI can be a benefit—such as reducing medical error. But when it comes to replacing highly trained medical doctors to reduce the doctor shortage and save money for insurance companies, Herrick and Schieber say "nada." Also in the podcast: how tariff policy could impact the low cost of generic drugs in the U.S., and how far Trump should go in getting foreign countries to pay their fair share of drug R&D. Herrick and Schieber also discuss states now authorizing ivermectin to be sold over the counter, and why it’s so difficult for Medicare patients to get good post-acute hospital care. Lots of gaps—and reasons why facilities are closing.

    51 min
  4. The Consent Trap: Agreeing to Medical Bills Without Knowing Prices

    MAR 31

    The Consent Trap: Agreeing to Medical Bills Without Knowing Prices

    How can you consent to paying for something if you don’t know the price? In today’s podcast, AnneMarie Schieber of Health Care News and Devon Herrick of the Goodman Institute Health Care Blog talk about New York State’s decision to ban “consent to pay” forms at medical practices. Also on tap: reforming health care without a political fight, the RESULT Act being reintroduced, which fast-tracks successful treatments in trusted countries but comes too late for one Alzheimer’s patient, “Name it to tame it,” is over-diagnosing symptoms driving up health care utilization?—and has private equity ruined the doctor-patient relationship? Be sure to check out Health Care News at the Heartland.org website and the Goodman Institute Health Blog for the free-market perspective on the very latest in health care news.

    54 min
  5. Medicaid Reform, FDA Firestorms, and Beating Bad Medical Bills

    MAR 26

    Medicaid Reform, FDA Firestorms, and Beating Bad Medical Bills

    Can you beat a medical bill you feel is unfair?  AnneMarie Schieber and Devon Herrick discuss their personal experience.  Can Congress rein in Medicaid?  Many ideas being consider:  block grants to states, changing funding rates for expanded Medicaid, work requirements.  Do enrollees value Medicaid or waste it?  Schieber and Herrick also discuss “gutting the FDA.” Herrick discusses why DOGE and the Trump administration might want to proceed cautiously.  New parody book out critical of MI Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her pandemic lockdowns.  True Gretchen is a hilarious parody of the governor’s own tome, True Gretch.   Be sure to check out Health Care News at the Heartland.org website and the health care blog and the Goodman Institute Health Blog for the free market perspective on the very latest in health care news.

    49 min
  6. CDC Shake-Up, Big Pharma Influence, and the Vaccine Policy Wars

    MAR 26

    CDC Shake-Up, Big Pharma Influence, and the Vaccine Policy Wars

    Hours before his confirmation hearing, former Rep. Dave Weldon’s nomination to head the CDC was withdrawn.   Weldon has been a vaccine critic. How much of a role did Big Pharma play? AnneMarie Schieber and Devon Herrick also talk about the growing focus on vaccines, and the history of vaccine policy. Most recently the Trump’s administration to nix vaccines on chickens for bird flu.  Also in the podcast, state AGs take the first step in going after Anthony Fauci for violating state laws when handing the COVID-19 pandemic. A company offers indemnity style health insurance for direct primary care members, and how “meritocracy” is bad for your health. Also, how spouses age differently and how this can complicate health care decisions.

    44 min
  7. Conflict of Interest: Medical Boards Serving Doctors or Patients?

    FEB 28

    Conflict of Interest: Medical Boards Serving Doctors or Patients?

    In this episode of Health Care News, hosts AnneMarie Schieber and Devon Herrick dive into the critical debates shaping health care today. They discuss the potential expansion of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), exploring proposals from Rep. Chip Roy and policy experts who argue HSAs could significantly improve coverage, especially for gig workers and those seeking direct care options. AnneMarie and Devon also highlight Ohio’s groundbreaking step to enforce price transparency at hospitals—holding institutions accountable by barring debt collection if hospitals fail to disclose clear pricing. Additionally, they examine troubling conflicts of interest within medical boards, spotlighting cases from Texas and beyond, raising crucial questions about whether medical boards protect patients or physicians' profits. Tune in for these insights and more in this timely discussion on the evolving landscape of health care policy.

    44 min
  8. Untangling Healthcare: Free Market Solutions to America's Biggest Challenges

    JAN 22

    Untangling Healthcare: Free Market Solutions to America's Biggest Challenges

    In this episode of The Heartland Daily Podcast, host AnneMarie Schieber is joined by health economist Devon Herrick for an in-depth discussion on the pressing issues in the U.S. healthcare system. Together, they explore the real-life implications of policies like Obamacare, the growing challenges of Medicare, and the evolving landscape of health insurance options. From short-term plans to the potential of direct primary care, they highlight innovative, free-market solutions that empower individuals and reduce costs. Discover why health insurance remains prohibitively expensive for many Americans, how government mandates distort the market, and what steps can be taken to promote transparency, competition, and patient-centered care. This episode also delves into topics like the unintended consequences of employer-provided insurance, the future of telemedicine, and creative alternatives for long-term care. With insights backed by decades of research and expertise, AnneMarie and Devon shed light on how we can move toward a more efficient and accessible healthcare system. Whether you're a policymaker, healthcare professional, or concerned citizen, this episode offers valuable perspectives you won’t want to miss.

    33 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
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Heartland Institute
  • Show Website
    Health Care News Podcast

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