Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Laura Dyrda on Policy Shifts and Workforce Pressures in Healthcare
Dec 5, 2025
Laura Dyrda, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, dives into the significant overhaul of the 340B program, highlighting the potential impacts on safety-net hospitals and the complexities of new pricing models. She discusses the American Hospital Association's concerns about the administrative burdens these changes could impose on communities. Additionally, Laura addresses the ongoing staffing crisis in healthcare, revealing rising labor costs and innovative strategies like AI and educational partnerships to tackle workforce shortages.
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340B Model Shift Threatens Safety-Net Hospitals
- The federal shift to a rebate-based 340B model would force safety-net hospitals to pay full price up front and seek reimbursement later.
- Laura Dyrda warns this reversal could saddle hospitals with hundreds of millions in added costs and administrative burdens, risking patient services.
Start Contingency Planning Now
- Hospital leaders are contingency planning for potential 340B changes by exploring new revenue streams and philanthropy.
- Laura Dyrda suggests preparing now for uncertain Medicaid coverage, ACA subsidy shifts, and increased charity care in 2026.
Legal Challenges Have Tight Timelines
- Lawsuits from the AHA and others aim to halt HHS's changes but face time constraints before January 1.
- Laura Dyrda notes success depends on quick legal or legislative momentum and public pressure in congressional districts.