Brian Blase

Dr. Brian Blase, a healthcare and economic policy expert and former Special Assistant to the President, joins the discussion on the challenges of Obamacare. They explore the ongoing debate about healthcare as a right versus a need, scrutinize subsidies, and examine Medicaid expansion complexities, especially in states like Texas. Blase critiques the individual mandate and suggests innovative reforms like health savings accounts. The conversation also touches on insurance profitability and the fiscal implications of Medicaid managed care, highlighting the need for strategic healthcare reform.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Brian Blase, former Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, and Paul Winfree, founder of the Economic Policy Innovation Center, tackle the urgent need for Medicaid reform. They reveal how the program often supports wealthier entities despite its intentions. The duo contrasts Germany's manufacturing successes with U.S. growth patterns, while also critiquing fiscal irresponsibility, drawing lessons from Greece and Argentina. Insights from the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment highlight unexpected outcomes of Medicaid expansion on health and financial security.

Brian Blase, chief of Paragon Health Institute, and Michael Cannon from Cato discuss the fiscal challenges of Medicare. They explore funding issues, lobbying dynamics, and propose reforms for cost control and quality care. The podcast highlights the resistance to cutting Medicare spending, misconceptions about the Medicare Trust Fund, and the impact of recent legislation on rising debt levels.