Julie Rovner

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington Correspondent for KFF Health News, and Stacey Dusetzina, a health policy professor at Vanderbilt, delve into drug pricing and Trump's initiatives. They discuss Trump’s tactics to pressure pharmaceutical companies and the implications of recent deals like Pfizer’s. Rovner critiques the limited impact of these promises for everyday consumers, while Dusetzina explores how international pricing compares favorably to the U.S. Their insights reveal the complex interplay between political rhetoric and actual policy change in health care.

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington correspondent for KFF Health News, dives into the implications of Donald Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the Department of Health and Human Services. They discuss Kennedy's controversial views on vaccines and health policy, raising concerns among health experts. The conversation also highlights the expansive role of the HHS and the potential challenges Kennedy might face with his proposals, including changes to drug advertisements and chronic disease prevention strategies.

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington correspondent for KFF, dives into the crucial battle over ACA subsidies that could impact millions of Americans. She explains how enhanced subsidies have expanded enrollment and highlights the alarming potential premium hikes looming due to their expiration. Rovner also sheds light on the political dynamics at play, particularly why GOP leaders are reluctant to engage. Plus, she discusses what a government shutdown would mean for federal health programs. Tune in for an insightful exploration of healthcare politics!

Join Dr. Paul Offit, a renowned pediatric infectious disease specialist, Julie Rovner, a seasoned health policy journalist, and Laura Unger, an investigative reporter exposing anti-science legislation. They delve into the alarming rise of over 400 bills targeting vaccines and public health in state legislatures. The conversation uncovers the organized groups behind this movement, the potential resurgence of preventable diseases, and personal stories illustrating the real-world consequences of these legislative actions. Trust in public health is at a crossroads.

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington Correspondent for KFF Health News, discusses Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s alarming report on children's health. She highlights rising rates of asthma and obesity, driven by ultra-processed foods and over-medication. The podcast critiques the lack of actionable solutions and stresses the need for improved public policy. Rovner also tackles the addictive nature of junk food, rising ADHD prescriptions, and the debate on tying health insurance costs to weight, inviting listeners to reflect on these urgent health challenges.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Julie Rovner, Chief Washington Correspondent at KFF Health News, Paul Offit, vaccine expert, and Scott L. Greer, health policy professor, tackle the clash between political ideology and scientific consensus in healthcare. They discuss the recent turmoil at HHS and the erosion of trust in health agencies. The trio examines the divisive landscape of vaccine hesitancy and the complex dynamics of public health governance. Can democracy thrive amidst such distrust? Tune in for their insights!

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington Correspondent for KFF Health News, joins Leo Cueo, a Medicaid law expert from Georgetown, and Keith Humphreys, a Stanford psychiatry professor, to discuss alarming implications of proposed Medicaid cuts. They delve into how these changes could strip over 11 million Americans of insurance, disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups like children, seniors, and immigrants. The conversation highlights the potential fallout on nursing homes and addiction treatment services, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic responses to safeguard healthcare access.

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington correspondent for KFF Health News, Brian Blaze, former health policy advisor to Trump and founder of Paragon Health Institute, and Kim Bemstaffer, Executive Director of Colorado's Medicaid program, delve into the ramifications of proposed Medicaid cuts. They discuss potential insurance losses for millions, the threats to rural hospitals, and the complexities of legislative efforts. The conversation highlights personal stories from impacted families and explores how these policy changes could reshape healthcare access across the U.S.

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington correspondent for KFF Health News, Angela Rasmussen, a virologist from the University of Saskatchewan, and Dan Diamond, a White House reporter for The Washington Post, delve into the recent drastic layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services. They discuss how these job cuts could threaten public health services, drug approvals, and critical biomedical research. Tensions rise over vaccine regulations amidst ongoing health crises, creating concerns about the integrity of health policy under political influences.

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington Correspondent for KFF Health News, dives into the sweeping changes at the Department of Health and Human Services, discussing a staggering 20,000 job cuts and agency mergers. She highlights the potential fallout on public health services and how these budget slashes may impact Medicare and Medicaid. Rovner also shares stories emphasizing the crucial role of community health care, answering listener questions and shedding light on the system's challenges and the dedication of healthcare professionals.