Katherine Baicker

In this enlightening discussion, health economist Katherine Baicker of the University of Chicago explains the intricacies of the Affordable Care Act and the looming crisis of rising premiums due to expiring subsidies. Emilie Fauché, an ACA navigator, provides practical enrollment advice and highlights options for affordable medications, while Hannah Frigand shares insights on managing high-deductible plans and the critical role insurance plays in protecting against financial ruin. Together, they tackle listener questions and encourage taking informed action during open enrollment.

Katherine Baicker, a renowned health economist and University of Chicago provost, dives into her groundbreaking work on the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment. She explains the importance of randomized evidence for Medicaid evaluation and discusses the mixed outcomes, highlighting increased access but limited improvements in physical health. Baicker also examines workplace wellness programs and makes a case for a Medicaid-for-all approach to universal healthcare. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the value of presenting nuanced findings to inform public policy.