
The Gist Healthcare Podcast
The Gist Healthcare Podcast from Kaufman Hall delivers the top healthcare business and policy news in under 10 minutes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Host J. Carlisle Larsen gives you the “gist” of what’s happening in healthcare across the country so you can start your day informed. Subscribe and listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Jun 9, 2025 • 19min
Senate Mulls Spending Bill That Includes Significant Federal Healthcare Cuts
The House of Representatives passed a budget reconciliation bill around Memorial Day that extends tax cuts put into place during President Trumps first term in office, as well as increases border and military spending. However, the bill also includes significant federal healthcare spending cuts, notably in the joint federal-state Medicaid program. Michael McAuliff covers policy and politics in Washington D.C. for Modern Healthcare. He joins the podcast to talk more about the bill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 6, 2025 • 8min
Friday, June 6, 2025
Staffers from the Department of Health and Human Services are taking legal action over layoffs, citing faulty records. There's a revealing contradiction between the CDC and HHS on COVID-19 vaccine guidance for children. Family health insurance costs have alarmingly surged past $35,000 annually. Meanwhile, Amazon's PillPack is stepping in to revolutionize medication management for caregivers. Experts weigh in on the impact of proposed federal spending cuts on healthcare accessibility.

Jun 4, 2025 • 8min
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
The Trump Administration releases more a detailed proposed budget for the Department of Health and Human Services for the 2026 fiscal year, including significant cuts to agencies within the department. The FDA rolls out a new artificial intelligence tool. And, hospitals spent billions of dollars to ensure workplace safety in 2023. Those stories and more coming up on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 2, 2025 • 7min
Monday, June 2, 2025
The Department of Health and Human Services cancels Moderna’s multi-million-dollar award to develop an mRNA vaccine for influenza, including bird flu. CVS and Express Scripts sue Arkansas over state law restricting pharmacy benefit managers. And, a new study from Mass General Brigham finds that traditional diagnostic tools outperformed generative AI. Those stories coming up on today's episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 30, 2025 • 7min
Friday, May 30, 2025
The Trump Administration updates its hospital price transparency rules and seeks public input. The Department of Health and Human Services narrows its COVID-19 vaccine guidance. And ChristianaCare will purchase five Crozer Health facilities. Those stories and more coming up on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 28, 2025 • 9min
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
A judge blocks the Trump Administration’s reduction-in-force executive order, which includes the Department of Health and Human Services. Virtual physical therapy company Hinge Health has a big IPO. And, a new white paper finds a significant increase in the number of Americans taking blockbuster GLP-1 drugs to manage overweight or obesity. Those stories and more coming up on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 23, 2025 • 8min
Friday, May 23, 2025
Investment banks are downgrading UnitedHealth Group due to a mix of challenges, including leadership changes and a criminal inquiry. The FDA has tightened COVID-19 vaccine access for at-risk groups as demand wanes. There's also new legislation affecting weight loss drugs, as Cigna's Evernorth sets cost caps to help members. Finally, a federal court has halted proposed funding cuts, impacting healthcare delivery across the board.

May 21, 2025 • 8min
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Significant cuts to Medicaid are being proposed by the House Budget Committee, alarming many in the healthcare sector. Pennsylvania's governor is advocating for stricter oversight of private equity deals after a hospital closure raised concerns. Meanwhile, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals makes headlines with its acquisition of 23andMe’s assets for $256 million. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of corporate actions and new legislative measures impacting local healthcare services.

May 2, 2025 • 8min
Friday, May 2, 2025
The United States Supreme Court rules against hospitals in an ongoing case about disproportionate share hospital payments. Aetna announces it will leave the healthcare exchanges. And, Novo Nordisk is partnering with telehealth companies to expand access to its GLP-1 drugs. Those stories and more coming up on today's episode of the Gist Healthcare Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 30, 2025 • 10min
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
The Department of Health and Human Services is facing another legal challenge over its decision to cut funding for public health initiatives. More nurses say they plan to leave the field due to stress and burnout. And, a new study finds that Medicare Part D coverage of popular weight loss drugs could raise costs by billions of dollars. Those stories and more coming up on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.