The Gist Healthcare Podcast

New vaccinations for children take center stage as the American Academy of Pediatrics diverges from federal guidelines, covering a wide range of diseases. Meanwhile, employers brace for significant healthcare cost increases in 2026, driven largely by rising pharmacy spending and new medications like GLP-1s. Lastly, Elevance Health faces a legal blow in its fight over Medicare Advantage ratings, revealing tensions in health policy and corporate strategy. Tune in for insights on these pressing healthcare issues.

Medicare faces a daunting risk of $500 billion in cuts over the next decade. Meanwhile, Texas has officially declared its measles outbreak over after a 42-day hiatus without new cases. In exciting health news, AstraZeneca introduces a new at-home nasal flu vaccine, expected to boost access and vaccination rates. The discussion also touches on the innovative Hy-Vee Health with Oscar health plan, designed to provide benefits for employers and potential savings.

A new task force for childhood vaccine safety is being revived by the Department of Health and Human Services, promising crucial insights within two years. Illinois is cracking down on AI in mental health care, requiring human oversight to prevent risks associated with AI-only therapies. UnitedHealth successfully merges with home health provider Amedisys after addressing antitrust concerns. Plus, New Hampshire is putting an end to surprise billing for ground ambulance services starting in 2026. Stay tuned for more healthcare developments!

President Trump unveils a plan for a six-month stockpile of critical drug ingredients, emphasizing national security. Highmark Health partners with Abridge to integrate AI for faster prior authorizations in healthcare. AbbVie announces a hefty $195 million investment to boost domestic API manufacturing in North Chicago. Plus, the podcast discusses the rise of the Stratus variant and a new law in New Hampshire that bans surprise ambulance billing, aiming to protect consumers from unexpected medical costs.

In a recent discussion, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the CDC following a tragic shooting, highlighting its impact on staff morale. Meanwhile, thousands of healthcare providers opted out of a substantial antitrust settlement with Blue Cross Blue Shield, raising questions about their legal strategies. On a brighter note, the FDA announced an end to the sterile saline IV fluid shortage, crucial for patient care. Additionally, a recent study revealed the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide, shifting perspectives on non-drug healthcare spending.

Brian Anderson, CEO of the Coalition for Health AI, dives into the evolving landscape of AI in healthcare. He addresses the crucial lack of guidelines for AI deployment and reveals tensions between health systems and vendors regarding data privacy. Anderson shares innovative models to help resource-limited organizations access AI affordably. He also emphasizes the need for informed federal regulations and evolving playbooks to ensure responsible AI use, showcasing his commitment to improving healthcare through strategic partnerships.

The government halts key mRNA vaccine research, impacting future advancements. UnitedHealth Group and Amedisys navigate a complicated legal landscape to finalize their multibillion-dollar merger. Meanwhile, Vertex Pharmaceuticals faces setbacks with a promising non-opioid pain therapy, struggling to outperform a placebo. Plus, a sneak peek into an upcoming discussion on the integration of AI in clinical settings adds excitement for future innovations.

Discover the Trump Administration’s new inpatient payment increase and its implications for hospitals. Delve into Medicare and Medicaid's consideration of GLP-1 drug coverage for obesity. Explore alarming trends as childhood vaccination exemptions soar to record highs, raising concerns about public health. The podcast also highlights striking data on pediatric vaccination rates and the resurgence of measles outbreaks in the U.S. Additionally, it examines ongoing disparities in physician pay across gender and specialties.

Brian Anderson, CEO of the Coalition for Health AI and an expert in AI governance, discusses a new partnership with the Joint Commission to establish best practices in healthcare. He highlights the importance of cross-functional governance teams and the need for scalable resources tailored to various hospital environments. The conversation touches on developing playbooks that prioritize safety and efficiency, along with ongoing engagement with industry stakeholders to refine AI deployment strategies.

Healthcare and technology leaders are joining forces to enhance healthcare data sharing, aiming for improved interoperability by 2026. Meanwhile, a federal judge halts Arkansas's controversial law restricting pharmacy benefit managers. In another development, Swiss drugmaker Roche is exploring the possibility of direct-to-consumer drug sales to reduce costs. Lastly, new AI guidelines are on the horizon, promising to establish best practices in the healthcare sector.