Tradeoffs

Melanie Evans, a Producer at Tradeoffs, dives into the tumultuous changes under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She discusses the mass firings and budget cuts impacting public health, particularly during a measles outbreak. Guests highlight concerns over weakened health infrastructures and the challenges posed by Kennedy's controversial views on vaccines. The episode sheds light on the tension between public health advocates and Kennedy's influence on nutrition and vaccination debates, raising questions about the future of healthcare.

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.

In this discussion, Melanie Evans, a producer at Tradeoffs focused on data analysis, joins Tim Rye, Chief Strategic Development Officer at Peterson Health in Texas. They dive into a proposed Medicare reform that could save billions but risks the survival of rural hospitals. Tim shares insights on the financial strain these facilities face and the vital need for policy solutions. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between cutting costs for Medicare patients and ensuring that rural healthcare providers can continue to operate effectively.

A closer look at the surgeon-turned-TV-star President Trump wants in charge of Medicare, Medicaid and Obamacare.Guests:Tara Bannow, Reporter, STAT NewsTom Scully, CMS Administrator (2001-2004)Learn more and read a full transcript on our website.Want more Tradeoffs? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter featuring the latest health policy research and news.Support this type of journalism today, with a gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yvonne Commodore-Mensah, an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins, focuses on blood pressure research, while Laura Mata López is a PhD candidate studying suicide among Latina immigrants. They discuss the looming NIH funding cuts and the anxiety it creates among researchers, highlighting personal stories of those affected. The conversation underscores the urgent need for stable funding to support vital health disparities research. They emphasize the risks to healthcare advancements and the necessity for advocacy to protect vulnerable communities.

Clarissa Kripke, a Clinical Professor and advocate for healthcare improvements for individuals with disabilities, joins Senior Producer Leslie Walker to discuss critical healthcare reform. They delve into the systemic challenges faced by adults with intellectual disabilities, emphasizing the need for personalized care and innovative solutions. The conversation highlights the inspiring CART model, which integrates clinical services and advocacy, fostering independence for individuals like Kevin Carlson. Together, they address disparities in service access and the urgent call for change in the healthcare landscape.

In this discussion, Paige Nong, an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota specializing in AI's influence on healthcare, reveals the current landscape of AI use in hospitals. She highlights the concerning lack of bias testing in predictive algorithms, particularly those affecting marginalized patients. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for consistent governance to ensure equitable treatment. Nong also addresses challenges faced by safety net hospitals and calls for robust evaluations of AI tools to enhance patient experiences and support health equity.

Worrying about deportation can literally make people sick. Health care providers are scrambling to cut through their undocumented patients’ panic about President Trump’s new immigration policies.Guests:MariaSteph Willding, CEO, CommunityHealthEmily Hendel, Director of Clinical Services, CommunityHealthSamantha Artiga, Vice President and Director for Racial Equity Health Policy Program, KFFLearn more on our website.Want more Tradeoffs? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter featuring the latest health policy research and news.Support this type of journalism today, with a gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Trump administration’s swift and sweeping efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development is creating chaos across global public health efforts. One doctor working to halt an Ebola outbreak in Uganda reflects on consequences, now and long-term, of America’s abrupt change in policy.Guest:Dr. James Lawler, Director of International Programs and Innovation, Global Center for Health Security at the University of Nebraska Medical CenterLearn more and read a full transcript on our website.Want more Tradeoffs? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter featuring the latest health policy research and news.Support this type of journalism today, with a gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura Schmidt, a renowned professor at UC San Francisco focusing on chronic disease prevention, discusses the potential impact of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. The conversation delves into the complexities of implementing effective food policies in the U.S., highlighting successful soda tax initiatives in Berkeley and the challenges from lobbying forces. They also explore the need for updated national dietary guidelines and the potential reforms in American nutrition amidst political hurdles. Schmidt emphasizes the importance of transparency in shaping a healthier food landscape.