Tradeoffs

Katherine Wells, the public health director in Lubbock, Texas, describes her fight to stop a multi-state measles outbreak despite a chaotic reorganization of federal health agencies.Guest:Katherine Wells, Director, Lubbock Public HealthWant 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.

We talk with Harvard researcher Ari Ne’eman about why the sharp policy shifts underway in Washington pose a unique threat to people with disabilities. Guest:Ari Ne’eman, Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthLearn 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.

Work requirements led to thousands in Arkansas losing their Medicaid during the first Trump administration. Policymakers say they’ve learned lessons to avoid mistakes this time.Guests:Trevor Hawkins, former Staff Attorney at Legal Aid of ArkansasAngela Rachidi, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise InstituteRay Hanley, former CEO of the Arkansas Foundation for Medical CareBarbara Sears Roshon, Ohio Medicaid Director (2016-2019)Ben Sommers, Huntley Quelch Professor of Health Care Economics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolMaureen Corcoran, Ohio Medicaid DirectorRyan Levi, Reporter/Producer, TradeoffsLearn 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.

The latest threat to the Affordable Care Act could strike down a popular provision that gives 180 million Americans access to free preventive care for conditions including HIV and cancer.Guest:Nicholas Bagley, JD, Professor of Law, University of MichiganLearn 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.

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.