POLITICO Pulse Check delivers the latest news in health care with sharp policy analysis and a dose of real-world perspective. Hear what stories POLITICO's deep bench of Health Care policy reporters are watching and their analysis of the critical issues facing regulators, legislators, and practitioners.
Latest episodes
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6 min
The two big ways AI is changing health care
Artificial intelligence is changing the way doctors practice, but also how the health care business runs. Host Chelsea Cirruzzo talks with POLITICO health care reporter Daniel Payn…
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5 min
For HHS, AI is an inside job
As federal officials scramble to regulate artificial intelligence in health care, HHS has already become one of the top federal agencies using the technology. Host Kelly Hooper tal…
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7 min
A look back at abortion policy in 2023 and a look forward to 2024
Abortion policy changes made since the fall of Roe v. Wade continue to spur ongoing political turmoil nationwide. Host Lauren Gardner talks with POLITICO health care reporter Alice…
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7 min
Fentanyl’s fatal year in review
Fatal overdoses of the synthetic opioid have hit record highs in the U.S. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLITICO global health reporter Carmen Paun about the devastating impact of th…
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7 min
What the USPS is hiding about worker safety
Heat is the second-leading cause of injury to postal workers after slips and falls. Letter carriers are supposed to receive training for dealing with high temperatures, but the Pos…
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5 min
What Biden's new fair price drug policy means
The Biden administration announced Thursday that drug companies receiving research funding from HHS’ emergency response arm, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Respo…
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6 min
Congress’ health reform package: Where does it stand?
As Congress pursues landmark health reforms, lawmakers must align House and Senate legislation that includes ensuring transparency from hospitals, insurers and pharmacy benefit man…
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8 min
The future of milestone opioid law
Congress has moved to reup treatment for opioid use disorder as the rate of fatal overdoses remains near record highs in the US. Host Lauren Gardner talks with POLITICO global heal…
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8 min
How the coming mining boom could upend local health care
Mining companies offer good jobs with good benefits that can counterintuitively damage health care access, boosting it for some while hampering it for others. Host Ben Leonard talk…
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7 min
Why Congress is deadlocked over PEPFAR
Congressional negotiations to reup the law governing the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief are at an impasse over abortion. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO global he…
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7 min
Some drug patents in the Biden administration's crosshairs
The White House says it can use "march-in rights" to seize patents for certain medicines partly developed with federal funds. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO White H…
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7 min
Who’s calling the shots on health care policy now?
Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson's rise to House Speaker and the departure of some key health care policy aides are shifting power on the Hill, giving more sway to the priorities…
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6 min
Dr. Google’s legislative test
Google wants to make your phone a "doctor in your pocket" using artificial intelligence, but lawmakers worry the tech giant and others are innovating too fast before patient protec…
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6 min
Repeal-and-replace redux
The Affordable Care Act insures more than 40 million people and is very popular. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLITICO health care reporter Alice Miranda Ollstein about why calls by…
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6 min
Sickle cell gene-editing treatment poised for FDA approval
The FDA is close to a decision on a landmark one-time gene-editing treatment for patients with sickle cell disease and another blood disorder. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO…
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7 min
Trump reignites Affordable Care Act battle
Former President Donald Trump is once again calling to repeal the Affordable Care Act, a move the Biden administration views as a political gift ahead of the 2024 election. Host Ka…
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7 min
The changing face of primary care
Democrats and Republicans agree that the primary care system needs an overhaul. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with POLITICO health care reporter Daniel Payne about the push to…
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7 min
China’s virus outbreak: Seasonal return or new threat?
China is seeing a surge in respiratory infections, especially among children, but health experts in the U.S. say it’s not a sign of another pandemic. Host Lauren Gardner talks with…
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6 min
Medicare Advantage plans on the rise, and under scrutiny
Bipartisan concern is growing on Capitol Hill over reports of care denials by Medicare Advantage plans through a tool known as prior authorization. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLI…
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5 min
Organ transplant reforms stalled by lack of funding
President Joe Biden signed into law an overhaul of the nation's organ transplant system, the first major reform in 40 years. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with POLITICO health…