National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp argues that Washington State's regulation of PTFE, the coating used in nonstick cookware, goes too far by treating it the same as the broader PFAS "forever chemicals" family. Sepp points out that California Gov.

Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar cookware bill, citing affordability and lost consumer choice, and says Washington's approach would drive up costs for households.

He also makes the case against "precautionary principle" regulation, criticizes the Superfund excise tax revived in the 2021 infrastructure law as a revenue grab unrelated to environmental cleanup, and calls for science-based chemical reviews and more public input before the new rules take effect.

In this episode of the Health Policy Podcast, host Brian Hyde speaks with Jay Goldberg, North American Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center, about the GLP-1 Bridge Program. While the program aims to make weight loss drugs like GLP-1s more affordable for Medicare and Medicaid recipients, Goldberg argues it exemplifies government price fixing. He explains how artificially lowering drug prices can disincentivize medical innovation and lead to slower access to new medications, drawing parallels to healthcare systems in other countries. Goldberg advocates for free-market competition as the most effective and sustainable way to reduce drug costs and foster innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers and the healthcare system more broadly.

Washington State requires manufacturers to report PFAS levels in nonstick cookware by January 31, 2027—a reporting mandate that falls short of an outright ban after industry pushback. Environmental toxicologist Susan Goldhaber challenges the scientific basis for such restrictions, arguing that regulations lump together 7 million compounds under one umbrella without distinguishing toxic from benign.

Washington state is pressing ahead with a rule requiring cookware makers to disclose PFAS use in nonstick pans — even after California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar ban over affordability concerns. David Clement, policy director at the Consumer Choice Center, joins the podcast to explain what PFAS actually are, why Washington's disclosure requirement could function as a backdoor ban, and what it could mean for the price of a $15 frying pan — and for the restaurants, school cafeterias, and low-income families who'll feel it first.

In this episode of the Health Policy Podcast, host Brian Hyde speaks with Sydney Halleman, senior editor for Healthcare Dive, senior editor for Healthcare Dive, about the intricacies of Medicare's proposed rules impacting the 340B drug pricing program, site-neutral payments, and price transparency. Halleman explains the 340B program's origins, its expansion, and the Trump administration's efforts to cut its funding, discussing the significant lobbying efforts and past litigation that have shaped its trajectory. She also clarifies the concept of site-neutral payments, highlighting their potential to curb hospital consolidation and lower patient costs, and touches on the ongoing push for greater price transparency in healthcare, detailing the challenges and the administration's renewed focus on compliance.

Elijah Stacy, an advocate for Right to Try legislation, discusses his personal journey with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and his fight for individualized treatments. He explains the devastating effects of DMD, a fatal muscle-wasting disease, and shares his experience starting a nonprofit, writing a book, and consulting for biotech companies. Stacy passionately argues for patient freedom in accessing experimental medications, especially for rare diseases with limited options. He critically examines the FDA's role in drug approval, highlighting the complexities of statistical significance versus meaningful impact, particularly in the context of rare and not fully understood conditions.

Stacy also delves into the cutting edge of individualized medicine, including gene editing, and emphasizes the importance of customized therapies for unique patient needs. He provides an update on the Right to Try 2.0 legislation, noting its bipartisan support and the overwhelming public desire for more treatment options. Stacy encourages listeners to learn more through the Goldwater Institute and by following him on X.

Jennifer Cutler, partner at DCI Group, joins Brian Hyde to discuss the evolving landscape of mental health policy, specifically focusing on the role of psychedelics. They delve into the FDA approval process, the critical need for states to prepare their regulatory frameworks for patient access, and common misconceptions surrounding psychedelic-assisted therapy. Cutler highlights the bipartisan support for these innovative treatments, particularly for veterans, and identifies leading states in this legislative push.