POLITICO's Pulse Check

By POLITICO

What's POLITICO's Pulse Check about?

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.

5.0

344344 ratings

Download our free app to listen on your phone

POLITICO's Pulse Check episodes:

12.22.2023
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 Payne about the ways AI is already used across the medical landscape and how...
12.21.2023
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 talks with POLITICO health reporter Chelsea Cirruzzo about some of the 80 implemented...
12.20.2023
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 Miranda Ollstein about the most significant developments surrounding abortion this year and...
12.19.2023
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 the fentanyl epidemic.
12.18.2023
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 Postal Service acknowledged to E&E News that it had in some cases...
12.15.2023
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 Response, will have to commit to a “fair price” – not more than they charge in other countries....
12.14.2023
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 managers and reauthorizing a law that would expand treatment for opioid use disorders. Host Megan Messerly talks...
12.13.2023
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 health reporter Carmen Paun about the role of the SUPPORT...
12.12.2023
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 talks with POLITICO health care reporter Megan Messerly about the unintended ripple effects...
12.11.2023
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 health reporter Carmen Paun about what's going on and what it means for...
12.08.2023
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 House Correspondent Adam Cancryn about how the move could give the president...
12.07.2023
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 of committee chairs and their senior staffers in the shaping...
12.06.2023
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 protections are set. Host Lauren Gardner talks with POLITICO health care reporter...
12.05.2023
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 former President Donald Trump to replace the law could fall...
12.04.2023
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 health care reporter Lauren Gardner about how the therapy works, its...
12.01.2023
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 Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO White House Correspondent Adam...
11.30.2023
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 encourage nurses to take on new duties.
11.29.2023
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 POLITICO global health care reporter Carmen Paun about the current...
11.28.2023
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 POLITICO health care reporter Robert King about the increasing congressional scrutiny.
11.27.2023
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 care reporter Chelsea Cirruzzo about how a lack of funding has...
11.22.2023
Why the forecast is cloudy for year-end health legislation
The recent short-term government funding agreement has likely closed the door on typical year-end omnibus spending packages that could have advanced health priorities. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO health care reporter David Lim about the dim prospects for...
11.21.2023
A clear and present danger
The latest Lancet Countdown report details the dire consequences of rising temperatures and increasing energy emissions. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLITICO EU health care reporter Ashleigh Furlong about the potential catastrophic threats climate change poses to human health.
11.20.2023
More infant RSV shots sent as winter nears
The CDC announced last week that over 77,000 additional doses of a monoclonal antibody shot protecting infants from severe RSV are being distributed to providers amid ongoing shortages. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO health care reporter Chelsea Cirruzzo about...
11.17.2023
U.K. approves world’s first gene-editing therapy
In a global first, the United Kingdom has approved a gene-editing treatment for some rare blood diseases that may receive U.S. approval next month. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO Europe health care reporter Carlo Martuscelli about the U.K....
11.16.2023
Health policy fixes in flux without year-end omnibus spending bill
The lack of a year-end omnibus spending bill creates uncertainty for health industry groups seeking 11th hour fixes on Medicare physician payment cuts. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with POLITICO health care reporter Robert King about possible backup plans for...
11.15.2023
Connecticut’s solution to covering pricey weight-loss drugs
The high cost of weight-loss drugs has states trying to figure out how their employee health plans can afford to cover them. Host Lauren Gardner talks with POLITICO health care reporter Kelly Hooper about Connecticut’s approach, which ties health plan coverage to...
11.14.2023
Will Florida be the exception for abortion-rights supporters?
Organizers behind an abortion-rights initiative have yet to gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot in the Sunshine State. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLITICO policy reporter Arek Sarkissian about the challenges facing the campaign.
11.13.2023
GOP seeks 95 percent cut to Trumps AIDS program
Four years ago, President Donald Trump convinced Congress to commit millions in funding toward ending AIDS. But House Republicans plan to vote this week to cut most of the funding. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO's Evan Peng about what's...
11.10.2023
Voters have their say on abortion restrictions
Support for abortion rights cuts across party lines, doing significantly better with voters than President Joe Biden and other Democrats. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO health care reporter Megan Messerly, who breaks down the results of Tuesday’s elections...
11.09.2023
2023 Milken Future of Health summit takeaways
At the 2023 Milken Institute Future of Health Summit this week, experts agreed AI will revolutionize health care, but lawmakers, regulators and thought leaders warned of the risks around misinformation and data privacy, among others . Host Alice Miranda Ollstein...
11.08.2023
Finding a doula in New York just got easier
Doulas — birthing experts who provide nonmedical support during pregnancy and childbirth — have been shown to improve health outcomes and combat racial inequities in maternal mortality and morbidity. New York just passed legislation to increase access to doulas. Host...
11.07.2023
CDC panel recommends changing infection-control guidelines
The CDC’s advisers on infection control are proposing updates to 16-year-old guidance on how doctors can limit transmission of viral infections in health care facilities. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO health care reporter Chelsea Cirruzzo about what’s ahead for...
11.06.2023
Notable change in NY's approach to overdose prevention funding
Gov. Kathy Hochul now opposes state funding for new overdose-prevention centers, despite an advisory board's recommendations. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO health care reporter Maya Kaufman about the governor's shifting stance.
11.03.2023
Transparency concerns at drug pricing patient sessions
CMS is holding public listening sessions on Medicare price negotiations for the first 10 drugs selected, but reporting uncovered concerns patient advocates and the pharma industry have over transparency and potential conflicts of interest from some speakers. Host Ben Leonard...
11.02.2023
The ACA's open enrollment began this week: Here's what's new
The 2024 Affordable Care Act open enrollment period started Wednesday, with changes such as higher premiums and different plan choices. Federal, and in some cases state, subsidies are expected to shield most enrollees from cost hikes. Host Evan Peng talks with POLITICO health care reporter Kelly...
11.01.2023
Coming to terms with AI’s future role in health care
Artificial intelligence is working its way into health care. But, so far, government agencies have done little to regulate its use, potentially putting patients at risk for misdiagnoses, bias and privacy violations. Host Lauren Gardner talks with POLITICO health care...
10.31.2023
The future is here: AI in health care
A Biden administration executive order directs HHS to develop guidelines and oversight for the use of AI in health care. Host Chelsea Cirruzzo talks with POLITICO health care reporter Ben Leonard about what the order means for the sector.
10.30.2023
Abortion on the ballot: What the Ohio vote means
Ohio voters will decide next week whether to amend the state constitution to protect abortion rights, overriding the current six-week ban. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO Morning Score author Madison Fernandez about what's at stake.
10.27.2023
Congress debates Biden’s nursing home staffing rules
Congress took up new rules from the Biden administration that set minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes. At a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing this week, members debated whether more staff would help care for patients or make it...
10.26.2023
Bernie Sanders' failed fight to lower drug prices in 2023
Sen. Bernie Sanders sought Democratic support for more action on lowering drug prices this year before he advanced President Joe Biden's pick to lead the NIH. It didn't work. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with POLITICO health care reporter Erin...
10.25.2023
How CDC Director Mandy Cohen is kicking off a new era
The CDC has a new leader who’s working to regain the public’s trust in the sometimes-beleaguered agency. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO health care reporter Chelsea Cirruzzo, who caught up with CDC Director Mandy Cohen to discuss her...
10.24.2023
Why some states want more power over Medicare Advantage plans.
Some state insurance commissioners want Congress to restore their authority to regulate Medicare Advantage marketing. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLITICO health care reporter Robert King about what they want and why.
10.23.2023
Congress not acting on the opioid epidemic
The U.S. drug overdose crisis is out of control. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with Carmen Paun about why Washington’s efforts are failing.
10.20.2023
Why experts are criticizing FDA's approach to some neurological drugs
Some experts fear the FDA's accelerated approval process for neurological disease treatments greenlights clinically promising but unproven drugs that can result in giving patients false hope. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO health care reporter Katherine Ellen Foley about how...
10.19.2023
Why and how CMS is 'reining in' Medicare Advantage ads
For the first time, CMS is screening Medicare Advantage plan TV ads before they air, blocking hundreds of them over what the agency calls misleading information and unsubstantiated claims. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with POLITICO health care reporter Robert...
10.18.2023
How Bidens’ insurer transparency rules hinder shopping around
The Biden administration’s health care price transparency rules were meant to help employers get better deals from insurers. But, so far, the data’s quality has been so poor that they can’t use it. Host Lauren Gardner talks with POLITICO health...
10.17.2023
House speaker chaos, or not …
Health care policy is at the center of some congressional hearings this week. Host Megan R. Wilson talks with reporter Ben Leonard about how health care issues figure into upcoming action on Capitol Hill.
10.16.2023
Biden’s NIH pick finally gets her confirmation hearing
After months of delay, senators on the HELP Committee on Wednesday will vet President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the National Institutes of Health: Dr. Monica Bertagnolli. Host Daniel Payne talks with POLITICO health care reporter Erin Schumaker about the...
10.13.2023
What's behind Rep. McCaul's anti-fentanyl push?
Rep. Michael McCaul's (R-Texas) has seen the fentanyl crisis up close, whichdrives his push for bipartisan legislation against opioid trafficking. Host Daniel Payne talks with POLITICO global health reporter Carmen Paun about McCaul's attempts to build support.
10.12.2023
Impact of Ohio’s vote on abortion rights
In four weeks, voters in Ohio will decide whether to add abortion protections into the state constitution. Host Lauren Gardner talks with Alice Miranda Ollstein about why anti-abortion groups are pinning their hopes on the Buckeye State.

What's POLITICO's Pulse Check about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

POLITICO's Pulse Check episodes:

The two big ways AI is changing health care

For HHS, AI is an inside job

A look back at abortion policy in 2023 and a look forward to 2024

Fentanyl’s fatal year in review

What the USPS is hiding about worker safety

What Biden's new fair price drug policy means

Congress’ health reform package: Where does it stand?

The future of milestone opioid law

How the coming mining boom could upend local health care

Why Congress is deadlocked over PEPFAR

Some drug patents in the Biden administration's crosshairs

Who’s calling the shots on health care policy now?

Dr. Google’s legislative test

Repeal-and-replace redux

Sickle cell gene-editing treatment poised for FDA approval

Trump reignites Affordable Care Act battle

The changing face of primary care

China’s virus outbreak: Seasonal return or new threat?

Medicare Advantage plans on the rise, and under scrutiny

Organ transplant reforms stalled by lack of funding

Why the forecast is cloudy for year-end health legislation

A clear and present danger

More infant RSV shots sent as winter nears

U.K. approves world’s first gene-editing therapy

Health policy fixes in flux without year-end omnibus spending bill

Connecticut’s solution to covering pricey weight-loss drugs

Will Florida be the exception for abortion-rights supporters?

GOP seeks 95 percent cut to Trumps AIDS program

Voters have their say on abortion restrictions

2023 Milken Future of Health summit takeaways

Finding a doula in New York just got easier

CDC panel recommends changing infection-control guidelines

Notable change in NY's approach to overdose prevention funding

Transparency concerns at drug pricing patient sessions

The ACA's open enrollment began this week: Here's what's new

Coming to terms with AI’s future role in health care

The future is here: AI in health care

Abortion on the ballot: What the Ohio vote means

Congress debates Biden’s nursing home staffing rules

Bernie Sanders' failed fight to lower drug prices in 2023

How CDC Director Mandy Cohen is kicking off a new era

Why some states want more power over Medicare Advantage plans.

Congress not acting on the opioid epidemic

Why experts are criticizing FDA's approach to some neurological drugs

Why and how CMS is 'reining in' Medicare Advantage ads

How Bidens’ insurer transparency rules hinder shopping around

House speaker chaos, or not …

Biden’s NIH pick finally gets her confirmation hearing

What's behind Rep. McCaul's anti-fentanyl push?

Impact of Ohio’s vote on abortion rights