POLITICO's Pulse Check

House Republican leaders have unveiled a new health care package focused on boosting transparency and addressing high drug costs. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO health care reporter Ben Leonard about what's in the package.

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As millions lose Medicaid coverage, states are taking steps to prevent consumers from purchasing junk health insurance plans that offer limited benefits. Robert King talks with POLITICO health care reporter Kelly Hooper about state efforts to curb misleading health insurance marketing as consumers seek new coverage.

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With personal U.S. medical debt at alarming levels, state legislators in more than a dozen states have enacted consumer protections to address the issue. Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with POLITICO deputy health care editor Dan Goldberg about the growing crisis.

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As Congress considers bipartisan reforms to increase regulation of pharmacy benefit managers, advocates are pushing to maintain momentum. Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO reporter Megan R. Wilson about the debate over PBM reforms and the timeline for potential legislative action. 

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Congress could miss the September 30 deadline to reauthorize PEPFAR, a law governing U.S. global HIV/AIDS relief, because of abortion disputes, threatening the program’s future. Daniel Payne talks with POLITICO health care reporter Alice Miranda Ollstein about the potential cuts to the program if Congress can’t reach an agreement by the end of the year.

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There are 25 days before the end of the fiscal year, and a potential government shutdown looms due to a funding standoff between Congress and the White House. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO HHS reporter Chelsea Cirruzzo about what a shutdown would mean for health care agencies.

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The Biden administration on Tuesday is expected to unveil the first 10 drugs selected for Medicare price negotiations, setting up legal and political fights over health care costs. Carmen Paun talks with POLITICO White House Correspondent Adam Cancryn about the policy and political implications of this milestone.

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A debate is heating up in Congress over proposed changes to high-deductible health insurance plans. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with POLITICO health care reporter Ben Leonard about changes that could help or hurt lower-income families.

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The FDA is working to update standards for prescription drug marketing on radio and TV. But some consumer advocates are calling for updated regulations when it comes to drugs promoted by influencers on social media, where the line between personal endorsement and sponsored content can be blurred. Host Chelsea Cirruzzo talks with POLITICO’s FDA reporter Lauren Gardner about social media’s changing nature and whether the agency can adequately monitor drug-marketing content on online platforms.

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What makes the Florida and Texas infections so puzzling is that the patients contracted malaria here -- after 20 years of no locally transmitted cases. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLITICO fellow Mia McCarthy about the mysterious reemergence and the response from public health experts.

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