Our hosts cover the latest news on Medicare price negotiations, new CDC data on asthma related emergency visits, and the RSV vaccine. For the main topic, The Health Advocates take a look at yet another COVID variant and its potentially worrisome mutations, the rise in COVID related ER visits, masking practices, and what this means for the fall booster shot.

“And you know, despite the increase, just going back to the point, I just made it still far below what we've seen in the U.S. in the past, the current level of COVID hospitalizations is a third of it was a year ago at this time,” says Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director of Community Outreach at GHLF.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:52: Zoe explains that the Biden administration is set to announce a list of the first 10 drugs up for negotiation by Medicare in an effort to lower prescription drug prices, as a result of the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act

01:43: Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF, shares new CDC data that found asthma related emergency department visits were 17 percent higher than expected in the U.S. on days when the wildfires in Canada carried heavy smoke into part of the U.S.

02:41: Steven and Zoe discuss the recent FDA approval of a vaccine for RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) aimed at protecting infants through vaccinating pregnant people in the latter part of pregnancy

03:22: Steven and Zoe talk about a new COVID variant, Pirola, which has been seen in multiple countries and has 36 mutations that is worrying experts

06:23: Steven and Zoe discuss the increase in emergency department visits and COVID hospitalizations in the southeastern states of the U.S., but note that it is still far below the levels seen in the past

08:26: Steven and Zoe discuss the upcoming CDC Advisory Committee meeting on September 12 to discuss recommendations for the next COVID vaccine

09:46: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our hosts cover the latest news on large health insurers’ plans to drop prior authorization requirements and the latest CDC data on long COVID in the U.S. For the main topic, the Health Advocates continue their discussion from the last episode on the rise in COVID cases and answer some common questions. They break down what you need to know about insurance coverage and expiration of at-home COVID tests, quarantine requirements for a positive test, how long you can expect to be symptomatic, and masking guidelines.

“Some places are seeing 50% or more increases week to week, there's no mistaking two things; Number one COVID is back, number two, it’s not as bad as it was in the past,” says Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:39: Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF, explains that UnitedHealthcare, among other insurance companies, plans to drop prior authorization requirements for various medical procedures, in a move praised as it can alleviate administrative burdens on health care providers and delays in patient care

01:54: Steven shares good news from a new CDC report that indicates the percentage of U.S. adults living with long COVID has fallen to 6%

02:40: Zoe elaborates on the aforementioned CDC report, highlighting that a significant portion (26.4%) of those with long COVID are still experiencing considerable limitations in their daily activities

03:39: Our hosts transition into the main topic of rising COVID cases, especially with the emergence of the EG.5 variant

04:55: Steven breaks down insurance coverage options for at-home COVID tests after the end of public health emergencies, under Medicaid, private insurance, FSA, HSA, and for those who are uninsured

06:01: Steven advises listeners to check the expiration dates of at-home COVID tests, as they can range from six months to two years

07:00: Our hosts discuss the interpretation of at-home COVID test results and the relevance of the boldness of the test line to contagiousness

08:08: Should positive results from at-home tests be reported to the Health Department?

08:35: Steven outlines the recommended isolation protocols for those who test positive for COVID, starting from day zero, which is the first day of symptoms

09:26: Zoe emphasizes the importance of waiting until you feel well and consulting with a health care professional before ending isolation

10:25: Steven and Zoe discuss the availability of Paxlovid as a treatment option for COVID-19 and the importance of having a plan in place with your health care provider

11:56: Our hosts discuss the important question of how long people infected by COVID-19 might expect to stay ‘immune’?

13:30: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our hosts cover the latest news on the CDC recommendations for the RSV shot for infants and what access issues patients are experiencing when filling their methotrexate. For the main topic, the Health Advocates give an update on this new phase of COVID and discuss the rise in cases in the U.S., the new subvariant, and COVID projections.

“COVID-19, as with other illnesses is different if you have a chronic condition… so it hits different portions of the population differently. And for our population, it still matters. And you know, frankly, it should matter for everyone. And even if you don't have a chronic condition, you likely don't want to contract COVID. But also, you don't want to spread COVID to others who are more vulnerable than you are,” says Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:36: Steven provides an update on the CDC panel's recommendation for an RSV shot for infants following the recent FDA approval

01:10: Steven and Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF, discuss the significance of the monoclonal antibody shot being made available to a wider group of children

02:25: Steven touches upon drug shortages, specifically methotrexate

02:39: Zoe shares her personal experience with the shortage and provides advice for those facing similar issues

03:50: Steven emphasizes the importance of reporting any medication access issues to GHLF

05:08: Zoe stresses the importance of updated public health messaging around COVID

06:03: Our hosts dive into the state of COVID, noting recent increases in cases and the appearance of a new variant (‘EG.5’)

08:13: The possible implications of Americans losing Medicaid coverage on COVID case rates

09:03: Steven provides insights on EG.5's designation by the World Health Organization and its characteristics

10:00: Steven and Zoe talk about the upcoming COVID vaccine booster targeting the latest strains

11:57: “The COVID-19 modeling hub, which is comprised of eight academic teams across the United States just released their projections for the next two years. And they predict that hospitalizations and deaths will likely stay within last year's range, which is unfortunate, because it means we should expect to lose about 55,000 to 450,000 Americans depending on how things go due to COVID 19,” says Steven

13:17: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our hosts cover the latest news on new trials for treatment for long COVID and the surge of people losing Medicaid coverage. For the main topic, our Health Advocates discuss heat waves’ impact on public health, how we can advocate and be better prepared, and what you need to know as someone who lives with chronic illness.

“It's frustrating that we even have to take an episode to talk about the weather, but it truly is a public health hazard… For quite a number of years, we could look at heat and say that's something that happens elsewhere, but it's here, it's in the United States, it affects all of us,” says Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:38: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is launching clinical trials for possible treatments for long COVID

01:44: Steven discusses the surge in people losing Medicaid coverage and the concerns raised by health officials regarding large numbers being dropped for procedural reasons

03:17: The Secretary of the Health and Human Services sent a letter to governors, encouraging support for Medicaid and electronic information for eligibility confirmation

04:02: Record high temperatures and heat exposure across the U.S. are affecting over 140 million people

06:03: Steven and Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, discuss the health impacts of heat waves, including heat-related mortality among those 65 and older

07:50: Our hosts address social inequalities exacerbated by heat waves, emphasizing the effect on poor neighborhoods, lower-income countries, and the importance of advocacy in addressing these inequalities

09:08: Steven and Zoe share advice on heatstroke, discuss the need for emergency rooms to incorporate climate into their thinking, and emphasize the international public health hazard posed by the weather, urging everyone to take precautions

11:09: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conner Mertens, Patient Advocate and Community Outreach Manager at GHLF, joins our host Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director of Community Outreach, as guest co-host to cover the latest news on the FDA approved RSV shot for infants, a new pandemic preparedness office, insurance coverage for mental health, and results from our latest quick poll. For the main topic, Conner and Zoe discuss active health care bills around the states, updates on the Safe Step Act and HELP Copays Act and how our 50-State Network is advocating.

“It really is powerful when you get to walk into a lawmaker’s office with a patient who has a very personal story, and that the laws that these folks are passing can really impact their lives. And to hear from those lawmakers that it's the first time they've spoken directly to a patient about how these bills that they're working on will change their day to day is a wonderful thing that we get to see firsthand,” says Conner.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:41: Zoe and Conner discuss the recent approval of an RSV preventative shot for infants and vulnerable toddlers, and the FDA's considerations of approving a vaccine for pregnant women and adults 60 and older

02:18: Our hosts discuss the creation of a new White House office, the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy (OPPR), headed by Dr. Paul Friedrichs, and its mandate for managing biological threats and pandemic preparedness

03:46: Zoe and Conner examine the Biden administration's move to improve insurance coverage of mental health treatments and the implications of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act

05:46: Our hosts discuss the results from a recent GHLF COVID-19 Patient Support Program quick poll related to GHLF’s HEROES program, which educates stylists about skin and scalp conditions, and the positive reception it has received

07:09: Conner shares his experience from a recent advocacy road trip across the West Coast, highlighting the importance of patient perspectives in health care legislation

08:32: Zoe and Conner talk about active health care legislation in various states, mainly focusing on accumulator bills and non-medical switching bans

10:21: Our hosts review federal health policy, specifically the Safe Step Act aiming to reduce step therapy, which has recently gained traction in the House and Senate

12:25: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Advocates are joined by Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF, to learn about a free, interactive tool which shows that state laws banning accumulator and maximizer clauses in health insurance policies have not increased the cost of health insurance. Robert breaks down health care terms, talks about the impact of insurance practices on patient’s access to affordable care, and how we can use this tool to advocate amongst stakeholders.

“So these patient assistance programs get captured by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and the insurers as profit, and the patient is almost like double billed, because not only do they have to pay for their medicine, but they have to also pay for the deductible twice,” says Dr. Robert Popovian.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:57: Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, asks Dr. Popovian to explain key terms and components of health insurance plans

03:16: Dr. Popovian explains why pharmaceutical companies have patient assistance programs, emphasizing their role in helping patients remain adherent to their therapies

04:22: Dr. Popovian discusses the emergence of programs called accumulators and maximizers, which can make it difficult for patients to meet their deductibles

06:39: Dr. Popovian talks about alternative funding programs that work with PBMs, mentioning the organization SaveOnSP and its role in securing patient assistance programs

09:48: Dr. Popovian shares that 19 states have passed legislation to protect patients against schemes like accumulators and maximizers, but he emphasizes the need for federal legislation to ensure wider protection

11:52: Dr. Popovian introduces GHLF’s analysis and free interactive tool to counter the argument that helping patients with their out-of-pocket costs will cause insurance premiums to increase, demonstrating that there's no correlation between the two

Learn more about the importance of patient assistance programs and access GHLF’s free interactive tool, visit: https://ghlf.org/copay-assistance-protection/

13:30: Dr. Popovian mentions that several legislative bodies have used the information provided by the tool to pass laws

14:16: Zoe suggests listeners can use this tool to advocate for laws that protect patients from high health care costs

14:58: Dr. Popovian discusses other policies that protect patients from predatory schemes, such as anti-steering laws

16:37: Dr. Popovian mentions an upcoming webinar on July 27, from 12pm to 1pm ET, where these issues and the tool available to help patients understand them will be further discussed

Register to the event here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VoHE6wRqTA6a4DtkMhupxA

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our hosts cover the latest news on drug shortages in the U.S., and the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). For the main topic of the episode, our Health Advocates discuss what we know so far about the recent malaria cases in the U.S., and the importance of a public health response and local health advocacy to make your voice heard.

“For the first time in two decades, federal health officials have confirmed malaria infections in people who did not travel outside of the United States, leading officials to warn about the potential transmission of the mosquito-borne disease within our country,” says Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:38: Steven discusses the ongoing drug shortages in the U.S., especially concerning cancer drugs and antibiotics

01:59: Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, discusses the PAHPA, a crucial bipartisan legislation under reauthorization, which has guided the nation's biosecurity policy since 2006

02:21: Steven emphasizes the importance of being prepared and strengthening public health responses before a new pandemic hits

03:25: Zoe and Steven discuss the presence of malaria within the United States for the first time in two decades, and how the changing climate is likely contributing to this development

05:30: The crucial role of public health and the challenges it faces, particularly in gaining public trust and combating misinformation

07:30: Steven discusses the need for better communication in public health, emphasizing the importance of engaging in dialogues with those who oppose public health measures

09:17: Steven explains the importance of engaging with leaders to advocate for public health, encouraging listeners to join in these efforts

11:36: Steven and Zoe discuss a recent ruling restricting government administrators from communicating with social media platforms about misinformation online, underlining the impact on public health

14:12: Our hosts express their hope for the potential impact of the new CDC director and urging listeners to call their elected officials in support of pro-public health legislation

15:20: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our hosts cover the latest on new CDC leadership, why millions are getting disenrolled from Medicaid, and the latest quick poll results from GHLF’s Patient Support Program. For the main topic of the episode, our Health Advocates dive into the recent FDA committee meeting on recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine.

“The FDA uses advisory committees generally to: 1. get advice from experts who work outside the agency; 2. work towards transparent and open government; and, 3. to encourage patients, health care providers, and other interested people to share their views during open public hearings or by submitting comments to their docket,” says Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:39: Steven shares news about Dr. Mandy Cohen's appointment as the next CDC Director

01:14: Steven details some of the responsibilities of the new CDC Director, including tracking the coronavirus and overseeing public health crises

01:29: Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, raises the issue of public trust in the CDC and discusses the potential impact of a leadership change

02:00: Steven brings up the issue of millions of people being disenrolled from Medicaid following post-public health emergency procedures

02:31: Results from a recent GHLF COVID-19 Patient Support Program quick poll reveal surprising results on COVID-19 experiences and protective measures among GHLF’s patient community

03:48: Zoe introduces the main topic of the episode: the recent FDA meeting about vaccines, particularly the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC)

04:53: Steven provides an overview of the committee's discussions on the need to update COVID-19 vaccines due to the virus's rapid mutation rate

07:41: Steven shares more updates, including the timeline for next-gen vaccines and the hope for COVID-19 to settle into a predictable seasonal pattern

08:55: Zoe emphasizes the rigorous testing and post-market surveillance of vaccines, refuting claims that they're untested on humans

09:25: Steven notes the improved global alignment on vaccine strategies, with the U.S., E.U., and WHO agreeing on targeting the Omicron XBB variant

10:19: Steven concludes the episode by sharing predictions about the accessibility of the updated vaccines, highlighting the importance of continuing communication on vaccine developments

11:44: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, our hosts are joined by Seth Ginsberg, Co-founder and President of the Global Healthy Living Foundation, to learn about the HEROES (Health Education + Reliable Outreach + Empathetic Support) program. HEROES is a free education and outreach initiative that equips beauty professionals to better support clients living with scalp and other skin conditions. Seth reminds us of the importance of community support, personalized care, and empathy toward each other.

“As patients, this is a chance to really not just fight stigma, but beat it back. And it starts literally at a place like a salon or barbershop where this is like a house of influence, if you will. And if we can give them at least what they ought to know and think about these conditions that's a massive leap forward," says Seth Ginsberg.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:05: Seth shares his personal journey with spondyloarthropathy, a form of arthritis, and his work from CreakyJoints to GHLF

04:19: Seth introduces the HEROES program, an initiative that GHLF is launching worldwide designed to equip and support licensed appearance enhancement service providers with information on common skin and scalp conditions, helping them to better support their clients living with these conditions

06:33: A survey conducted by GHLF found that stylists are familiar with conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and alopecia but lack comprehensive understanding and are keen to learn more

08:31: Seth talks about the enrollment process for the HEROES program and the ways the information will be delivered to the professionals who sign up

How to sign up for the HEROES Program?

• Visit ghlf.org/salonheroes
• Follow us in Instagram @GHLF_HEROES
• (Soon you will be able to subscribe to free text message updates too)

10:04: Seth encourages patients to help enroll their hair stylists and barbers into the HEROES program, underlining that sharing their experiences and directing the professionals to the HEROES page is a powerful form of advocacy that can make a significant difference

12:29: Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, emphasizes how the HEROES program can help patients feel more comfortable and understood in salon and barber settings, ultimately reducing stigma and improving overall patient care

13:10: Seth discusses the importance of fighting stigma around skin and scalp conditions, and highlights the potential danger for individuals who ignore their symptoms due to lack of awareness

14:50: Seth emphasizes that stylists and barbers are essential community health ambassadors and should be aware of skin and scalp conditions

15:20: “Today's objective is a focused one on skin and scalp conditions, because tens of millions of Americans are affected by them,” says Seth

17:19: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our hosts discuss the Canadian wildfires and what you need to know about the air-quality alerts in the U.S. They also cover the latest news on arguments about ACA preventive care coverage, a new CDC report on prescription drugs, and the FDA’s decision to revoke authorization of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Later in the episode, the hosts have a discussion on the debt ceiling negotiations, the budget cuts, and how the deal impacts health care going forward.

“The Republican Party took power in the House of Representatives and over the last election, they had a set of priorities and things that they wanted to negotiate. The Democrats hold the Senate and the White House, and they have their priorities. They came together and hammered out a deal that leaves both parties, both sides, equally happy and also dissatisfied at the same time,” says Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:06: Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, discusses the implications of the ongoing wildfires for people with respiratory issues

02:32: “Knowing your rights is really important. You might have protections through the Disabilities Act. Also, especially for asthma, having your preventative medications, your rescue meds nearby, and just making sure that you have the right supply of what you need, in case you encounter more breathing challenges during this time,” says Zoe

05:39: Steven discusses a CDC report on prescription medications, stating that many adults are skipping medication doses or delaying filling prescriptions due to cost

06:42: The FDA has revoked authorization of Johnson and Johnson's COVID vaccine, after the company requested its withdrawal since shots bought by the government had expired, and demand is limited

08:48: Steven provides insight into the recent bipartisan deal on the debt ceiling

11:30: The outcome of the debt ceiling negotiations do not directly affect programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

13:56: Zoe talks about the cumulative impact of the pandemic and wildfires on health and the ability to work

14:15: Steven discusses the possibility of a claw back (recoup funds) on unspent COVID aid as part of the debt ceiling negotiations

15:01: The importance of continued innovation in developing new and updated vaccines and treatments

15:12: Steven brings up potential cuts to funding for data modernization at the CDC and public health surveillance

16:31: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.