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Tradeoffs

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Rating
★★★★★
4.7
from
403 reviews
This podcast has
401 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Tradeoffs
Explicit
No
Date created
2019/09/20
Latest episode
2026/10/01
Average duration
32 min.
Release period
7 days

Description

Tradeoffs explores the toughest choices in health care, diving into issues like the cost of care, health equity, insurance, mental health and artificial intelligence. We connect policy to practice, uncovering the data and personal stories that help audiences understand the stakes — and the potential solutions. Learn more about us, find transcripts for each episode and additional reporting at https://tradeoffs.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Tradeoffs podcast


Hidden Help: A New Push for Hospitals to Prevent Medical Debt
2026/10/01
Hospitals can automatically wipe out the cost of care for low-income patients. A Tradeoffs analysis finds that hospitals in Texas could be doing more to protect people from unaffordable bills. See the full series at tradeoffs.org/hiddenhelp. Guests: Erin Fuse Brown, professor of health services, policy and practice, director of the health policy and law lab, Brown UniversityAimee Carlock, Grapevine, Texas, resident, patientJill Horwitz, Trobman Innovation professor of law,professor of emergency medicine, Northwestern UniversityNeale Mahoney, professor of economics, Trione Director of Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford UniversityDr. Tom Oliverson, Texas RepresentativeAnna Stelter, vice president of policy, Texas Hospital AssociationRebecca Wahl, Houston resident, patient Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website. Want more Tradeoffs? Join more than 5,500 readers who trust Tradeoffs for clear, deeply reported health policy insights. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Tradeoffs helps you cut through the noise with clear, deeply reported journalism on the forces driving health care's toughest choices — reporting you won't find anywhere else. If our work helps you stay informed, support it with a donation today. This episode was reported by Melanie Evans and Dan Gorenstein, edited by Ryan Levi, and mixed by Andrew Parrella. The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Additional music this episode from Blue Dot Sessions and Epidemic Sound. Special thanks to Joe Amditis, Big Local News, Jason Buxbaum, Fred Cerise, Elizabeth Colvin, Hacks/Hackers, Keith Hearle, Arthur Hong, Jake Kara, Ray Kluender, Luke Messac, Brian Mittendorf, Paige Moody, Dilcia Mercedes, Charles Minshew, Matthew Notowidigdo, Eva Stahl and Derek Willis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With Millions Expected to Lose Coverage, States Look for New Ways to Prevent Medical Debt
2026/09/30
As millions of Americans are expected to lose health insurance coverage following federal cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, states are searching for new ways to prevent medical debt before it starts. In this episode of Tradeoffs, economist Neale Mahoney explains the research into strategies for relief from high healthcare costs and evaluates policy fixes to protect consumers. Guest: Neale Mahoney, professor of economics, Trione Director of Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford University. Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website. Want more Tradeoffs? Join more than 5,500 readers who trust Tradeoffs for clear, deeply reported health policy insights. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Tradeoffs helps you cut through the noise with clear, deeply reported journalism on the forces driving health care's toughest choices — reporting you won't find anywhere else. If our work helps you stay informed, support it with a donation today. This episode was produced by Melanie Evans, edited by Ryan Levi and Dan Gorenstein, and mixed by Andrew Parrella. The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Additional music this episode from Blue Dot Sessions and Epidemic Sound. Tradeoffs reporting for this story was supported, in part, by Arnold Ventures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
States Weigh In on Medicaid Fraud
2026/09/24
A live conversation with a bipartisan group of state Medicaid leaders on the impact of the Trump administration’s aggressive anti-fraud push. Guests: Amir Bassiri, Medicaid Director, New York State Department of HealthPaula Chatterjee, Director of Innovation, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics; Assistant Professor of Medicine, Perelman School of MedicineDrew Gonshorowski, Former Medicaid Director, State of NebraskaKevin Lownds, Division Chief, Medicaid Fraud Division, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website. Want more Tradeoffs? Join more than 5,500 readers who trust Tradeoffs for clear, deeply reported health policy insights. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Tradeoffs helps you cut through the noise with clear, deeply reported journalism on the forces driving health care's toughest choices — reporting you won't find anywhere else. If our work helps you stay informed, support it with a donation today. This episode was produced by Ryan Levi and mixed by Andrew Parrella. The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Special thanks to Silvana Dillon, Dave Grande, Julia Hinckley, Hoag Levin and Katie Milholin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
911 Fails People in Mental Health Crises. Here's a Plan to Fix It.
2026/09/17
911 calls related to mental health are the most likely to involve police use of force. A new book offers a blueprint for a 911 redesign that could save lives. Guests: Rebecca Neusteter, Executive Director, University of Chicago Health Lab; Author of “911, What’s Your Emergency? The Promise and Peril of Crisis Response”Ed Gonzalez, Sheriff, Harris County, Texas Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website. Want more Tradeoffs? Join more than 5,500 readers who trust Tradeoffs for clear, deeply reported health policy insights. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Tradeoffs helps you cut through the noise with clear, deeply reported journalism on the forces driving health care's toughest choices — reporting you won't find anywhere else. If our work helps you stay informed, support it with a donation today. This episode was produced by Christine Herman, edited by Ryan Levi and Dan Gorenstein, and mixed by Andrew Parrella and Cedric Wilson. The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Additional music this episode from Blue Dot Sessions and Epidemic Sound. Tradeoffs reporting for this story was supported, in part, by the Sozosei Foundation. Thanks to all our listeners who help to support our work, including Daniel Woflson, Misha Fotoohi, Susan Carrel, Ellise Verheyen, Harold Pollack and David Asher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As SNAP Shrinks, What's the Future of Food Aid in America?
2026/09/10
Cash-strapped states and struggling families are wrestling with the consequences of major reforms to the SNAP program passed as part of Republicans’ Big Beautiful Bill. Guests: Romina Boccia, Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy, Cato InstituteChloe East, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Colorado BoulderJoël McClurg, former SNAP compliance officerLeslie Walker, senior reporter, TradeoffsJohn Waxler, SNAP applicantLori Ventura, operations director, Free Senior Health Clinic  This episode was reported and produced by Leslie Walker, edited by Ryan Levi and Dan Gorenstein, and mixed by Andrew Parrella. The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Additional music this episode from Blue Dot Sessions and Epidemic Sound. Special thanks to Jossie Barroso, Jack Cardinal, Cindy Huddleston, Acadia Jacob, Joseph Llobrera and Kenny Palmer. Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website. Want more Tradeoffs? Join more than 5,500 readers who trust Tradeoffs for clear, deeply reported health policy insights. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Tradeoffs helps you cut through the noise with clear, deeply reported journalism on the forces driving health care's toughest choices — reporting you won't find anywhere else. If our work helps you stay informed, support it with a donation today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Beyond Finger Pointing: The Fight to Lower Health Care Costs
2026/09/03
In a live conversation recorded at Aspen Ideas: Health, executives from a hospital, insurer and pharmacy join a top Trump administration official and leading health economist to discuss how to collectively bring down health care costs. Guests: Stephanie Carlton, Deputy Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesBrendan Carr, CEO, Mount Sinai Health SystemDavid Cutler, Professor of Applied Economics, Harvard UniversityKaterina Guerraz, Chief Operating Officer, Aetna; President, Aetna MedicaidJohn Love, Vice President, Amazon Pharmacy Watch a video of this conversation at Aspen Ideas: Health, along with another conversation about medical uncertainty moderated by our host Dan Gorenstein. This episode was produced by Ryan Levi and mixed by Andrew Parrella. The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Special thanks to Ifrah Asmat, Eric Baker, Tonya Bauer, Katie Taylor and Ryan Zynger. Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website. Want more Tradeoffs? Join more than 5,500 readers who trust Tradeoffs for clear, deeply reported health policy insights. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Tradeoffs helps you cut through the noise with clear, deeply reported journalism on the forces driving health care's toughest choices — reporting you won't find anywhere else. If our work helps you stay informed, support it with a donation today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Cost of Cutting NIH Research: Voices from the Frontlines
2026/08/27
A candid conversation between a professor and a Ph.D. candidate about potential funding cuts from the National Institutes of Health and their impact on the future of medical research. Guests: Yvonne Commodore-Mensah, Associate Professor, Associate Dean of Research, Johns Hopkins School of NursingLaura Mata López, PhD Candidate, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing This episode was produced by Ryan Levi, edited by Dan Gorenstein and mixed by Andrew Parrella and Cedric Wilson. The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Additional music this episode from Blue Dot Sessions and Epidemic Sound. Additional thanks to Rachel Bender Ignacio, Jeremy Berg, Otis Brawley, Aaron Carroll, Dan Cooper, Elena Fuentes-Afflick, Robert Kelchen, Daniel Martinez, Raphe Reggie, Sarah Spreitzer and Sarah Szanton. Reporting for this episode was supported in part by Arnold Ventures. Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website. Want more Tradeoffs? Join more than 5,500 readers who trust Tradeoffs for clear, deeply reported health policy insights. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Tradeoffs helps you cut through the noise with clear, deeply reported journalism on the forces driving health care's toughest choices — reporting you won't find anywhere else. If our work helps you stay informed, support it with a donation today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trump's Pick to Quiet HHS Chaos Heads to the Senate
2026/08/20
President Trump has nominated former health care executive Chris Klomp to help RFK Jr. get his health agenda back on track. Guest: Dan Diamond, White House Reporter, Washington Post This episode was produced by Ryan Levi, edited by Dan Gorenstein and Leslie Walker, and mixed by Andrew Parrella and Cedric Wilson. The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Additional music this episode from Blue Dot Sessions and Epidemic Sound. Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website. Want more Tradeoffs? Join more than 5,500 readers who trust Tradeoffs for clear, deeply reported health policy insights. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Tradeoffs helps you cut through the noise with clear, deeply reported journalism on the forces driving health care's toughest choices — reporting you won't find anywhere else. If our work helps you stay informed, support it with a donation today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
‘I Feel Unsafe Almost Everywhere’: How Trump Has Changed Life for One Transgender Teen
2026/08/13
A conversation with an 18-year-old and her dad about how anti-trans policies have impacted their lives during the second Trump administration. Guests: Harleigh Walker Jeff Walker Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website. This episode was produced by Ryan Levi, edited by Dan Gorenstein and mixed by Cedric Wilson and Andrew Parrella. The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Additional music this episode from Blue Dot Sessions and Epidemic Sound. Want more Tradeoffs? Join more than 5,500 readers who trust Tradeoffs for clear, deeply reported health policy insights. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Tradeoffs helps you cut through the noise with clear, deeply reported journalism on the forces driving health care's toughest choices — reporting you won't find anywhere else. If our work helps you stay informed, support it with a donation today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Should I Trust AI to Diagnose Me?
2026/08/06
Physician and New Yorker writer Dhruv Khullar says artificial intelligence is a powerful tool to get quicker and more accurate diagnoses. But it can also be dangerous. Guest: Dhruv Khullar, Physician, Weill Cornell Medical College; Contributing Writer, The New Yorker Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website. Want more Tradeoffs? Join more than 5,500 readers who trust Tradeoffs for clear, deeply reported health policy insights. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Tradeoffs helps you cut through the noise with clear, deeply reported journalism on the forces driving health care's toughest choices — reporting you won't find anywhere else. If our work helps you stay informed, support it with a donation today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Meet the Man Launching Trump's Medicaid Work Requirements Months Early
2026/07/30
Nebraska Medicaid Director Drew Gonshorowski says the state’s data capabilities put it in a strong position to quickly implement the historic changes. Advocates and researchers warn that eligible people may still fall through the cracks. Guest(s): Drew Gonshorowski, Director of Medicaid and Long Term Care, Nebraska Department of Health and Human ServicesBenjamin Sommers, Huntley Quelch Professor of Health Care Economics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Amy Behnke, CEO, Health Center Association of Nebraska Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website. This episode was produced by Julie Wernau, edited by Dan Gorenstein and Ryan Levi, and mixed by Andrew Parrella. The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Additional music this episode from Blue Dot Sessions and Epidemic Sound. Special thanks to Adrianna McIntyre, Rebecca Myerson, Kinda Serafi and Andrea Skolkin. Tradeoffs reporting for this story was supported, in part, by Arnold Ventures. Want more Tradeoffs? Join more than 5,500 readers who trust Tradeoffs for clear, deeply reported health policy insights. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Tradeoffs helps you cut through the noise with clear, deeply reported journalism on the forces driving health care's toughest choices — reporting you won't find anywhere else. If our work helps you stay informed, support it with a donation today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Wyoming Doctor’s Fight to Keep Abortion Legal in Her Deep Red State
2026/07/23
Four years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the fight over abortion access continues to rage. In Wyoming, where abortion is still legal but under constant legal challenge, OB-GYN and abortion provider Giovannina Anthony is helping lead the fight to keep it that way. In this episode of Tradeoffs, Dr. Anthony shares what it's like to provide abortion care in a time of so much legal uncertainty, and how the ongoing battles over abortion laws, reproductive health and medication abortion are affecting physicians and patients in one of the nation's most conservative states. Guest: Giovannina Anthony, OB-GYN, GMA Health Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website. This episode was produced by Christine Herman, edited by Ryan Levi and Dan Gorenstein, and mixed by Cedric Wilson and Andrew Parrella. The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Additional music this episode from Blue Dot Sessions and Epidemic Sound. Want more Tradeoffs? Join more than 5,500 readers who trust Tradeoffs for clear, deeply reported health policy insights. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Tradeoffs helps you cut through the noise with clear, deeply reported journalism on the forces driving health care's toughest choices — reporting you won't find anywhere else. If our work helps you stay informed, support it with a donation today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Call to Mind: Immigration and the Challenge to Belong
2026/07/16
A deep dive on the unique mental health challenges faced by immigrants in America, produced by Call to Mind from American Public Media. Learn more and read a full transcript on our website. This episode was produced by Call to Mind, American Public Media's initiative to foster new conversations about mental health. The program was produced and written by senior producer Jessica Bari, edited by Stephen Smith and hosted by Angela Davis. It featured reporting by Jessica Bari, Cari Spencer and Kristi Marohn. The technical director is Josh Savageau, and Hans Buetow scored the show.  Additional thanks to Mohammad Ebrahim for his translation. This episode was produced and mixed for Tradeoffs by Ryan Levi. The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Find more reporting on mental health from Call to Mind on their website, on your local public radio station, or by subscribing to the Call to Mind podcast. Want more Tradeoffs? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter featuring our latest reporting on health care's toughest choices. Donate to support our work. Tradeoffs is a nonprofit, powered by listeners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Drama at Trump's FDA Subsides, Doubts and Damage Linger
2026/07/09
We talk with STAT News reporter Lizzy Lawrence about the agency’s recent turmoil and its hunt for a new leader. Guest: Lizzy Lawrence, FDA Reporter, STAT News Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website. Want more Tradeoffs? Join more than 5,500 readers who trust Tradeoffs for clear, deeply reported health policy insights. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Tradeoffs helps you cut through the noise with clear, deeply reported journalism on the forces driving health care's toughest choices — reporting you won't find anywhere else. If our work helps you stay informed, support it with a donation today. This episode was produced by Leslie Walker, edited by Ryan Levi and Dan Gorenstein, and mixed by Cedric Wilson. The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Additional music this episode from Blue Dot Sessions and Epidemic Sound. Special thanks to Alex Hogan. Tradeoffs reporting for this story was supported, in part, by Arnold Ventures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Making Medical Decisions with Uncertain Science
2026/07/02
Two physicians and an ethicist discuss how to make the best decisions in areas like artificial intelligence and gender-affirming care when there is limited evidence in a live conversation recorded at Aspen Ideas: Health. Guests: Ishani Ganguli, Primary Care Physician, Associate Professor of Medicine; Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s HospitalChristine Yu Moutier, Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Vardit Ravitsky, President, Hastings Center for Bioethics Watch a video of this conversation at Aspen Ideas: Health, along with another conversation about health care costs moderated by our host Dan Gorenstein. Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website. Want more Tradeoffs? Join more than 5,500 readers who trust Tradeoffs for clear, deeply reported health policy insights. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Tradeoffs helps you cut through the noise with clear, deeply reported journalism on the forces driving health care's toughest choices — reporting you won't find anywhere else. If our work helps you stay informed, support it with a donation today. This episode was produced by Ryan Levi and mixed by Andrew Parrella. The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Special thanks to Ifrah Asmat, Eric Baker, Tonya Bauer, Katie Taylor and Ryan Zynger [zinger]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast reviews

Read Tradeoffs podcast reviews


4.7 out of 5
403 reviews
★★★★★
gwlk 2026/09/17
NPR
- is where I first heard this podcast. I am a first responder so I heard 911- of course I’m interested.
★★★★★
Slay Joys 2026/02/02
Elizabeth Kromm’s kid
Love how you included my mom
★★★★★
Aaron Weidman 2025/11/28
Timely health policy
One of my favorite weekly podcasts. They go in-depth on an important health policy issue in every episode. Tradeoffs’ reporting is particularly import...
★★★★★
Joe Pozawokiem 2025/02/15
USAID cuts
The episode on USAID cuts is superb. Every American with a heart should listen to this first-hand explanation of how the cuts are impacting global hea...
★☆☆☆☆
Rdswinford 2025/02/09
Did anybody bother to read the Oregon paper?
I went back and actually re-reviewed the New England Journal paper. If you see the population that they enrolled using the lottery, this was a healthy...
★★☆☆☆
Joey Ken 2024/11/21
Interesting but biased
The host is good and the conversations are thought provoking but they are not interested in representing different sides on healthcare issues. They cl...
★★★★★
droxrich 2024/05/11
Sensemaking and Stories
I love the health policy “sensemaking” by way of stories! Very timely discussions. Very authentic stories. And not afraid to touch on the controversia...
★★★★★
LN7364 2024/03/11
Excellent podcast
Great insight into important health issues!
★★★★☆
NorthwoodsDoc 2023/07/27
Great info! Need to ask the tough questions to make it real.
I just found this podcast and binge-listened to like 2 years worth and it's TOTALLY important information that I wish made the general news. But you d...
★★★★★
Twistingly Fun 2023/07/03
Great Pod!
T.O. Continues to be one of the best health care policy pods!
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