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In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian and co-host Angela Degrassi examine the Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program and whether lower prices negotiated by the government are translating into meaningful savings for patients at the pharmacy counter. The conversation explains that the Inflation Reduction Act included several important changes for Medicare beneficiaries, including an annual cap on Medicare Part D out-of-pocket spending, the elimination of cost sharing for vaccines covered under Part D, and the introduction of government-negotiated maximum fair prices for selected medicines. Dr. Popovian emphasizes, however, that the maximum fair price determines what Medicare plans pay, not necessarily what patients pay. The episode also discusses research from Pioneer Institute using real-world prescription data from the four largest pharmacy benefit managers, which together account for approximately 85% of the Medicare Part D market. The research tracks what patients paid for 24 non-insulin medicines selected for the first two rounds of negotiation, as well as how frequently prescriptions were filled with no out-of-pocket cost. The findings show a complicated and uneven picture. From 2024 to 2025, patients paid more for 14 of the 24 medicines studied and less for ten, although the number of prescriptions filled at no cost increased because of the new out-of-pocket cap. During the first quarter of 2026, patients paid less for eight of the first nine negotiated medicines than in the same period in 2025, but several remained more expensive than in 2024. Robert and Angela also discuss why lower negotiated prices may not produce equivalent reductions in patient costs. Benefit design, manufacturer price reductions, generic and biosimilar competition, premiums, deductibles, formulary tiers, prior authorization, and step therapy can all affect what patients ultimately pay and whether they can access their medicines. The key message: lower government-negotiated prices should not be confused with lower patient out-of-pocket costs. Some provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act clearly help patients, but the ultimate test is whether Medicare beneficiaries pay less overall and can still obtain the medicines they need. Pioneer Institute Study: https://pioneerinstitute.org/the-inflation-reduction-act/ Comments by Pioneer Institute to CMS: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/CMS-2026-2080-0019 Contact Our Hosts Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Angela Degrassi, Senior Manager, Patient-Centered Research Operations & Engagement: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Amelia Violet Prouse. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian and co-host Angela Degrassi discuss the 340B Drug Discount Program and why a program created to help vulnerable patients has become an important issue for patient access, hospital transparency, and accountability.  The conversation explains how 340B allows eligible hospitals and other covered entities to purchase certain outpatient medicines at steep discounts. The original purpose was to help safety-net providers stretch limited resources and support uninsured, underinsured, and underserved patients. Dr. Popovian emphasizes that the program is valuable and should not be eliminated but asks whether the savings are actually reaching patients directly.  The episode also explores why many patients may not know they are receiving care at a 340B hospital, even though that hospital may be purchasing outpatient medicines at a significant discount. Patients are not automatically guaranteed to receive that discounted price, and hospitals are not clearly required to pass those savings directly to them.  Robert and Angela also discuss findings from a study Dr. Popovian co-authored comparing 340B and non-340B hospitals. The study found that 340B hospitals, on average, provided less charity care, less charity care for uninsured patients, and less uncompensated or unreimbursed care as a percentage of operating expenses than non-340B hospitals.  The key message: 340B was created to help vulnerable patients, but patients are often not told when hospitals receive these discounts and are not guaranteed to benefit directly. Patients should be informed, hospitals should be transparent, and there should be a clear pathway for patients to ask whether 340B discounts can help reduce their out-of-pocket drug costs.  Read the study here: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.12.26346191v1  Contact Our Hosts Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Angela Degrassi, Senior Manager, Patient-Centered Research Operations & Engagement: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Amelia Violet Prouse. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian and co-host Angela Degrassi discuss why uncertainty surrounding the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, known as ACIP, matters far beyond Washington, DC. The conversation explains how ACIP recommendations are connected to the real-world systems that help patients get vaccinated, including pharmacist authority, state scope-of-practice laws, and Medicaid reimbursement. Dr. Popovian explains that adult vaccination is especially vulnerable to disruption because most adults receive vaccines at pharmacies, and in many states, pharmacists’ ability to administer vaccines is tied to ACIP recommendations. The episode also explores why seasonal vaccines, such as flu and COVID vaccines, are particularly exposed to uncertainty because they require updated authorization and recommendations each year. Robert and Angela discuss what happened when COVID vaccine guidance was delayed, how some states responded with temporary workarounds, and why not every state may be prepared to act quickly if similar uncertainty continues. The discussion also highlights GHLF’s new integration of Walgreens’ Vaccine Scheduler into GHLF’s vaccine hub, a tool designed to help adult patients better understand and access vaccines at local pharmacies. The key message: ACIP may sound like an advisory body, but its recommendations can directly affect whether patients can get vaccines, whether pharmacists can provide them, and whether Medicaid will pay for them. Contact Our Hosts Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Angela Degrassi, Senior Manager, Patient-Centered Research Operations & Engagement: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Amelia Violet Prouse. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian is joined by new co-host Angela Degrassi for a conversation about access to oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19, especially for older adults and people living with chronic disease.Prompted by a new CDC report and supported by findings from a recent Global Healthy Living Foundation survey, the discussion explores a troubling pattern: awareness of COVID antiviral treatments may be high, but many high-risk patients still do not receive them when they test positive.Dr. Popovian explains why prescribing appears to rise when COVID is dominating headlines and then fall when public attention fades, even though patient risk has not changed. He and Angela discuss the real-world barriers that can stand in the way of timely treatment, including missed prescribing opportunities, delays in testing, out-of-pocket costs, and uncertainty about eligibility.This episode highlights a simple but important message: for high-risk patients, timely treatment should be part of the care plan, not an afterthought. It also offers practical guidance for patients and caregivers on what to do immediately after testing positive and why acting quickly can make all the difference. COVID-19 Antiviral Prescription Receipt Among Outpatients Aged ≥65 Years COVID-19 Oral Antiviral Treatments Among U.S. Patients with Chronic Conditions Contact Our Hosts Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Angela Degrassi|, Senior Manager, Patient-Centered Research Operations & Engagement: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Amelia Violet Prouse. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian breaks down the 340B drug pricing program through the lens that matters most: what it means for patients. Prompted by Minnesota’s latest transparency report, he explains how a program originally created to support care for uninsured and underinsured patients has grown into one of the largest and least understood drug programs in the country.  Dr. Popovian unpacks how the program works, why contract pharmacies have become such a major part of it, and what the newest data suggest about who is benefiting most. He also raises a critical question: if hospitals and affiliated entities are receiving deep discounts on medicines, why are so many patients still facing high out-of-pocket costs?  This episode explores whether the 340B program is truly delivering on its original mission and why greater transparency, accountability, and patient benefit should be at the center of the conversation.  Minnesota 340B Covered Entity Report 2025 Minnesota 340B Covered Entity Report 2024 Contact Our Hosts Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Amelia Violet Prouse. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform has reached a turning point. In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc are joined by Bob Schenk, RPh, to break down the latest wave of federal and state reforms, including the FTC settlement with Express Scripts. From pharmacy-level claims transparency to rebate reform and vertical integration, the conversation explores what’s changed, what’s still missing, and how these shifts could affect employers, patients, and healthcare costs nationwide. As regulatory pressure builds, the big question remains: will transparency lead to true accountability, or simply new revenue strategies? Contact Our Hosts Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this season premiere of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc are joined by Dr. Wayne Winegarden, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Medical Economics and Innovation at the Pacific Research Institute, to discuss a new economic study revealing the true cost of influenza in America.The study finds that influenza imposed a $29 billion economic burden during the 2023-24 season; $16 billion in direct medical costs and $13 billion in lost productivity. Using 14 seasons of CDC data, the research demonstrates that higher adult vaccination rates are significantly associated with lower hospitalizations and mortality, particularly among adults aged 50 and older.The conversation explores why adult vaccination rates have declined, what drives the real economic impact of flu season, and why employers, especially small businesses, should view vaccination as a critical workplace investment. Dr. Popovian and Dr. Winegarden break down the data and discuss actionable solutions for healthcare systems, employers, and policymakers to close the gap between what we know works and what's actually happening.To access the full study and white paper, click here.Contact Our Hosts Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, our hosts unpack the evolving conversation around drug pricing reform—focusing on a new proposal often referred to as “TrumpRx.” Drawing from Robert’s recent co-authored article The Promise of TrumpRx, they explore how direct-to-consumer purchasing, pricing transparency, and reforming the rebate-driven PBM system could reshape what patients actually pay at the pharmacy counter. Robert breaks down how PBMs influence list prices, why rebate contracting misaligns incentives, and how deductibles and co-insurance calculations leave many patients, especially those with chronic illnesses, paying more than they should. The conversation also outlines four key policy changes that would be necessary for any TrumpRx-style model to meaningfully benefit patients, including allowing cash prices to count toward deductibles and extending transparency to both employers and consumers. The conversation explores how upcoming policy shifts, including changes tied to the IRA, may influence drug affordability and how clearer pricing information could help patients make more informed decisions about their care. You can read Robert’s full article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/promise-trumprx-robert-popovian-vskne/ To watch all the interviews we captured at ACR, visit: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf0iG26PiXMtANSCb4wklzYdqPueqUNdx&si=5TK2MbGJNcyGv9GC  You can find all Informed Immunity episodes here: https://ghlf.org/informed-immunity/ Contact Our Hosts Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc unpack key findings from the recent Global Healthy Living Foundation’s national survey on access to COVID-19 oral antivirals. As federal emergency support phases out, how are high-risk patients navigating access to these lifesaving treatments? Dr. Popovian highlights persistent knowledge gaps, reimbursement hurdles, and policy inconsistencies that continue to disrupt real-world uptake. From provider barriers to state-by-state disparities, he explores what’s standing in the way — and offers actionable solutions to help ensure these therapies reach the patients who need them most. To access and download the full report (PDF) click here. Contact Our Hosts Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian breaks down the complex but critical connection between vaccine policy and access in the United States. Our hosts examine how guidance from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) can affect not only where patients can get vaccinated but also whether healthcare providers are reimbursed for administering those vaccines. From immunization reimbursement to state scope-of-practice laws, Dr. Popovian outlines real-world barriers and provides practical solutions needed to ensure vaccines reach the people who need them most. Contact Our Hosts Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc sit down with Dr. Alison Bailey, Chief of Cardiology for Centennial Heart at Parkridge in Chattanooga, Tennessee and a Physician Director of Cardiovascular Disease for HCA Healthcare, to explore how policy decisions can help—or hinder—innovation in cardiovascular care. They discuss the hidden consequences of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for small molecule drug development, the promise of gene-targeted therapies like siRNA, and why medical research funding remains vital for turning new science into life-saving treatments. Tune in to learn why smarter incentives and stable funding are key to tackling America’s growing cardiovascular crisis. Among the highlights in this episode: 03:28: Dr. Bailey shares her passion for cardiovascular prevention, emphasizing how patient education and access shape outcomes 04:12: Dr. Bailey discusses the concerning rise in cardiovascular death rates in the U.S. despite advances in treatment, pointing to lifestyle factors and health inequities 05:35: Ben asks about the impact of small molecule therapies in cardiology and how the Inflation Reduction Act may affect future drug development 06:04: Dr. Popovian explains how the IRA’s Maximum Fair Price (MFP) policy shortens market exclusivity for small molecules, reducing incentives for new cardiovascular treatments 08:40: Dr. Bailey expands on how genetically targeted small molecules, like siRNA therapies, are game-changers for cholesterol and rare cardiac conditions, but policy must support their development 10:50: Ben asks about the consequences for patients if companies shift focus away from small molecules. Dr. Bailey warns that fewer innovations could limit treatment options and worsen health disparities 12:15: Dr. Popovian explains how small molecules remain essential for oral medications that improve adherence, affordability, and widespread access—especially in chronic conditions like heart disease 13:00: Ben brings up the bipartisan MINI Act, which aims to align protections for certain targeted small molecule therapies with biologics to maintain incentives for innovation 14:45: Dr. Bailey supports the MINI Act as a practical fix that would encourage more investment in next-generation therapies and benefit cardiovascular patients 16:20: Dr. Popovian highlights the risk of medical research funding cuts, stressing that NIH funding drives discoveries that pharma can’t tackle alone 18:05: Dr. Bailey gives real-world examples of now-standard heart medications that came from decades of NIH and industry collaboration, underscoring the need for stable funding 19:00: Dr. Popovian adds that even widely used generic drugs like beta blockers for heart failure exist today because of federally funded research 20:40: Dr. Popovian and Dr. Bailey agree that more clinician voices are needed to help policymakers see the real impact of drug policy on patient care 22:00: Dr. Bailey closes by stressing that these therapies are not hypothetical—they are real and available now but require supportive policy to reach all patients who need them Contact Our Hosts Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc dive into a recent paper published in the Journal of Health Economics and Outcomes Research that explores the unintended consequences of drug price-setting under the Inflation Reduction Act. Using real-world modeling focused on Eliquis and Xarelto—two widely used anticoagulants—Dr. Popovian discusses how Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) may shift costs onto patients in response to federal pricing reforms, potentially increasing the risk of treatment abandonment, hospitalization, and death. Tune in as our hosts break down how pricing policy, rebates, and transparency intersect—and why policymakers must act now to protect patient access. Among the highlights in this episode: 00:45: Ben introduces the topic of the episode: how new drug pricing rules that aim to lower costs could unintentionally increase out-of-pocket expenses and reduce access for patients 01:12: Robert discusses GHLF’s recent paper, which he co-authored and that was published in the Journal of Health Economics and Outcomes Research, on the potential risks of the IRA’s Maximum Fair Price (MFP) policy To access he full paper, visit: https://jheor.org/article/125251-could-the-inflation-reduction-act-maximum-fair-price-hurt-patients 02:16: Robert explains how the MFP allows the federal government to set prices for high-spend Medicare drugs and how this disrupts the current rebate model used by PBMs 03:38: Robert describes how PBMs and insurers may respond to lower drug prices by shifting medications to higher formulary tiers or increasing patient cost-sharing to make up for lost rebate revenue 05:10: Ben transitions to the study’s real-world modeling and asks why Eliquis and Xarelto were chosen as the focus 05:42: Robert explains that these two anticoagulants were selected because they are widely used among older adults and come with serious risks if treatment is abandoned 06:55: Ben highlights the human cost of non-adherence and prompts Robert to detail the real-world health outcomes if patients stop taking these drugs 07:23: Robert cites published data showing that increased out-of-pocket costs lead to medication abandonment—and in the case of Eliquis and Xarelto, that can mean higher risks of stroke, heart attack, and death 09:16: Ben asks about transparency in drug pricing and how the current system makes it difficult to understand what patients actually pay 09:38: Robert explains how PBMs deliberately obscure drug pricing, rebates, and patient costs, calling it a “black box” that benefits from secrecy and ultimately harms patients 12:07: Robert calls on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to monitor both formulary coverage and out-of-pocket costs for MFP drugs, ensuring that price controls don’t backfire by limiting access or shifting costs to patients 13:20: Robert references a real-time tracking tool from the Pioneer Institute that supports the findings of his study and shows actual increases in out-of-pocket costs for MFP drugs You can access the Pioneer Institute’s tool here: https://pioneerinstitute.org/the-inflation-reduction-act-ira-overview/ 14:59: Robert reinforces that the IRA’s price-setting goals are noble—but without oversight of PBM behavior, patients could be harmed by unintended policy consequences Contact Our Hosts Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special live episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc bring you insightful conversations from the 2025 World Vaccine Congress in Washington, DC. Joined by leading experts—including Richard Hughes, Abby Bownas, Rekha Lakshmanan, and Tommy Acciani—they explore the current landscape of adult immunization policy, funding threats to vaccine infrastructure, misinformation challenges, and what’s next for vaccine innovation. From coalition-building and provider reimbursement to legal barriers and access equity, this episode unpacks the complex, cross-sector challenges and solutions shaping the future of adult vaccines in the U.S. Among the highlights in this episode: 02:00: Ben provides an overview of the World Vaccine Congress and its cross-sector focus on vaccine equity, innovation, and public health policy 04:00: Abby Bownas shares that one of the most urgent needs in adult vaccination policy is restoring and protecting funding for immunization infrastructure, from doses to education to data 05:30: Abby highlights how cross-sector partnerships between public health and healthcare systems are key to maintaining vaccine access, especially amid funding cuts 06:50: Robert reflects on Abby’s interview, emphasizing the rising hesitation around adult immunization and the importance of education and legislative engagement 08:00: Tommy Acciani shares that successful policy innovation must come from collaboration—not silos—and that events like the Congress create space to unite stakeholders 09:00: Tommy identifies major remaining barriers to adult vaccination, including outdated policies, lack of provider reimbursement, and under-supported patient-provider conversations 11:15: Tommy flags the coming end of the CDC’s Bridge Access Program as a major funding threat, particularly to local clinics and federally qualified health centers 12:40: Tommy reflects on hearing vaccine pioneer Dr. Stanley Plotkin speak, underscoring how vaccines remain one of the most impactful public health interventions of our time 14:00: Rekha Lakshmanan explains that many state-level vaccine policy fights now center on efforts to weaken school immunization requirements and increase opt-outs 16:10: Rekha shares that coalitions play a critical role in fighting misinformation by serving as trusted, community-embedded messengers—not government entities 17:00: Rekha argues that the U.S. lacks a national culture of adult immunization and calls for normalizing vaccine conversations across all age groups 18:00: Rekha ends on a hopeful note, saying the passion and collaboration on display at the Congress reaffirm the strength of the vaccine ecosystem 19:00: Robert emphasizes Rekha’s unique experience at the intersection of pharma, policy, and grassroots coalitions in Texas—the epicenter of a measles outbreak 20:00: Richard Hughes says this year’s Congress feels different, with more concern about regulatory uncertainty and federal political interference in vaccine policy 21:00: Richard shares that his legal background allows him to spotlight access, reimbursement, and constitutional issues that affect vaccine policy at all levels 22:10: Richard explains that questions are mounting about the legal boundaries of what the administration can and cannot do around mandates, access, and injury compensation 23:10: Richard expresses deep concern over misinformation and disinformation coming from high levels of government, calling it one of the greatest current threats to public health 25:00: Ben turns the spotlight on Robert, who shares key findings from his presentation on adult immunization research 26:00: Robert highlights that pharmacies—not physician offices—are the most accessible vaccination sites for adults, especially in low-income communities 27:00: Robert calls out two major policy barriers: risk-based recommendations and Shared Clinical Decision Making (SCDM), both of which limit access in pharmacy settings 28:30: Robert also shares that GHLF research found a 26% cost premium when patients receive vaccines in physician offices vs. pharmacies, showing why pharmacy access is also a cost issue 29:30: Robert recaps a panel he moderated about provider support in underserved communities, where key themes were vaccine hesitancy and reimbursement issues 30:00: In closing, Robert says the one word that sums up the energy at this year’s Congress is “optimism”—with the private sector showing renewed commitment to driving progress in adult vaccine access Contact Our Hosts Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, hosts Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc are joined by Peter Pitts, former FDA Associate Commissioner and President of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest. Together, they unpack the sweeping personnel cuts at HHS, ongoing instability at the FDA, and how it all may threaten the future of drug innovation in the U.S. With delays in leadership appointments, policy misalignment across agencies, and increased uncertainty from pricing reforms like the Inflation Reduction Act, pharmaceutical companies may hit pause—and patients may pay the price. Tune in for a timely discussion on how chaos in science policy reverberates through clinical innovation and patient access. Among the highlights in this episode: 03:09: Peter Pitts shares his FDA background and warns against viewing staff consolidation through a purely numerical lens—emphasizing the nuance of function and legal responsibility 04:07: Peter breaks down FDA’s structure, clarifying that the majority of its 18,000 staff are non-political, career public health officials—not industry influenced 06:33: Peter explains that gutting senior leadership slows down innovation and drug approvals, as regulatory coordination is weakened 07:42: Peter details ongoing leadership instability across FDA’s key centers (drugs, biologics, devices), and notes the loss of progressive voices like Dr. Peter Marks and Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni 08:32: Dr. Popovian adds that short- and long-term uncertainty in biopharma is significant, especially in oncology—a therapeutic area critical to innovation and patient survival 09:53: Peter warns that chaos and unpredictability undercut investor confidence, which could delay development in oncology, gene therapy, and rare diseases 11:10: Dr. Popovian reinforces that cancer care is now chronic care, and disruptions in FDA operations could rob patients of critical time and treatment options 11:42: Peter highlights misalignment between FDA and CMS, especially when CMS questions the validity of FDA-approved data—jeopardizing reimbursement 12:43: Dr. Popovian and Peter urge alignment between FDA and CDC guidance, citing conflicting vaccine messaging as a source of confusion for patients and providers 13:37: Peter underscores the need for improved communication and coordination between public health agencies to rebuild trust 15:06: Dr. Popovian raises concerns that instability and underappreciation will deter top scientists from public service roles at agencies like the FDA 17:21: Dr. Popovian explains that pharmaceutical companies are delaying R&D and trial investments due to regulatory uncertainty 18:35: Peter adds that companies may also pause research into new uses for existing drugs—despite their public health value—due to unclear FDA pathways 19:21: Dr. Popovian discusses how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) further complicates investment decisions, creating a “perfect storm” with FDA uncertainty 23:19: Ben emphasizes that policy uncertainty delays hope for patients awaiting new treatments—and that public accountability is more important than ever 24:03: Dr. Popovian shares some final thoughts Contact Our Hosts Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are well-intentioned vaccine policies making access harder instead of easier? In this episode of Healthcare Matters, hosts Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc unpack a new report from the Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF) on how Shared Clinical Decision Making (SCDM) and risk-based recommendations may unintentionally reduce adult vaccination rates—particularly in underserved communities. From real-world data showing a 10 percent drop in pneumococcal vaccine uptake to sharp disparities in meningitis coverage, the findings are hard to ignore. Tune in as we explore how these policies may create confusion, widen health inequities, and hinder access—and what can be done to fix it. Among the highlights in this episode: 03:00: Dr. Popovian explains what Shared Clinical Decision Making (SCDM) is and the role of Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), noting the challenges of expecting time-strapped physicians to hold complex conversations with patients 06:00: Dr. Popovian expresses concern that SCDM can lead to decreased immunization rates due to misaligned expectations and informational imbalance 07:15: Dr. Popovian cites a 10 percent drop in pneumococcal vaccine uptake after its recommendation changed from “routine” to SCDM, and notes a striking difference in coverage between the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (60.8%) and MenB (11.9%) meningitis vaccines, the latter being subject to SCDM 10:03: Dr. Popovian explains that pharmacists and clinic-based providers often lack access to patients’ full medical records—making risk-based decisions difficult in practice 13:47: Dr. Popovian explains that patients in underserved areas often rely on pharmacies or federally qualified health clinics, where continuity of care is lacking and risk assessments are harder to verify—exacerbating health inequities 15:59: Dr. Popovian predicts the administration will double down on SCDM and patient-led decisions—likely leading to lower vaccination rates and reduced herd immunity 17:58: Dr. Popovian warns that some states (like Louisiana) are banning public health messaging about vaccines, making the role of advocacy organizations even more critical in providing accurate information 19:00: Ben emphasizes the importance of education, outreach, and advocacy to bridge the gap between policy and real-world vaccination practices 19:00: Dr. Popovian calls for aligning ACIP recommendations with FDA labels and tracking the public health consequences of recent policy changes 20:02: Dr. Popovian shares some final thoughts For more information about “Enhancing Adult Vaccine Uptake: Challenges in Shared Clinical Decision Making and Risk-Based Recommendations,” and to access the full report, visit: https://ghlf.org/issues/vaccines/enhancing_adult_vaccine_uptake/ Contact Our Hosts Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.