Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Episode: Laura Dyrda on Policy Shifts and Workforce Pressures in Healthcare
Date: December 5, 2025
Host: Scott Becker
Guest: Laura Dyrda, Editor-in-Chief, Becker's Healthcare

Episode Overview

This episode features Laura Dyrda, Editor-in-Chief of Becker’s Healthcare, discussing two major challenges currently facing U.S. hospitals: significant policy changes to the 340B drug pricing program, and escalating workforce pressures impacting financial and operational stability. Laura shares insights on the recent lawsuit filed against HHS policy changes, the ongoing labor crisis in healthcare, and the strategies hospitals are adopting to cope with uncertainty and drive innovation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. 340B Program Policy Changes and Legal Action

• Recent Lawsuit and Policy Changes

  • The American Hospital Association (AHA) and the Maine Hospital Association have filed a federal lawsuit (filed Dec 1, 2025) to halt planned changes to the federal 340B drug pricing program (00:20).

  • The government intends to shift to a new rebate-based model starting January 1, 2026.

    • Current Model: Upfront discounts on medications for safety net hospitals and clinics.
    • New Model: Facilities pay full market price up front, then seek reimbursement afterward—a reversal of the longstanding model supporting 340B providers for over 30 years.

  • Financial and Administrative Impact:

    • Hospitals, especially rural and underserved ones, would face hundreds of millions in added annual costs and extensive administrative burdens (00:57).
    • The AHA argues this does not benefit patients.
    • Notable Stat: In 2022, 340B hospitals provided nearly $100 billion in community benefit, including discounted meds and behavioral health services.

  • Hospitals' Response and Contingency Planning:

    • Hospital leaders are considering new revenue streams or philanthropic sources, given the risk of lost medication discounts.
    • Concerns are compounding with uncertain Medicaid coverage, ACA subsidies, and projected increases in uninsured and charity care (01:57).
    • There is a drive for innovation and transformation, even within significant operational constraints.

• Quote Highlight:

  • “The AHA is arguing that the new structure would saddle hospitals with hundreds of millions in added annual costs, extensive administrative burdens, and not really benefit patients at all.” — Laura Dyrda (00:50)

2. The Lawsuit’s Prospects and Legislative Dynamics

• Potential for Success

  • The lawsuit’s success is uncertain; effectiveness may depend on how much support is garnered in Congress (03:15).
  • Legislators sensitive to local hospital impacts may intervene if there is enough constituent and institutional pressure.
  • Any policy change would have to be rapid, given the short timeline before new rules take effect.

• Quote Highlight:

  • “No congressperson or legislator really wants to be the one that puts programs in place that are going to make healthcare more challenging within their districts.” — Laura Dyrda (03:31)

• Momentum and Precedent

  • Laura notes there’s been previous momentum in reversing or slowing unwanted policies when the healthcare community rallies together (04:34).

3. Workforce and Labor Cost Pressures

• National and Regional Labor Trends

  • Hospitals are facing persistent increases in labor costs even as they move away from contract labor and implement AI-driven efficiency measures (05:06).
  • Labor expenses rose 2% month-over-month and 5% year-over-year as of September 2025 (06:07).
  • Regional snapshots:
    • West: Rising labor costs due to staff competition and higher wage floors (06:25)
    • Midwest: 3% increase in a single month, signaling shifting workforce dynamics (06:33)
    • South: Steadier workforce, improved retention, and strong leadership/culture efforts (06:42)
    • Great Plains: 7% year-over-year increase, likely due to delayed market corrections (06:51)
  • Mid-sized hospitals are especially squeezed by both higher costs and ongoing shortages.

• Workforce Innovation

  • Hospitals are investing in pipeline programs with local colleges and universities to attract nursing and technical staff, including IT and cybersecurity.
  • Partnerships extend to training at high school and even middle school levels (07:26).
  • Upskilling, reskilling, and middle management development are being prioritized as organizations implement more AI and automation.

• Quote Highlight:

  • “It’s just been interesting to see more of those programs take shape and additional efforts to reschedule and upskill their teams and build more middle management as they incorporate artificial intelligence…” — Laura Dyrda (07:38)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:50] Laura Dyrda: “The AHA is arguing that the new structure would saddle hospitals with hundreds of millions in added annual costs, extensive administrative burdens, and not really benefit patients at all.”
• [03:31] Laura Dyrda: “No congressperson or legislator really wants to be the one that puts programs in place that are going to make healthcare more challenging within their districts.”
• [07:38] Laura Dyrda: “It’s just been interesting to see more of those programs take shape and additional efforts to reschedule and upskill their teams and build more middle management as they incorporate artificial intelligence…”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:20 — Laura introduces the 340B policy changes and lawsuit.
• 01:57 — Contingency planning and additional operational challenges for hospitals.
• 03:15 — Discussion on the possible success of the lawsuits and legislative influence.
• 05:06 — Shift to workforce/labor cost discussion, national trends.
• 06:25-06:51 — Regional breakdown of workforce expenses and dynamics.
• 07:26 — Workforce development, community partnerships, and upskilling.

Summary Tone and Takeaways

Laura Dyrda’s commentary is analytical yet empathetic, underscoring both the urgency of current healthcare policy changes and the creative resilience of hospital leaders. The discussion balances serious concern over financial and workforce pressures with optimism about healthcare innovation and local investment in the workforce pipeline. The episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the intersection of federal policy, hospital operations, and workforce development in American healthcare.