Podcast
Healthcare Matters
Hosted by Global Healthy Living Foundation · EN
Welcome to Healthcare Matters! In this podcast, we talk about 'matters' in healthcare and why it matters to you!
Our host Ben Blanc will speak with our talented Chief Science Officer Robert Popovian. And together, we will take on some pretty complex topics and distil them, so everyone can understand what is happening in the world of healthcare.
The show is brought to you by the Global Healthy Living Foundation.
www.ghlf.org
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S7, Ep 5- How ACIP Lawsuits are Impacting Patients: When Vaccine Guidance Becomes an Access Problem
2w ago00:21:27Tap to summarizeIn 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: rpopovian@ghlf.org Angela Degrassi, Senior Manager, Patient-Centered Research Operations & Engagement: adegrassi@ghlf.org 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 podcasts@ghlf.org Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S7, Ep 4- COVID Antivirals: Are High-Risk Patients Missing the Window?
Apr 800:11:47Tap to summarizeIn 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: rpopovian@ghlf.org Angela Degrassi|, Senior Manager, Patient-Centered Research Operations & Engagement: adegrassi@ghlf.org 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 podcasts@ghlf.org Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S7, Ep 3- 340B: Are Patients Seeing the Savings?
Apr 100:15:03Tap to summarizeIn 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: rpopovian@ghlf.org 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 podcasts@ghlf.org Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S7, Ep 2- PBM Reform at an Inflection Point: What Comes Next?
Feb 2000:40:22Tap to summarizePharmacy 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: rpopovian@ghlf.org Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org 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 podcasts@ghlf.org Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S7, Ep 1- The $29 Billion Problem: Understanding Influenza's True Economic Toll
Jan 2900:22:12Tap to summarizeIn 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: rpopovian@ghlf.org Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org 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 podcasts@ghlf.org Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S6, Ep 10- TrumpRx & the Future of Drug Pricing: What Patients Need to Know
Nov 1300:26:34Tap to summarizeIn 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: rpopovian@ghlf.org Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org 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 podcasts@ghlf.org Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S6, Ep 9- High Awareness, Low Access – Inside the COVID-19 Antiviral Gap
Sep 2500:17:00Tap to summarizeIn 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: rpopovian@ghlf.org Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org 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 podcasts@ghlf.org Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S6, Ep 8- Making Sense of Vaccine Guidelines: What Patients and Providers Should Know
Aug 2000:17:16Tap to summarizeIn 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: rpopovian@ghlf.org Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org 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 podcasts@ghlf.org Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S6, Ep 7- Cardiovascular Breakthroughs and Policy Pitfalls: A Conversation with Dr. Alison Bailey
Jun 2600:30:28Tap to summarizeIn 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: rpopovian@ghlf.org Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org 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 podcasts@ghlf.org Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S6, Ep 6- The Cost of Savings: How Drug Price Reform May Hurt Patients
May 16, 202500:17:56Tap to summarizeIn 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: rpopovian@ghlf.org Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org 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 podcasts@ghlf.org Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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