On Background - A Healthcare Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 16: HHES 2026 Roundtable – Does the OMB Proposal Protect Public Funds or Subvert Public Science? Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

Episode 15: Sayeh Nikpay – From Safety Net to Profit Center: The Complicated Truth About the 340B Program Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, hosts Stephen Parente and Thom Gunderson explore the complexities of the 340B drug pricing program, its origins, current challenges, and potential reforms. Guest expert Sayeh Nikpay from the University of Minnesota provides insights into how the program operates, its unintended consequences, and policy options for better transparency and effectiveness.

Episode 14: Rena Conti, Marta Wosinska, and Doug Holtz-Eakin – TrumpRx, Medicaid Cuts, and the Future of Drug Pricing Mar 08, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of On Background, host Stephen Parente conducts a roundtable with previous guests Marta Wosinska, Rena Conti, and Doug Holtz-Eakin on the current challenges, innovations, and future prospects in the healthcare marketplace, including drug pricing, insurance markets, and technological advancements like AI.

Episode 13: Kenny White – The Complexities of the US Health Insurance Industry Mar 08, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of On Background, we talk with Kenny White and explore the complexities of the US health insurance industry, the role of managed care, AI's potential in healthcare, and future policy directions, delving into cost management, risk analysis, and the sustainability of current models.

Episode 12: 2025 Year in Review – Health Policy Highlights and What's Ahead in 2026 Jan 04, 2026

Show notes

In this year-end review, hosts Stephen Parente, Thom Gunderson, and Matt Stoll discuss key topics covered throughout 2025 in the On Background podcast: the impact of AI, investment trends, market uncertainties, and the future of MedTech. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in healthcare, the need for clear direction in investment, and the importance of innovation in drug development. The conversation also touches on healthcare costs, consumer engagement, and the regulatory landscape, setting the stage for future discussions in the coming year.

Episode 11: CHES 2025 Roundtable – The Health Data Wish List: What Economists Need to Fix US Health Policy Dec 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of On Background, host Stephen Parente leads a conversation around the challenges and opportunities in health economic analysis, particularly focusing on the missing data that hinders optimal policy-making. The participants discuss the difficulties in accessing health data, the need for standardization, and the importance of linking health data with other social determinants. They also explore future directions for improving data transparency and the role of technology in facilitating better access to health information.

Episode 10: Eric Hargan – Affordable Care Act Subsidies and The State of Play for Healthcare Policy in Washington Dec 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the On Background podcast, host Steve Parente and former Deputy Secretary of HHS Eric Hargan discuss the current state of healthcare legislation, particularly focusing on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and the implications of the recent government shutdown. The two explore the political dynamics surrounding the ACA, the impact of enhanced subsidies, and the potential future challenges in Congress. The conversation delves into the complexities of legislative processes, public perception, and the role of discharge petitions in shaping healthcare policy.

Episode 9: Rena Conti – The 340B Problem: When a Safety Net Program Loses Its Way Dec 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the discussion revolves around the 340B Drug Pricing Program, its origins, current issues, and potential reforms. Rena Conti provides insights into how the program, initially designed to help underinsured patients, has expanded and been misused, leading to significant concerns about its effectiveness. The conversation also touches on emerging business models that exploit the program, legislative challenges, and the need for bipartisan support to address these issues. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the importance of ensuring access to affordable healthcare for vulnerable populations.

Episode 8: Joe Antos – The Impact of Employer-Sponsored Insurance on Market Competition, Drug Pricing, and the Evolution of Payment Mechanisms. Dec 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of On Background, health policy professionals discuss the complexities of healthcare costs, innovations, and the evolution of payment mechanisms. Joe Antos shares insights on the inefficiencies in healthcare delivery, the impact of consumer demand, and the challenges of pharmaceutical pricing. The conversation also touches on the implications of employer-sponsored insurance and the future of drug pricing in the U.S. healthcare system.

Episode 7: Marta Wosinka – Generic Drugs, Global Supply Chains, and the Limits of FDA Oversight Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Marta Wosinska discusses the complexities of pharmaceutical quality oversight, focusing on the roles of the FDA and the differences in regulations between the US and EU. She highlights the importance of good manufacturing practices, the challenges faced by manufacturers, and the implications of cost-cutting on drug quality. The conversation also touches on the future of drug manufacturing regulations and the potential for increased oversight in response to supply chain issues.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

On Background – A Healthcare Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected