Will AI replace your doctor? Bill Gates seems to think so. In today’s podcast, AnneMarie Schieber, managing editor of Health Care News, and Devon Herrick of the Goodman Institute Health Blog discuss where AI can be a benefit—such as reducing medical error. But when it comes to replacing highly trained medical doctors to reduce the doctor shortage and save money for insurance companies, Herrick and Schieber say "nada."Also in the podcast: how tariff policy could impact the low cost of generic drugs in the U.S., and how far Trump should go in getting foreign countries to pay their fair share of drug R&D. Herrick and Schieber also discuss states now authorizing ivermectin to be sold over the counter, and why it’s so difficult for Medicare patients to get good post-acute hospital care. Lots of gaps—and reasons why facilities are closing.
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51:09
The Consent Trap: Agreeing to Medical Bills Without Knowing Prices
How can you consent to paying for something if you don’t know the price? In today’s podcast, AnneMarie Schieber of Health Care News and Devon Herrick of the Goodman Institute Health Care Blog talk about New York State’s decision to ban “consent to pay” forms at medical practices. Also on tap: reforming health care without a political fight, the RESULT Act being reintroduced, which fast-tracks successful treatments in trusted countries but comes too late for one Alzheimer’s patient, “Name it to tame it,” is over-diagnosing symptoms driving up health care utilization?—and has private equity ruined the doctor-patient relationship? Be sure to check out Health Care News at the Heartland.org website and the Goodman Institute Health Blog for the free-market perspective on the very latest in health care news.
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53:42
Medicaid Reform, FDA Firestorms, and Beating Bad Medical Bills
Can you beat a medical bill you feel is unfair? AnneMarie Schieber and Devon Herrick discuss their personal experience. Can Congress rein in Medicaid? Many ideas being consider: block grants to states, changing funding rates for expanded Medicaid, work requirements. Do enrollees value Medicaid or waste it? Schieber and Herrick also discuss “gutting the FDA.” Herrick discusses why DOGE and the Trump administration might want to proceed cautiously. New parody book out critical of MI Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her pandemic lockdowns. True Gretchen is a hilarious parody of the governor’s own tome, True Gretch. Be sure to check out Health Care News at the Heartland.org website and the health care blog and the Goodman Institute Health Blog for the free market perspective on the very latest in health care news.
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49:15
CDC Shake-Up, Big Pharma Influence, and the Vaccine Policy Wars
Hours before his confirmation hearing, former Rep. Dave Weldon’s nomination to head the CDC was withdrawn. Weldon has been a vaccine critic. How much of a role did Big Pharma play? AnneMarie Schieber and Devon Herrick also talk about the growing focus on vaccines, and the history of vaccine policy. Most recently the Trump’s administration to nix vaccines on chickens for bird flu. Also in the podcast, state AGs take the first step in going after Anthony Fauci for violating state laws when handing the COVID-19 pandemic. A company offers indemnity style health insurance for direct primary care members, and how “meritocracy” is bad for your health. Also, how spouses age differently and how this can complicate health care decisions.
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44:00
Conflict of Interest: Medical Boards Serving Doctors or Patients?
In this episode of Health Care News, hosts AnneMarie Schieber and Devon Herrick dive into the critical debates shaping health care today. They discuss the potential expansion of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), exploring proposals from Rep. Chip Roy and policy experts who argue HSAs could significantly improve coverage, especially for gig workers and those seeking direct care options.AnneMarie and Devon also highlight Ohio’s groundbreaking step to enforce price transparency at hospitals—holding institutions accountable by barring debt collection if hospitals fail to disclose clear pricing. Additionally, they examine troubling conflicts of interest within medical boards, spotlighting cases from Texas and beyond, raising crucial questions about whether medical boards protect patients or physicians' profits.Tune in for these insights and more in this timely discussion on the evolving landscape of health care policy.
The Heartland Institute podcast featuring libertarian and conservative health care scholars who are working to put power back into the hands of patients and doctors, and away from government bureaucrats.
Ireland