Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/on-background Health policy analysis and interviews. © 2026 OBG Podcast ca9378ae-203a-5fcc-ac69-f871690887a4 yes en Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:45:10 -0500 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:46:13 -0500 https://img.transistorcdn.com/GaSgTQdDojyw4mZdGFlwXlGlNzYLJ4qDnxMTKTsXSLg/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9jNGFi/OGRiNGVlZGZhNjRk/M2Q2MWUxNmRkZTky/NzAxOS5wbmc.jpg episodic OBG Podcast Health policy analysis and interviews. Health policy analysis and interviews.. interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government OBG Podcast matt.stoll@gmail.com No Yes 15 15 Episode 15: Sayeh Nikpay – From Safety Net to Profit Center: The Complicated Truth About the 340B Program full 6df1fa9c-4105-4ad4-873f-00d8f748290d https://share.transistor.fm/s/dd5d80df 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:44:53 -0500 OBG Podcast OBG Podcast 1800 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.

]]> interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government No 14 14 Episode 14: Rena Conti, Marta Wosinska, and Doug Holtz-Eakin – TrumpRx, Medicaid Cuts, and the Future of Drug Pricing full 325b5afb-871a-4531-a7fb-56d75c282dd4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3a456c3b 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:36:41 -0500 OBG Podcast OBG Podcast 2141 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.

]]> interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government No 13 13 Episode 13: Kenny White – The Complexities of the US Health Insurance Industry full 70c79510-585c-408e-a462-011dd83c3e98 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ad14a11b 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Sun, 08 Mar 2026 15:36:06 -0500 OBG Podcast OBG Podcast 1779 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.

]]> interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government No 12 12 Episode 12: 2025 Year in Review – Health Policy Highlights and What's Ahead in 2026 full da5a0d0a-0cd3-458e-8896-79a10e285dc7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/27353cc6 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Sun, 04 Jan 2026 14:14:24 -0600 OBG Podcast OBG Podcast 1676 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.

]]> interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government No 11 11 Episode 11: CHES 2025 Roundtable – The Health Data Wish List: What Economists Need to Fix US Health Policy full 9e20604f-84fb-478f-a62b-af7029b51485 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e652bf52 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Sun, 28 Dec 2025 22:55:16 -0600 OBG Podcast OBG Podcast 929 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.

]]> interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government No 10 10 Episode 10: Eric Hargan – Affordable Care Act Subsidies and The State of Play for Healthcare Policy in Washington full c0a3d197-3874-4e0a-a045-7223f304e789 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c70b6353 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Sun, 28 Dec 2025 22:30:57 -0600 OBG Podcast OBG Podcast 1867 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.

]]> interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government No 9 9 Episode 9: Rena Conti – The 340B Problem: When a Safety Net Program Loses Its Way full ad6354dc-6ef4-4952-bf27-9f3ae56b7849 https://share.transistor.fm/s/946d8080 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Sun, 21 Dec 2025 23:03:17 -0600 OBG Podcast OBG Podcast 1783 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.

]]> interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government No 8 8 Episode 8: Joe Antos – The Impact of Employer-Sponsored Insurance on Market Competition, Drug Pricing, and the Evolution of Payment Mechanisms. full 3912ce8e-ca5d-4b2e-bfe3-4e878f48a13e https://share.transistor.fm/s/25db3636 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Sun, 21 Dec 2025 20:42:10 -0600 OBG Podcast OBG Podcast 2078 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.

]]> interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government No 7 7 Episode 7: Marta Wosinka – Generic Drugs, Global Supply Chains, and the Limits of FDA Oversight full 0dde569b-918a-42f6-94a8-7ea8e8056935 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2a02ff22 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:23:27 -0600 OBG Podcast OBG Podcast 1969 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.

]]> interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government No 6 6 Episode 6: Tomas Philipson – Free Riders and Price Controls: The Global Economics of Drug Innovation full cc22e54c-7796-4cbf-8788-342820bb4be9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/95b18a80 In this episode, Tomas Philipson, a professor at the University of Chicago and former acting chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, alongside financial analyst Thom Gunderson and pharmaceutical expert Briana Mayer, discusses drug innovation, pricing policies, and the role of the FDA in the drug approval processes. Philipson shares insights on the impact of U.S. pharmaceutical spending on global health, critiques the Most Favored Nation pricing model, and emphasizes the importance of innovation in healthcare. The conversation also touches on the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act on drug development and the feedback from the pharmaceutical sector regarding recent policy changes.

]]> In this episode, Tomas Philipson, a professor at the University of Chicago and former acting chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, alongside financial analyst Thom Gunderson and pharmaceutical expert Briana Mayer, discusses drug innovation, pricing policies, and the role of the FDA in the drug approval processes. Philipson shares insights on the impact of U.S. pharmaceutical spending on global health, critiques the Most Favored Nation pricing model, and emphasizes the importance of innovation in healthcare. The conversation also touches on the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act on drug development and the feedback from the pharmaceutical sector regarding recent policy changes.

]]> Mon, 24 Nov 2025 20:11:36 -0600 OBG Podcast OBG Podcast 1989 In this episode, Tomas Philipson, a professor at the University of Chicago and former acting chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, alongside financial analyst Thom Gunderson and pharmaceutical expert Briana Mayer, discusses drug innovation, pricing policies, and the role of the FDA in the drug approval processes. Philipson shares insights on the impact of U.S. pharmaceutical spending on global health, critiques the Most Favored Nation pricing model, and emphasizes the importance of innovation in healthcare. The conversation also touches on the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act on drug development and the feedback from the pharmaceutical sector regarding recent policy changes.

]]> interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government No 5 5 Episode 5: Tony Losasso – The Next Claritin? GLP-1 Drugs and the Future of Obesity Treatment full 0501ef21-be7e-4a3a-811a-d7a2651d125e https://share.transistor.fm/s/7a939c3a In this episode, Tony Losasso, a professor of economics and Driehaus Fellow at Depaul University, discusses his experiences in public service, particularly his role in the Center for Program Integrity at CMS during the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. He shares insights on the challenges of government work, the importance of translating academic research into public understanding, and the role of pharmaceuticals in addressing obesity from his recent Wall Street Journal op-ed. 

]]> In this episode, Tony Losasso, a professor of economics and Driehaus Fellow at Depaul University, discusses his experiences in public service, particularly his role in the Center for Program Integrity at CMS during the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. He shares insights on the challenges of government work, the importance of translating academic research into public understanding, and the role of pharmaceuticals in addressing obesity from his recent Wall Street Journal op-ed. 

]]> Sun, 02 Nov 2025 17:42:11 -0600 OBG Podcast OBG Podcast 2111 In this episode, Tony Losasso, a professor of economics and Driehaus Fellow at Depaul University, discusses his experiences in public service, particularly his role in the Center for Program Integrity at CMS during the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. He shares insights on the challenges of government work, the importance of translating academic research into public understanding, and the role of pharmaceuticals in addressing obesity from his recent Wall Street Journal op-ed. 

]]> interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government No 4 4 Episode 4: Doug Holtz-Eakin – Pharmaceutical Policy, Drug Pricing, and the Cost of Bad Policy full 88477389-1f9b-4610-be73-5a017d3f7eb0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7ce6b36d In EP4, Bryana Meyer joins us to talk with Doug Holtz-Eakin, former CBO head and president of the American Action Forum. 

]]> In EP4, Bryana Meyer joins us to talk with Doug Holtz-Eakin, former CBO head and president of the American Action Forum. 

]]> Mon, 12 May 2025 22:24:35 -0500 OBG Podcast OBG Podcast 1483 In EP4, Bryana Meyer joins us to talk with Doug Holtz-Eakin, former CBO head and president of the American Action Forum. 

]]> interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government No 3 3 Episode 3: Marta Wosinska – Drug Shortages and How to Prevent Them full 31465fe6-974a-4b51-b926-8057d479f3cb https://share.transistor.fm/s/bd284de0 On this episode, Marta Wosinska of the Brookings Institution talks about drug shortages and the challenges of preventing them.

]]> On this episode, Marta Wosinska of the Brookings Institution talks about drug shortages and the challenges of preventing them.

]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:12:41 -0500 OBG Podcast OBG Podcast 2228 On this episode, Marta Wosinska of the Brookings Institution talks about drug shortages and the challenges of preventing them.

]]> interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government No 2 2 Episode 2: Karen Mandelbaum – CMS Privacy Standard for the Public Health Exchanges full 28d705dd-ef89-4a40-a2ca-b89f8a8a4d3b https://share.transistor.fm/s/21dbda91 In EP2, we interview Karen Mandelbaum at Epstein Becker Green and discuss her work at CMS drafting privacy standards for the public health exchanges after the passage of the Affordable Care Act.

]]> In EP2, we interview Karen Mandelbaum at Epstein Becker Green and discuss her work at CMS drafting privacy standards for the public health exchanges after the passage of the Affordable Care Act.

]]> Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:21:11 -0600 OBG Podcast OBG Podcast 1968 In EP2, we interview Karen Mandelbaum at Epstein Becker Green and discuss her work at CMS drafting privacy standards for the public health exchanges after the passage of the Affordable Care Act.

]]> interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government No 1 1 Episode 1: Paul Howard – The Developing Role of AI Healthcare full b859b585-b7d6-4091-9b0f-6d9faa94a7c1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/208beed3 In the first episode of On Background, we talk to Paul Howard, former senior advisor to the commissioner of the FDA, about the developing role of AI in healthcare.

]]> In the first episode of On Background, we talk to Paul Howard, former senior advisor to the commissioner of the FDA, about the developing role of AI in healthcare.

]]> Fri, 07 Mar 2025 12:17:49 -0600 OBG Podcast OBG Podcast 2486 In the first episode of On Background, we talk to Paul Howard, former senior advisor to the commissioner of the FDA, about the developing role of AI in healthcare.

]]> interview healthcare health policy drug pharma devices medical government No