Podcasts about Affordable Care Act

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by Kate Ackley, a Senior Reporter for Bloomberg Government. The two examine the impending government shutdown, which is set to happen October 1st.  Democrats seem less eager to bail out Republicans than they did at the beginning of the current Trump administration, drawing the line at new massive healthcare cuts which would drive up premiums 10-20% for folks with Affordable Care Act health plans. Then, Brad is joined by Dr. Bob Bollinger is the Raj and Kamla Gupta Professor of Infectious Diseases at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. They examine the chaos caused at the CDC by RFK Jr. and the Trump administration, and the potentially dangerous new restrictions on who can now receive vaccines.   Dr. Bollinger holds joint appointments in International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and in Community Public Health at the JH School of Nursing. He has more than 45 years of experience in international public health, clinical research, and education dealing with such global health priorities as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, dengue, antibiotic resistant infections, COVID-19 and other emerging diseases.  Dr. Bollinger is also Associate Director of the Center for Clinical Global Health Education (CCGHE). Their website is main.ccghe.net.  Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.  

House Republicans propose a stop-gap funding bill that includes continued telehealth flexibilities but avoids addressing Affordable Care Act subsidies. Health insurers say they'll continue to cover vaccines, even as questions remain around long-term access. And Kaiser Permanente expands into a new market through a joint venture. All that and more on today's episode of the Gist Healthcare Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The next phase of Microsoft's data center development in southeastern Wisconsin will cost $4 billion and could eventually employ nearly 1,000 people. A health insurance provider drops out of Affordable Care Act exchanges in parts of Wisconsin. And, WPR's politics team looks at the week's news about next year's governor's race.

Andy chats with a real person (not an advisor) doing their own retirement planning. In this episode, Andy talks with Scott. They talk about a wide array of retirement planning topics such as leaving the workforce early than planned during COVID and later reengaging in part-time work to have social interaction, managing income for purposes of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, how life and financial plans always change even in retirement, and more!  Links in this episode:Tenon Financial monthly e-newsletter - Retirement Planning InsightsFacebook group - Retirement Planning Education (formerly Taxes in Retirement)YouTube channel - Retirement Planning Education (formerly Retirement Planning Demystified)Retirement Planning Education website - www.RetirementPlanningEducation.comTo send Andy questions to be addressed on future Q&A episodes, email andy@andypanko.com

The recently fired head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told senators that health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ordered her to fire top officials and agree to approve changes to national vaccine recommendations — before the recommendations were made and regardless of what the science says. Meanwhile, Congress heads toward a government shutdown, with expanded subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans in the balance. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, and Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico Magazine join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss the news. Also, Rovner interviews Troyen Brennan, former chief medical officer at Aetna and CVS, about his new book on primary care.Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read (or wrote) this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: The New York Times Magazine's “Trump Is Shutting Down the War on Cancer,” by Jonathan Mahler. Margot Sanger-Katz: ProPublica's “Programs for Students With Hearing and Vision Loss Harmed by Trump's Anti-Diversity Push,” by Jodi S. Cohen and Jennifer Smith Richards. Alice Miranda Ollstein: The New York Times' “I Have Dental Insurance. Why Do I Pay So Much for Care?” by Erica Sweeney. Joanne Kenen: Politico Magazine's “Why Voters Will Feel the Impact of GOP Health Cuts Before the Midterms,” by Joanne Kenen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since 2005, the Milliman Medical Index (MMI) has estimated annual healthcare costs for people covered by a typical employer-sponsored health plan. To mark the 20th anniversary of the report, MMI authors past and present gathered to review how healthcare has changed over the past two decades. They discussed the impact of the Affordable Care Act and the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise in drug advertising and outpatient care, and how trends might change again in the next 20 years.You can read the episode transcript on our website.

09/18/25: Joel Heitkamp is joined by former Congressman Earl Pomeroy to talk about the looming government shutdown. The government funding is set to expire at the end of the month unless Congress can reach a deal, and Democrats are calling for an extension to the Affordable Care Act, which Congressman Pomeroy helped pass when he was in Congress. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Front Page: The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-percentage point and signaled that two more are on the way before the end of the year as concerns continue over the labor market, a fight over extending Affordable Care Act subsidies is playing out on a short-term government funding bill, and more.

If Obamacare tax credits go away, over 92,000 people in Louisiana could lose health insurance according to some. We break down how healthcare and insurance work and how things have changed since the Affordable Care Act with Walter "Dub" Lane, Associate Professor of Economics & Finance at UNO.

The clock is ticking until the federal government runs out of money and potentially shuts down—again. Now you might be thinking, "Didn't we do this? Like, a few months ago?" And yeah, we did. In March, the Senate approved a short-term spending bill with the support of 10 Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. And if Republicans want to keep the government open, they'll need a lifeline from Democrats. But Democrats want something in return: an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits that are due to expire at the end of the year. Will the two sides reach a deal? We asked Daniella Diaz, who covers Capitol Hill for NOTUS, a nonprofit D.C. journalism organization.And in headlines, Utah's governor reveals new details about the man suspected of killing Charlie Kirk, Trump eyes Memphis for his crime crackdown, and a federal judge says it appears the Trump administration is trying to pull a fast one on the courts with its latest deportations.Show Notes:Check out Daniella's reporting – www.notus.org/daniella-diazCall Congress – 202-224-3121Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday

The United States faces the threat of a government shutdown as Democrats and Republicans clash over health care. Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, demand an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits to prevent steep premium hikes. Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, accuse Democrats of manufacturing a fight with the Trump administration. President Donald Trump dismissed their demands, saying Democrats are “sick” and “at the end of the rope.” With funding set to run out on Sept. 30, a stopgap deal is possible, but both sides are digging in. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3281: Erik Carter highlights the importance of protecting your finances with the right safeguards before focusing on long-term goals. From health and disability insurance to emergency savings, estate planning, and life coverage, he explains how these essential protections can prevent devastating setbacks and ensure peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialfinesse.com/2012/12/20/do-you-have-these-basic-financial-protections-in-place/ Quotes to ponder: "Medical bills are also one of the most common debts we see and the leading cause of bankruptcy." "The chances of you becoming disabled is much greater than dying before you retire and the financial impact is higher." "You never know when you'll need these protections in place and there's no 'good time' to get them done so do it now." Episode references: Term4Sale: https://www.term4sale.com/ Affordable Care Act: https://www.healthcare.gov/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3281: Erik Carter highlights the importance of protecting your finances with the right safeguards before focusing on long-term goals. From health and disability insurance to emergency savings, estate planning, and life coverage, he explains how these essential protections can prevent devastating setbacks and ensure peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialfinesse.com/2012/12/20/do-you-have-these-basic-financial-protections-in-place/ Quotes to ponder: "Medical bills are also one of the most common debts we see and the leading cause of bankruptcy." "The chances of you becoming disabled is much greater than dying before you retire and the financial impact is higher." "You never know when you'll need these protections in place and there's no 'good time' to get them done so do it now." Episode references: Term4Sale: https://www.term4sale.com/ Affordable Care Act: https://www.healthcare.gov/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3281: Erik Carter highlights the importance of protecting your finances with the right safeguards before focusing on long-term goals. From health and disability insurance to emergency savings, estate planning, and life coverage, he explains how these essential protections can prevent devastating setbacks and ensure peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialfinesse.com/2012/12/20/do-you-have-these-basic-financial-protections-in-place/ Quotes to ponder: "Medical bills are also one of the most common debts we see and the leading cause of bankruptcy." "The chances of you becoming disabled is much greater than dying before you retire and the financial impact is higher." "You never know when you'll need these protections in place and there's no 'good time' to get them done so do it now." Episode references: Term4Sale: https://www.term4sale.com/ Affordable Care Act: https://www.healthcare.gov/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With less than three weeks to go before the deadline to pass legislation to keep the federal government running, lawmakers are still far apart on a strategy. Democrats hope Republicans agree to extend expanded tax credits for the Affordable Care Act as part of a compromise, but so far Republicans are not negotiating. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released his long-awaited “Make America Healthy Again” report, with few specific action items. Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call, Lauren Weber of The Washington Post, and Anna Edney of Bloomberg News join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more.Plus, for “extra credit” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read (or wrote) this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: NPR's “What Kind of Dairy Does a Body Good? Science Is Updating the Answer,” by Will Stone. Anna Edney: Bloomberg News' “The Implants Were Supposed to Dissolve. They Didn't,” by Anna Edney and Tanaz Meghjani. Sandhya Raman: The Texas Tribune's “Texas' New Parental Consent Law Leaves School Nurses Confused About Which Services They Can Provide to Students,” by Jaden Edison. Lauren Weber: ProPublica's “‘Just Let Me Die,'” by Duaa Eldeib. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act health plans are scheduled to shrink next year. Many shoppers are expected to be priced out of the market, leaving those who stay with higher premiums. It's a dynamic that threatens to repeat, leaving markets with fewer and more expensive options as insurers exit, too. How did we get here?Guest(s):Jonathan Kolstad, professor, Haas School of Business, University of California, BerkeleyNance L. Schick, employment attorney, founder of Third Ear Conflict ResolutionLearn more on our website.Want more Tradeoffs? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter featuring the latest health policy research and news.Support this type of journalism today, with a gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's tough to keep up with all the changes going on at the Federal level or understand how that might impact people with Down syndrome in our local areas.  We were joined on the podcast by two experts in policy and advocacy from the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC).  Heather Sachs is the Policy & Advocacy Co-Director for the NDSC and Jawanda Mast is the Grassroots Advocacy Manager for the NDSC.  On the podcast, we discuss how the Medicaid changes at the federal level will impact those with disabilities at the state and local level.  This is Part 2 of a two part series looking at Policy and Advocacy at the Federal level. For more information: National Down Syndrome Congress (https://www.ndsccenter.org) Information and application for NDSC's  National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition https://ndsccenter.org/policy/national-down-syndrome-advocacy-coalition-ndac/about-ndac.html  Advocacy Training and Resources. Templates, one-pagers, toolkit and presentations.  https://ndsccenter.org/policy/training-resources.html -Changes to Medicaid, Medicare, and Affordable Care Act: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/the-changes-coming-to-the-aca-medicaid-and-medicare   -Closer look at work requirements in HR1: https://www.kff.org/medicaid/a-closer-look-at-the-work-requirement-provisions-in-the-2025-federal-budget-reconciliation-law   -Impact of Medicaid cuts on Home and Community Based waiver Services: https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/history-repeats-faced-medicaid-cuts-states-reduced-support-older-adults-and-disabled   -Impact of Medicaid cuts on students and schools: https://healthyschoolscampaign.org/dev/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/How-Medicaid-Cuts-Will-Harm-Students-Schools.pdf     If you would like to suggest a topic for us to cover on the podcast, please send an e-mail to DownSyndromeCenter@chp.edu. If you would like to partner with the Down Syndrome Center, including this podcast, please visit https://givetochildrens.org/downsyndromecenter. We are thankful for the generous donation from Caring for Kids – The Carrie Martin Fund that provides the funding for the podcast recording equipment and hosting costs for this podcast.

Federal health policy is undergoing its most significant changes since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law more than 15 years ago. The health policy team at the Rockefeller Institute is tracking these changes closely and has written extensively on how provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and related rule-based changes may impact New York State. On this episode of Policy Outsider, we invite the authors of these recent analyses to discuss the shifting health policy landscape and share what they are keeping an eye on as the impact of these changes comes into focus.GuestsCourtney Burke, Senior Fellow for Health Policy, Rockefeller Institute of GovernmentJillian Kirby Bronner, Special Advisor to the Budget Director, New York State Division of the BudgetTroy Oechsner, Fellow, Rockefeller Institute of GovernmentLearn MoreRead our series on how federal health policy changes are impacting New York State.

What happens when a single bill threatens to leave 10+ million Americans uninsured and hospitals on the brink?In this episode, host Dr. Bradley Block reunites with Adam Block, PhD, to break down Trump's sweeping healthcare legislation, HR 1—dubbed the "big beautiful bill"—which consolidates multiple reforms into one massive package. He explains how indirect measures like increased paperwork, monthly re-enrollments, and work requirements will lead to 10+ million losing Medicaid and ACA coverage, without direct cuts. The discussion covers fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicaid, the role of AI in filling government gaps, and the bill's delayed rollout post-midterms. They also explore site-neutral payments' effects on hospitals and ambulatory centers, cross-subsidization for safety-net services, and why hospitals' razor-thin margins make them vulnerable. This episode is crucial for healthcare professionals preparing for higher uncompensated care, sicker patients, and systemic shifts in reimbursement and access.Three Actionable Takeaway:Monitor Policy Changes Closely – Stay informed on Medicaid work requirements and ACA enrollment shifts rolling out in 2027. Review your practice's payer mix and prepare for increased uninsured patients by advocating for state-level expansions or adjustments.Advocate for Your Practice – If you own or operate ambulatory surgery centers, assess the impact of site-neutral payments. Engage with hospital associations to push for subsidies that maintain safety-net services, ensuring cross-subsidization doesn't erode entirely.Prepare for Operational Strain – Anticipate higher uncompensated care and sicker presentations. Build contingency plans like AI-assisted administrative tools or partnerships with community resources to handle paperwork burdens and support vulnerable patients.About the Show:Succeed In Medicine  covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!About the Guest:Dr. Adam Block is a Harvard-trained health economist with over two decades of experience at the intersection of healthcare policy, hospitals, and insurance. He played a key role in drafting sections of the Affordable Care Act for Congress and writing foundational regulations for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish health insurance exchanges. After five years in data analytics roles reporting to CFOs, he founded Charm Economics, a consulting firm focused on health economics, and serves as an associate professor of public health at New York Medical College. Dr. Block's expertise lies in navigating complex policy changes, reimbursement challenges, and systemic healthcare shifts, offering critical insights for physicians and providers.LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adameblockEmail: adam@charmeconomics.comWebsite: https://www.charmeconomics.comAbout the Host:Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physiciansWant to be a guest?Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!Socials:@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let's grow! Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Marc and Dan discuss Lara Trump's keynote speech at a Missouri Right to Life dinner, her role with the RNC, and how she connects family values with politics. They cover details of two recent assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, including the federal trial of Ryan Wesley Routh, who allegedly plotted to kill Trump. The conversation shifts to health insurance, with concerns about rising premiums, the role of Affordable Care Act subsidies, and broader critiques of government involvement in healthcare, education, and housing. Guests Eben Brown and Ryan Wiggins add analysis and commentary throughout the segment.

Medicare Advantage plans are about to face unprecedented scrutiny as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implements a dramatically expanded approach to RADV audits. Starting in 2025, every Medicare Advantage plan will be subject to contract-level RADV audits—a significant departure from the historical approach of randomly selecting 60 plans annually. During this 17-minute podcast, Deborah Curry, risk adjustment programs director at Medical Mutual. breaks down the critical changes that compliance teams need to prepare for immediately. She offers practical strategies for surviving this new audit environment, emphasizing the importance of designated backup personnel, weekly progress huddles, and careful oversight of vendors retrieving medical records. Whether you're already facing a RADV audit or preparing for the inevitable, this episode provides essential guidance for navigating CMS' aggressive new approach. For deeper insights, join RISE in Tampa, Fla. on October 21-23 for the 26th Risk Adjustment Forum, where Curry will be sharing additional strategies for RADV readiness.About Deborah CurryDeborah Curry, risk adjustment programs director, Medical Mutual, joined Paramount Healthcare in May 2013 and oversees the Risk Adjustment, Coordination of Benefits, and Subrogation departments. Prior to her position with Paramount, she had 21 years' experience working with the State of Ohio workers' compensation program, both for the government and a contracted managed care organization. She came to Paramount with extensive knowledge in medical coding, provider billing and education, Medicare payment methodologies, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.Curry attended The University of Toledo for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees and currently holds a Master of Business Administration with major in Healthcare Systems Management. She is an active member of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and is a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and Certified Coding Specialist, physician based (CCS-P).Curry is also an active member of the America Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and is a Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC). She holds certificates as a Risk Adjustment Practitioner (RAP) and Advanced HCC Auditor (AHCCA and serves as a Board Member of the University of Toledo Health Information Administration Advisory Board, Health and Human Services Alumni Affiliate at The University of Toledo, and Health Information Technology Advisory Committee at Owens Community College.About the Risk Adjustment ForumRISE's Risk Adjustment Forum is designed for leaders in risk adjustment, coding, compliance, finance, and analytics across Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act, and commercial plans. The three-day event, which will take place Oct. 21-23 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, will tackle RADV audit ramp‑up and extrapolation, the Big Beautiful Bill Act, V28/RxHCC shifts, internal audit design, and CDI.   

I don't live in the 35th House District anymore, but the wide-expanse district – which stretches from Bath County, into Highland County, through the western half of Augusta County, to the northeast into a corner of Rockingham County – is still where I spent the bulk of my life. The district covers 1,963.7 square miles – an area bigger than the state of Rhode Island (1,545 square miles), and not far behind Delaware (2,489 square miles). There are no cities in the 35th; there are a lot of wide-open spaces and beautiful vistas. And a lot of good, hard-working folks who have been abandoned by both political parties. The 35th voted 70.5 percent for Donald Trump and 73.0 percent for Ben Cline in the 2024 cycle, only to see the MAGAs approve what they called a Big, Beautiful Bill that cut healthcare to the point that one of our two regional hospitals, Augusta Health, has had to close down two primary-care centers serving the outer reaches in the 35th. Hospitals cutting services are just one impact of the trillions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid and Medicare that are on the horizon. “Please understand that Medicaid funds the Affordable Care Act subsidies that many of our neighbors rely on for health coverage. That includes cancer screenings, mental health services, addiction treatment, and doctor visits for chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease,” said Jena Crisler, a medical doctor who lives in Port Republic, in the southeast corner of Rockingham County, and is the Democratic Party nominee in the 35th.

What was it like to serve as a Black federal employee during the most divisive presidency in modern American history? In this powerful episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Deric Gilliard, activist, author, and retired federal public affairs advisor, to discuss his experiences promoting Trump administration policies.Gilliard—whose career spanned five administrations from Clinton to Biden—shares stories from his new book, The Longest Four Years of My Life: A View from the Field by a Black Fed. He provides a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the dismantling of programs that supported Black communities, attacks on the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, and efforts to erase history at the Smithsonian.

A combative Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the U.S. secretary of health and human services, appeared before a Senate committee Thursday, defending his firing of the newly confirmed director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as other changes that could limit the availability of vaccines. Meanwhile, Congress has only a few weeks to complete work on annual spending bills to avoid a possible government shutdown and to ward off potentially large increases in premiums for Affordable Care Act health plans. Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call, Sarah Karlin-Smith of Pink Sheet, and Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews KFF Health News' Tony Leys, who discusses his “Bill of the Month” report about a woman's unfortunate interaction with a bat — and her even more unfortunate interaction with the bill for her rabies prevention treatment.Visit our website for a transcript of this episode.Plus, for “extra credit” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: ProPublica's “Gutted: How Deeply Trump Has Cut Federal Health Agencies,” by Brandon Roberts, Annie Waldman, and Pratheek Rebala. Jessie Hellmann: KFF Health News' “When Hospitals and Insurers Fight, Patients Get Caught in the Middle,” by Bram Sable-Smith. Sarah Karlin-Smith: NPR's “Leniency on Lice in Schools Meets Reality,” by Blake Farmer. Alice Miranda Ollstein: Vox's “Exclusive: RFK Jr. and the White House Buried a Major Study on Alcohol and Cancer. Here's What It Shows,” by Dylan Scott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health Affairs' Jeff Byers welcomes Katie Keith of Georgetown Law and Deputy Editor Chris Fleming to the pod to discuss the recent Supreme Court case, American Public Health Association et al. v. National Institutes of Health et al., that explores the lawfulness of the NIH's termination of nearly $800 million worth of grant funding for programs due to DEI association.This week, Health Affairs released a new theme issue focusing on insights from the opioids crisis. Subscribe to the journal to never miss out on an upcoming issue.Join us for these upcoming events:9/17: Lunch & Learn: The Current Opioids Policy Landscape & What's Ahead (FREE TO ALL)9/23: Prior Authorization: Current State and Potential Reform (INSIDER EXCLUSIVE)Become an Insider today to get access to our trend reports, events, and exclusive newsletters.Related Articles:Unpacking The Supreme Court's Decision Over NIH Funding (Health Affairs Forefront)American Public Health Association et al. v. National Institutes of Health et al.A closely watched legal battle over NIH funding cuts could settle soon (STAT+)

The big budget bill that President Donald Trump signed into law in July allowed tax credits under the Affordable Care Act to expire. That means health insurance costs will increase significantly for millions, disproportionately hitting small business owners and self-employed people. We'll learn about the impacts. Also this morning: Retailers have already shifted focus from back-to-school shopping to holiday sales. Thing is, the outlook doesn't look too rosy this year.

The big budget bill that President Donald Trump signed into law in July allowed tax credits under the Affordable Care Act to expire. That means health insurance costs will increase significantly for millions, disproportionately hitting small business owners and self-employed people. We'll learn about the impacts. Also this morning: Retailers have already shifted focus from back-to-school shopping to holiday sales. Thing is, the outlook doesn't look too rosy this year.

China held a massive military parade on Tuesday to mark the anniversary of the end of World War II. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un joined Chinese leader Xi Jinping to watch. NPR's Anthony Kuhn in Seoul and NPR's Charles Maynes in Moscow join us. Then, health policy reporter Julie Rovner talks about a push to get Congress to preserve enhanced subsidies that help people buy cheaper health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Those subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year. And, the use of Botox is growing, and not just among the wealthy. The Washington Post's Rachelle Bergstein talks about the trend.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Join guest host Michelle Smith, URMIA's Executive Director, as she interviews Liebe Meier Swain from Cornell University and Phillip Arrington from HUB International, who discuss how access to healthcare, especially mental health services, is linked to higher graduation rates. They highlight legislative changes, including Medicaid cuts and Affordable Care Act revisions, which may disproportionately affect vulnerable student populations, particularly those in rural areas and on Medicaid. They emphasize the need for campus-wide collaboration, proactive planning, and financial literacy to support students amid rising healthcare costs and shifting policies. Explore the evolving landscape of student health insurance and its critical role in student success in this episode of URMIA Matters.  Show NotesACHA - American College Health AssociationThe JED FoundationUS GAO Report: Students' Health Coverage Rates Have Improved, but Barriers to Coverage Remain for SomeAmerican Council on Education Healthcare Issue Landing PageAAU, Associations Raise Concerns on Proposed Medicaid CutsGuests Liebe Meier Swain, Director, Student Health Plan - Cornell University  Phillip Arrington, Vice President, Campus Health Solutions and SHIP Segment Leader - Hub InternationalGuest Host Michelle Smith, Executive Director - URMIA Connect with URMIA & URMIA with your network-Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork-Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join-Email | contactus@urmia.org Give URMIA Matters a boost:-Give the podcast a 5 star rating-Share the podcast - click that button!-Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode!Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!

A federal judge has halted recent changes to the Affordable Care Act exchanges. More Medicare patients are leaving the hospital against medical advice, according to a new report. And satisfaction with Medicare Advantage plans is falling, fueled in part by declining trust. These stories and more are on today's episode of the Gist Healthcare Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe to UnitedHealthcare's Community & State newsletter.Health Affairs' Jeff Byers welcomes Senior Editor Kathleen Haddad back to the pod to take a look at recent news that HHS terminated 22 mRNA projects. The two explore the agency's reasoning, political and Wall Street reactions, and what it could mean for health care innovation.Join us for these upcoming events:8/26: Provider Prices in the Commercial Sector: Independent Dispute Resolution (FREE TO ALL)9/3: Theme Issue Briefing: Insights About The Opioid Crisis (FREE TO ALL)9/17: Lunch & Learn: The Current Opioids Policy Landscape & What's Ahead (FREE TO ALL)9/23: Prior Authorization: Current State and Potential Reform (INSIDER EXCLUSIVE)Become an Insider today to get access to exclusive events like the ones highlighted above.Related Articles:HHS abandons mRNA vaccine research (BioPharma Dive)1 big thing: RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine revolution (Axios)Moderna Stock Jumps as NIH Chief Tempers Administration's Attack on mRNA (Barron's)750 HHS employees send signed letter to RFK Jr. asking him to stop spreading misinformation (ABC News)Industry frets Kennedy's mRNA decision will curb cancer breakthroughs (Politico Pro) Subscribe to UnitedHealthcare's Community & State newsletter.

About this episode: The reconciliation bill passed by Congress in July is set to unravel key aspects of the Affordable Care Act that have expanded health coverage to millions of Americans. In this episode: One of the architects of the ACA, Liz Fowler, outlines how work requirements, truncated enrollment periods, and higher premiums will change health care for Americans on Medicaid and Medicare and for those buying coverage through their state's marketplace. Guest: Elizabeth Fowler, PhD, JD, is a distinguished scholar in Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and previously served as the director of the Innovation Center at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: How New Federal Legislation Will Affect Health Care Costs and Access for Americans—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health When Do the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's Health Care Provisions Go Into Effect?—Center for American Progress Health Provisions in the 2025 Federal Budget Reconciliation Law—KFF Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @‌PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Instagram @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @‌PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.

Health insurance premiums for some Americans could increase by a whopping 66 percent next year. Why are insurers jacking up their rates? And why are Republicans killing off Biden-era subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, despite their overwhelming, bipartisan popularity? Could such efforts backfire and make Medicare for All inevitable? And how can individuals and small businesses prepare for insurance hikes?Today on Lever Time, David Sirota sits down with two of America's leading experts on the health care system, Larry Levitt and Miranda Yaver, who are sounding the alarm about insurance rate increases. We explore the reasons why the Trump administration is making it harder for Americans to pay for their health insurance — and how the coming perfect storm threatens to sink the Affordable Care Act.To read the KFF study referenced in this episode, click here.Click here for a full transcript of the episode.Get ad-free episodes, bonus content and extended interviews by becoming a member at levernews.com/join.To leave a tip for The Lever, click here. It helps us do this kind of independent journalism.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is pushing back on President Donald Trump’s most recent pledge to limit mail-in voting. Governor Shapiro says Pennsylvania’s system for approving unemployment benefits has improved dramatically. Also, Governor Shapiro says House and Senate leaders need to “find common ground” on the state budget, which is now more than 7 weeks late. Pennsylvania health insurers are proposing higher premiums for coverage in 2026. It means people who buy plans through Pennie - the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace - could end up paying more each month to stay insured. The chair of Dauphin County's Prison Board is stepping down. A Lancaster County man is pleading guilty to more than 200 thefts and burglaries in Dauphin and Lancaster Counties. Lancaster Central Market is ranked number one on a list of America's most historic markets. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State officials will face choices around implementing new work requirements and using state funds to fill new gaps.

The future of Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) subsidies is a pressing issue for retirees and anyone shopping for health insurance on the ACA marketplace.  With the generous subsidies brought by the American Rescue Plan Act set to expire at the end of 2025, I break down exactly how these subsidies work, what changes are coming in 2026, and what that means for your wallet. We're talking eligibility thresholds, how income is calculated, why premiums might rise, and—most importantly—shares practical strategies for lowering your adjusted gross income to continue qualifying for subsidies as the rules tighten. Whether you're planning to retire before age 65 or just want to make sure you're making the most of affordable health options, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate the shifting health insurance landscape. Stay tuned to hear how you can prepare before the subsidy cliff arrives. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] ARPA health subsidy set to expire. [06:48] Special enrollment eligibility criteria. [09:49] Estimate income for subsidy applications. [12:50] Retirement subsidy eligibility insights. [16:38] Managing income for post-2025 health subsidies. [19:50] Retirement planning and tax strategies. What Retirees Need to Know About Expiring Subsidies in 2026 For many Americans considering early retirement, one of the pressing concerns is the high cost of health insurance before Medicare eligibility kicks in at age 65. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), often called Obamacare, has provided critical subsidies—tax credits that reduce monthly health insurance premiums for individuals and families who earn between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Thanks to these subsidies, many retirees have found coverage that's far more affordable than what existed before the ACA. These subsidies aren't static, however. Their availability, amount, and eligibility thresholds have changed over time, notably with the enhancements set by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) during the pandemic. But much of that is set to change again at the end of 2025, and retirees need to understand what's at stake and how they can prepare. How ACA Subsidies Work Right Now Currently, the vast majority of people purchasing health insurance through the ACA marketplace receive premium assistance. As of 2024, 91% of the 21 million marketplace participants benefit from some kind of subsidy, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. These subsidies are calculated based on household income and size, and for now, thanks to ARPA, even those earning above the previous 400% FPL cutoff have been able to secure relief. The system works on a sliding scale: the higher your income (relative to the FPL), the lower your subsidy—and vice versa. For instance, a single retiree in most U.S. states falls under the subsidy limit if their Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is less than $60,640 (400% of the 2024 federal poverty level). For a couple, that threshold is $84,600. The subsidies fill the gap between what the government deems an affordable percentage of your income and the cost of a benchmark “silver” marketplace plan. The Big Change: Subsidy Cliff Returning in 2026 A crucial point highlighted in episode 267 of Carolyn C-B's podcast with Ryan Morrissey: the most generous version of these subsidies, courtesy of the ARPA, will sunset at the end of 2025. We are about to return to a world where if your income exceeds 400% of the FPL by even just $1, you lose all subsidy assistance—an abrupt subsidy cliff. Previously, the ARPA smoothed this out, allowing gradual decreases rather than outright elimination at the cutoff. That made planning far simpler for retirees managing taxable withdrawals from savings or retirement accounts. Starting in 2026, the sudden loss of these subsidies at the income cliff could mean the difference between a manageable $400 monthly premium and a staggering $2,700+ for a similar plan. To add to the challenge, insurers anticipate higher premiums in 2026 as healthier enrollees fall off plans due to pricing and subsidy loss. Planning Strategies for Retirees With the looming subsidy cliff, retirees may need to rethink their approach to generating retirement income. Since eligibility is based on income, not assets, it's possible to have significant savings but low reportable income, qualifying you for subsidies. Key strategies include: Harvest Extra Income Before 2026: Consider accelerating IRA distributions, realizing capital gains, or selling assets in 2025 while subsidies remain generous. Build Up Liquid Assets: By moving assets into cash accounts before retirement, retirees can “live off” cash in years they need to keep income low, preserving subsidy eligibility. Utilize Roth and Home Equity Withdrawals: Roth IRA distributions (if held 5 years and owner is 59½ or older) don't count toward MAGI; home equity lines or reverse mortgages can also provide non-taxable funds. Make Use of Pre-tax Contributions: While still working, increase contributions to 401(k)s, IRAs, and HSAs—these lower MAGI and can be a tool for subsidy planning. Congress may choose to extend or reform these subsidies again, but as of now, retirees should assume the cliff is returning. If you plan to retire—and especially if you'll rely on individual ACA coverage before age 65—be proactive. Monitor federal updates, calculate your projected MAGI, and consult a knowledgeable financial advisor for personalized guidance. Open enrollment begins November 1st each year—make sure to check your state's marketplace for updated premiums and subsidy parameters for 2026. Planning now can safeguard your health and your finances through a rapidly changing insurance landscape. Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE  The Affordable Care Act (ACA) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Access Health CT  Health Insurance Marketplace  Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact   Subscribe to Retire With Ryan

Learn how to cut prescription costs and prepare for steep health insurance hikes if ACA tax credits expire. How can you make prescription drugs more affordable? What can you do if subsidies in the Affordable Care Act expire and health insurance costs spike? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss rising prescription costs and looming changes to health insurance premiums to help you find ways to save and protect your budget. Joined by Dan Weissmann, host of the podcast An Arm and a Leg, they begin with a discussion of the structural problems in the U.S. prescription drug system, with tips on comparing prices across pharmacies, using discount programs like GoodRx, and checking for manufacturer coupons. Then, personal finance Nerd Kate Ashford joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss how ACA premium tax credit changes could impact your wallet. They explore strategies such as comparing marketplace plans carefully, shifting to different tiers of coverage, considering employer-based insurance, and preparing for open enrollment. They also highlight the risks of going uninsured, ways to use preventive care benefits to save money, and why America's healthcare system ended up so tied to employment. Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: prescription drug costs, how to save on prescriptions, GoodRx, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs, pharmacy benefit managers, drug manufacturer coupons, ACA subsidies, ACA premium tax credits, Affordable Care Act healthcare costs, ACA marketplace plans, health insurance open enrollment, formulary, health insurance tiers, high deductible health plan, bronze vs silver plan ACA, health savings account, ACA premium increases, ACA subsidies expiring, ACA tax credits 2025, how to compare health insurance plans, employer sponsored health insurance, self-employed health insurance options, preventive care coverage, avoiding medical debt, risks of going uninsured, Vermont ACA costs, ACA premium increase by state, ACA cost saving strategies, how to check if prescriptions are covered, negotiating prescription costs, medical bankruptcy risk, Medicare and Medicaid differences, US vs UK healthcare costs, ACA income thresholds, ACA marketplace eligibility, losing ACA subsidies impact, choosing an ACA plan, and ACA open enrollment dates. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

Most retirement calculators drastically underestimate what you'll need to retire comfortably at age 60, leaving many people exposed to hidden financial risks. In this episode, Adam Olson reveals why traditional tools fall short and how you can build a smarter, more secure plan for early retirement.Listeners will discover the overlooked expenses that hit hard between ages 60 and 65, like inflated healthcare costs, higher inflation impact, and elevated lifestyle spending, and why relying on the 4% rule alone can be dangerous. Adam also breaks down practical strategies from his Red Zone Retirement Planning process to help safeguard your nest egg through your most active retirement years.Key Takeaways:Most calculators ignore key factors like healthcare gaps, inflation, and sequence-of-returns risk.Early retirees need 18–24 months of cash reserves to weather downturns and maintain Affordable Care Act coverage.Planning Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go phases helps avoid running out of money later in life.Smart Social Security timing and diversified income sources are crucial for long-term success.Want personalized help? Fill out the questionnaire below to receive a custom video analysis of your retirement readiness.“Don't risk your future on outdated assumptions; know the real numbers before you retire.” – Adam OlsonLearn more about Adam Olson by visiting the following links:FacebookPersonal WebsiteBusiness WebsiteRetirement QuizHow Much Do I Need To Retire Article--Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.   Be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider all factors prior to making any financial decisions.  Any strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.  Adam Olson, Representative.  Mutual of Omaha Investor Services is not affiliated with any entity listed herein. This podcast is for educational purposes only and may include references to concepts that have legal and/or tax implications. Mutual of Omaha Investor Services and its representatives do not offer legal or tax advice. The information presented is subject to change without notice and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security or insurance product.Mutual of Omaha Investor Services and its various affiliates do not endorse or adopt comments posted by third parties.  Comments posted by third parties are their own and may not be representative or indicative of other's opinions, views, and experiences.

This Day in Legal History: Social Security ActOn August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, establishing the foundation of the modern American welfare state. The legislation was a centerpiece of Roosevelt's New Deal and aimed to address the widespread economic insecurity caused by the Great Depression. For the first time, the federal government created a structured system of unemployment insurance and old-age pensions, funded by payroll taxes collected from workers and employers. The law also introduced Aid to Dependent Children, a program designed to support families headed by single mothers, later expanded into Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).The Act marked a major shift in federal involvement in individual economic welfare and signaled a broader acceptance of the idea that the government bears some responsibility for the financial well-being of its citizens. Though limited in scope at first—agricultural and domestic workers, for example, were excluded—the framework it established would evolve through amendments and court challenges over the following decades.The Social Security Act was challenged on constitutional grounds shortly after its passage, but the Supreme Court upheld its key provisions in Helvering v. Davis (1937), affirming Congress's power to spend for the general welfare. Over time, the Social Security program expanded to include disability insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. While the structure and funding of these programs remain a subject of political debate, the 1935 Act remains one of the most enduring and significant pieces of social legislation in U.S. history.A Texas state court has appointed a receiver to take control of Alex Jones' company, Free Speech Systems LLC, the parent of his Infowars show, in an effort to collect on $1.3 billion in defamation judgments related to his false claims about the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting. Judge Maya Guerra Gamble granted the request from families of victims in the Connecticut case, authorizing receiver Gregory S. Milligan to manage and potentially liquidate the company's assets. Another hearing is scheduled for September 16 to determine whether the Texas-based judgments should also be placed under receivership.Jones, who has been in personal bankruptcy since 2022, has been shielded from immediate collection on many of these judgments, but his company's Chapter 11 case was dismissed in 2024, giving a separate bankruptcy trustee limited control over its assets. The receiver now has authority, subject to that trustee's approval, to pursue the sale of Infowars' media assets, access financial records, and initiate legal actions to recover property.Attorneys for the Sandy Hook families hailed the order as a major step toward accountability. Meanwhile, Jones' legal team plans to appeal, arguing the court was misled about prior bankruptcy rulings. Jones is also seeking U.S. Supreme Court review of the Connecticut judgment, with a filing deadline set for September 5.Alex Jones' Infowars Assets to Be Taken Over by Receiver (1)A federal judge in Philadelphia struck down Trump administration rules that allowed employers to deny birth control coverage based on religious or moral objections. U.S. District Judge Wendy Beetlestone ruled that the 2018 exemptions were not justified and found a disconnect between the sweeping scope of the rules and the limited number of employers likely to need them. The ruling came in a case brought by Pennsylvania and New Jersey, which previously reached the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court upheld the rules on procedural grounds in 2020 but did not evaluate their substance.The Affordable Care Act mandates contraception coverage in employer health plans, with narrow exemptions for religious organizations. The Trump administration expanded this to a broader class of employers, arguing that even applying for exemptions could burden religious practice. Judge Beetlestone disagreed, saying the administration failed to show a rational link between the perceived issue and its response.The Biden administration had proposed reversing the Trump-era policy in 2023, but that effort stalled before Biden left office. The Little Sisters of the Poor, a Catholic group involved in defending the rules, plans to appeal the new decision. The Department of Justice has not yet commented on the ruling.US judge blocks Trump religious exemption to birth control coverage | ReutersPresident Trump revoked a 2021 executive order issued by then-President Joe Biden that aimed to promote competition across the U.S. economy. Biden's order targeted anti-competitive practices in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and labor, and was a key element of his economic agenda. It included efforts to reduce consumer costs by curbing monopolistic behavior and increasing oversight of mergers.Trump's administration criticized the Biden-era approach as overly restrictive and burdensome. The Justice Department, under Trump, endorsed the revocation, stating it would pursue an “America First Antitrust” strategy focused on market freedom and less regulatory interference. Officials also announced plans to streamline the Hart-Scott-Rodino merger review process and reinstate targeted consent decrees to address specific anti-competitive behavior.Critics argue the revocation will weaken protections for consumers and small businesses. A June 2025 report by advocacy groups estimated that dismantling consumer protection policies, including those from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, has cost Americans at least $18 billion through higher fees and lost compensation. Trump has also taken steps to drastically reduce the CFPB's workforce.Former Biden competition policy director Hannah Garden-Monheit condemned the move, claiming it contradicts Trump's promise to support everyday Americans and instead benefits large corporations.Trump revokes Biden-era order on competition, White House says | ReutersA federal judge in Texas dismissed a lawsuit filed by video-sharing platform Rumble, which had accused major advertisers—Diageo, WPP, and the World Federation of Advertisers—of conspiring to boycott the platform by withholding ad spending. U.S. District Judge Jane Boyle ruled that the Northern District of Texas was not the appropriate venue for the case, as the defendants are based in the UK and Belgium. Her decision did not address the substance of Rumble's antitrust claims.Rumble's lawsuit alleged that the advertisers participated in a “brand-safety” initiative through the Global Alliance for Responsible Media, which it claims was used to pressure platforms like Rumble—known for minimal content moderation—into compliance or risk being excluded from ad budgets. The defendants countered that business decisions not to advertise on Rumble were based on brand protection and had nothing to do with collusion or a boycott.Judge Boyle noted it remains an "open question" whether the Texas court is the right venue for a similar lawsuit brought by Elon Musk's social media platform X, which is also pending. The advertisers argued Rumble's legal action was a misuse of antitrust laws intended to force companies to do business with it.US judge tosses Rumble lawsuit claiming advertising boycott | ReutersA federal appeals court ruled in favor of President Donald Trump, allowing him to halt billions in foreign aid payments that had been previously approved by Congress. In a 2-1 decision, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted an injunction issued by a lower court that had ordered the administration to resume nearly $2 billion in aid. The aid freeze was initiated on January 20, 2025—Trump's first day of his second term—through an executive order and followed by significant staffing and structural changes to USAID, the government's main foreign aid agency.The lawsuit challenging the freeze was brought by two nonprofit organizations that depend on federal funding: the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and Journalism Development Network. The appeals court, however, ruled that the groups lacked legal standing to challenge the freeze and that only the Government Accountability Office, a congressional watchdog, had authority to do so.Judge Karen Henderson, writing for the majority, explicitly stated the court was not deciding whether Trump's actions violated the Constitution's separation of powers or Congress's control over federal spending. In a sharp dissent, Judge Florence Pan argued the decision undermined the Constitution's checks and balances and enabled unlawful executive overreach.A White House spokesperson praised the ruling, framing it as a victory against "radical left" interference and a step toward aligning foreign aid spending with Trump's "America First" agenda.US appeals court lets Trump cut billions in foreign aid | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

On this episode of "The Founder's Sandbox", Brenda speaks with Donovan Ryckis; CEO of Ethos Benefits, the nation's leading fiduciary benefits consultant in mid- -large market employers. Ethos Benefits was founded in 2016, after a chance request from a client of Donovan when he operated as a financial advisor--the client was faced with an increase in the companies' health insurance bill for the companies' employee plan that would have had a financial burden that threatened the sustainability of the company.   ‘Ethos' represents the guiding principle, character, or spirit of a person or organization. It's the ‘why' that drives decision-making and fuel's purpose.   Through Donovan's origin story we will have our eyes opened as business owners to the potential risks of employer sponsored healthcare plans and how to mitigate these risks. You can find out more about Donovan and Ethos at: www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis Upcoming master class on August 14th https://ethosbenefits.com/ https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/ For a limited time only access the documentary: It's not personal, it's just  healthcare. https://ethosbenefits.com/documentary/     Transcript:  00:04 Welcome back to the Founder's Sandbox. I am Brenda McCabe, your host on this monthly podcast. It reaches  business owners and entrepreneurs who learn about building resilient, scalable, and 00:32 purpose-driven companies, all with great corporate governance. I am Brenda McCabe, and I am your host. And the guests that come to the podcast are not only those founders and business owners who are sharing their experiences, but also corporate directors,  investors,  and professional service providers who, like me, want to use the power of the private enterprise, small, medium, and large, to create change for a better world. 01:00 Through storytelling here and a recreated  sandbox,  my goal is to equip  one startup founder or one business owner at a time to build a better world through great corporate governance. Today, my guest is Donovan Rikas.  He is joining the podcast as CEO of Ethos Benefits, the nation's leading fiduciary benefits consultant in the mid to large market employer space. 01:29 So I'm absolutely delighted to bring in a professional service provider in  the employer benefits area, which  we're going to  unpeel  this  sector  today in the podcast. it's fascinating. So thank you, Donovan, for joining me today. Thank you, Brenda. Thanks for having me. Excellent. So  the company you and Chelsea, your wife and president of Ethos Benefits, 01:59 was founded in 2016, which wasn't that  long ago.  But it happened serendipitously.  You got a chance request because at that time, you were a financial advisor, right? Yes. When  your client was faced with an increase  in the company's health insurance bill for their employee plan,  pardon me, that would have had such a financial burden,  it would have threatened the sustainability of 02:27 the company and that's your client. So what did you do Donovan? What was the origin  of Ethos Benefits? Thank you. Yeah, so that's exactly right. I started as a financial advisor.  So Ethos Benefits was formerly a registered investment advisory, which was Jay Donovan Financial.  And one of the interesting things that are a little bit different on the security side versus the insurance world is 02:56 the ability to  license and designate yourself as a fiduciary advisor to your clients.  So that's really important and that's kind of where we started as financial advisors. So that essentially means that you're not gonna be commission-based with variable commissions based on what you wanna sell and the client doesn't really understand, right? You're gonna be  transparent with how you earn any compensation. 03:23 and you're not gonna have any conflicts of interest that might change  the recommendations or advice that you're giving them. So it's gonna be flat fee and you get to work with them directly instead of working for the financial institutions and the insurance companies kind of in the background that are actually the ones incentivizing. Cause  it's this odd relationship where it's like you think the financial advisor is working for you but they're actually incentivized by the institutions  that they're representing. Very important clarification because we do have a question 03:53 further on, which is, you know, what, what, how does the 401k management, right about employers 401 plan, mirror that of healthcare benefits? Yeah, for sure. You'll start to see some of those. So that's how we're working as financial advisors. And that's an important distinction as we get into an explanation of 04:22 the whole healthcare industry and how that works. So you're exactly right. I was working as a financial advisor, working with business owners  because they had more kind of complicated planning and tax structures and things that I could do to really make a difference.  And what I realized is when most of them had commission-based advisors, they'd rush to sell a product, mutual funds  with upfront loads and REITs that had  proprietary commissions and all this kind of stuff. And then they would leave without worrying about any of the 04:52 tax consequences,  you know, islets or trusts or even wills, right? Like all these extra things that business owners needed to set up their own personal wealth, but also their company, their 401k, maybe combining a defined benefit plan. So that was kind of the niche I chose.  And it was incredibly lucrative. I loved it.  Was doing exactly what I wanted to do until that client kind of asked me for that help, like you alluded to. 05:21 And it was 40 % increase on his health insurance. He said, my broker says, this is it. There is nothing else. Can you help? And I didn't know any idea. Like I had no idea about health insurance or what I do. But yeah, just- No, no. problem. 05:39 And certainly as a financial advisor, it kind of seemed like going backwards and beneath me. didn't really want to do it, but I was like, I could hear the panic in his voice. And I was like, yeah, absolutely. Just send me everything you have. And after about three weeks, basically making as many connections in the industry and learning as much as I could and trying different things, we basically mitigated that increase entirely. 06:05 And he actually came three points under where he was currently today before that increase. And we didn't take away any benefits from employees. We didn't put them in smaller  HMO networks. We didn't increase deductibles or increase their premiums. None of the usual tricks.  So this was a like for like solution. We actually improved the plan a bit and came in under.  And it really made me realize in that moment, it wasn't my experience or my education or my smarts that 06:34 may be able to do this,  it was a lack of conflicts  in compensation and incentives,  right? Because his broker does about $7 billion a year annually.  I didn't come in with more market knowledge, leverage, or experience. I just didn't have conflicts of interest and compensation. That's what  started me down this path.  And  back then,  you hadn't yet  created Ethos Benefits with that name. 07:03 So when I did a little bit of research,  I couldn't have been more delighted that you actually reached out to to be featured on the founder sandbox because of two reasons, you the word fiduciary, right?  It was in  your basically your call to action, right? Or your or the definition of company. So,  you know, you  are  the governance of a company goes way beyond making a profit for shareholders. 07:32 the duty of care, the duty of loyalty and the duty of obedience is really the underpinning elements of  fiduciary duty. And on your website, you say our ethos is simple fiduciary first. So we're going to appeal that in here in a minute here. So act in the best interest of those we serve,  no matter the cost. You also on the website,  you you had a purpose ethos represents the guiding principle. 08:01 character or spirit of an organization or a person is the why that drives decision making and feels purpose. So I,  I looked like I was reading what next act advisors may consult a firm is about is just really finding those purpose driven. So  with that, I wanted to just, you know, ask you,  what was that you had that first client that first aha moment, and 08:29 How long did it take you and did when did you realize that this could be a a career change for you, right? Rather than a financial advisor, you were actually actually a health care benefits advisor, right? Yeah, I mean, I think I think the first moment is, you know, being being a financial advisor was very lucrative. And I like the people I was working with. I liked working with entrepreneurs and business owners and and, you know, just 08:58 I found them inspiring and I was curious about the things they're doing. And  I think that kind of lifts everybody up when you keep a circle like that, right? Like you  push yourself harder, you learn, educate and do different things.  So I love the clients I was working with. Like I said,  maybe  working on personal wealth for individuals though, isn't the most rewarding thing you could be doing. seeing that... 09:25 Don't get me wrong, I was paid well enough. It would have took me a long time to figure out that it wasn't very personally fulfilling.  But seeing that first case, mean, the first thing I did when I got that successful proposal back, before I presented it to the clients is I was looking at the math  of what does this cost? What difference does this make per paycheck to all the individuals in this planet? And then I'd look at somebody, my God, this person's got a wife and two kids. Look at the difference in premium there. 09:54 I was calculating my work in return to the average American worker and realizing like me putting myself aside to  proactively, strategically go after this problem instead of making a decision for my own personal commission, looking at how much that impacted everybody. And that was powerful. 10:20 I'm going on 20 years in financial services and every aspect of it, I've seen people who prioritize commissions over, you know, a better product, a better outcome for an individual. But the idea that that could be done on scale to where you're now making that decision for yourself over 200, 500, 2000, 3000 employees, like that's pretty disgusting, right? So seeing that that kind of impact could be made. 10:49 I mean, it was  it was really not a question after that I knew I was transitioning my business. Excellent. Excellent. So  my own path  after 25 years in Europe  was quite an eye opening experience when I came back to the United States, I am a US citizen, but I had to get you know, I've been working for myself and I had to get self insured. So  I got back this is like 11:18 12 years ago, I got the Affordable Care Act for dummies from my local library.  I had not yet transferred my tax certification to the United States takes quite a few years when you've been gone so long.  So you because you do have to sub venture tax returns and all that. And then  I ran into I met Marshall Allen, the author of never pay the first bill and the other ways to fight the healthcare system and when 11:46 Marshall Allen actually spoke at  a graduate or alumni event of University Chicago. And  I was, you know, reading these books. And you know, eventually,  I got my own broker to help me get onto the exchange. But it every year has been  an experience.  I'm fortunate to be part of a  membership organization through which  for small  and medium sized businesses and I get  PPO through 12:14 I won't mention names, but  I was  blessed because just  and I'm 12 years in the United States, you have to knock on a lot of doors to actually get health care when you are a small business  owner  and really  understand what  you are paying for,  not only your premiums of what are the services  that are provided. So can you talk about  the average 12:44 premium for a family of four and some of the  numbers that you discovered  and believe  we as a country could actually improve  on the outcomes, healthcare outcomes with the actual spend we have today, right? Yeah, we're getting the numbers are pretty wild. mean, I feel like we're really kind of getting to a breaking point with it.  You know, 13:12 For what I work on, employer-sponsored healthcare, 186 million Americans are covered under employer-sponsored healthcare plan. These plans can average increases anywhere from seven to 10 % annually. We see a lot of reports that come out that kind of measure these things. Kaiser Family Foundation does one, Milliman Index is another one. So there's a lot of studies that kind of measure this annually and changes for employers across the board. 13:41 What we saw this year for 2025 was the average cost for a family of four under employer sponsored health care plan is $35,119, which is just an astonishing number. That is unaffordable for an employer. That's unaffordable for an employee. And it's unaffordable for them to split that cost as well, which is how these, yeah, that's how they're structured in some way or another. 14:11 And another number to know that kind of governs this is the ACA affordability percentage, which is essentially where employers have to contribute, they have to contribute enough to keep the premium under this amount, which is 9.02 % this year. So premium for one of your employees cannot exceed 9.02 % of their take-home pay. 14:39 And this is updated on an annual basis, correct? Correct. Yeah, it fluctuates a little bit, but it's always right at 9, 8.5, 9.2, it's balanced up and down. But that's a pretty astonishing number too. And I see a lot of companies that are basically designing their contribution just to stay under that. it's, obviously they'd love to do more, but with the way these costs increase annually, sooner or later, they get to that point. 15:07 where they're kind of designing it just to be under 9 % of the employee's income. Okay, that's  astonishing.  And I'm happy that you  are working nationwide now with employer benefits with companies that, what's the size of the companies that you typically sell to? So we only work with large employers these days. And if we have somebody come in a little bit under, we have some associate agencies that we can kind of refer them to. 15:36 I'd say our minimum is usually like 250 eligible employees all the way up to 5000. Yeah, so anywhere in that mix. Excellent. So when again, I first met you was unaware because you've basically become nationwide in the last what two, three years, right? I'd say around COVID. Yeah, I took off right. So when I was speaking with you spent some time on the website. 16:06 I was trying to understand the sales alignment. So how you reach customers, those employees that have 250 between 250 and 5,000 employees, right? My first reaction was, OK, Donovan, go in with either of these benefits. You do a cost down, right? You've done, you basically work yourself out of the job. You corrected me. So for my audience, so how? 16:32 does ethos benefits work for a company, right?  What is that?  Is it is it an annual  engagement  talk walk me through the work you Yeah, I mean, things are happening on a daily like when we break down our scope of services, we'll actually show them like,  these are daily, these are weekly tasks, these are monthly, quarterly and annual because there's so much happening.  So  we're talking about the employee benefit space. Yes, it's  the 17:01 kind of designing consulting for the annual premium for a 12 month period. I think that's what people first consider.  But there's also a ton of compliance factors that have to happen throughout the year that that company has to fill out, right? Could be anything from section  125s,  5,500s,  wrap documents, all kinds of notices and disclosures  that need to be done.  Also, you know, we deal with benefits administration. So that's... 17:29 How are the employees making elections, seeing premiums? Is that integrating into payroll?  So functions like that with eligibility in and out of the company  adjusting that.  But also we kind of discussed and talked about the fact that health care is incredibly complex. So all the same market influences, where the market's at, interest rates,  inflation, all that kind of stuff affects  health care rates just like any other company in the market. 17:58 but it also gets as granular as  new medical procedures, new drugs, new generic drugs that are now an option.  It can even go down, you know, locally or regionally to where we get a new CFO in a hospital group and that starts changing the reimbursement rates that they're requesting from the insurance. So we see that where kind of a CFO comes in and they start flexing, making life difficult in a particular region or with a hospital group. 18:28 So all these things are kind of coming together and changing every single day.  Also the fact of the sheer amount of bills,  claims that come through.  So what we see on average,  this is a pretty crazy number, but  what we see on average is 18 claims  per employee per year. Okay, that's a lot.  That's a lot. So if we had just a hundred employees, that'd be 1800. 18:56 basically accounts payable  into the company. And that's part of our job too, because as you might imagine, hospitals make tons of mistakes on the bills, about 80 % of the bills have mistakes.  And then we also have to make sure that those are coming in at fair reimbursement rates to the company, because what hospitals bill is a spectrum for the exact same procedure. And the only difference is the payer. It's not the patient, it's not the complexity, it's not the physician, like it's literally 19:25 just the insurance card that can affect that difference in reimbursement rates. So all these things kind of come together where, yes, it  very much is a daily  task for me and my team on different things that we're working on. And- Are you an advocate in any way for the employees? Yes,  very much. So, you know, it's two, there's two complicated ecosystems at the same time that we're trying to navigate. 19:52 One is certainly the healthcare finance, which is what we're working with the company. But healthcare delivery for employees and members is just as complicated and confusing as far as where do I go? What is this gonna cost? What's the next step? Can I get a second opinion? How would that work? Right? And also helping navigate them to their highest cost or their lowest cost, highest quality and understanding what that is and giving them options to seek care at. 20:21 at lower prices if that's available. Excellent.  So your  delivery platform, is it like a customer success team  that  is assigned solely to that client? How does it work? Yeah, so it's kind of different. every employer is starting at a different place. They also have different ideas of where their end place or where their goal is. 20:49 healthcare delivery, kind of working on some things like that, there might be a couple of different ways we handle it. One might be having a direct  primary care provider. So the idea of a direct  primary care provider is basically same day, next day appointments with your primary care physician  and 30 to 60 minute visit times, not the average, which is seven minutes with a PCP, which is what most people get across the country.  And  with that DPC provider, you can also do things like 21:18 stitches,  blood work, get generic meds. So we're talking about more of a comprehensive service when you actually need it, not  the 14, 18 day  primary care. So that might be one of the ways we help with healthcare delivery.  It might be a nurse concierge where they have a nurse that they can help find providers,  navigate them. That might be a part of it.  So it kind of depends. then also  a lot of the times are 21:47 Our team will basically act as a care coach, where if they have anything going on, they can just call us. We'll help them set appointments, navigate them towards care, help them with their ID problems. Fantastic. Anything else you'd like to share or shed some light on the service offering of ETHOS benefits? So we're going to jump into a legal question in a minute here. 22:13 Yeah, I mean, it always just depends on the employer.  what I would say is generally they find everything we do to be  more comprehensive. And I think that's just the nature of the fact that we're not seeking compensation from the insurance providers or working with the client, because  it's my belief that we don't have a single thing to sell to an employer.  Employers have a health care problem. And we're here to solve that and work through that in any 22:42 way that they need at that given time.  So we're not,  you know, pushing those solutions are having those conflicts.  It's an excellent segue down into  current lawsuits  that are popping up with respect to,  first of all 401k, lawyer, and now healthcare benefits. So before we jump into that some specific cases, you know, for my listeners, what does fiduciary mean? 23:12 in your business model, right? Please. Yeah. So fiduciary for us is certainly always acting in the best interest of those that you represent. It's the highest standard of care.  So you mentioned a couple of things  earlier, loyalty, obedience. I think the biggest thing where companies may think they're acting as a fiduciary and they're not, because while we carry that duty to our employers and our clients, 23:40 Employers have that duty to all of their employees. And that's something that are kind of educating them because a lot of them don't realize it. But  I think the big duty that is  left out or misunderstood is the duty of prudence.  Okay. So did they go far enough in investigating solutions and understanding the problem and working through it and having a committee within the company to kind of help go through that? Because what I mean, in a compensation package, there is nothing more important 24:10 than the cost of health care and the options in health care, right? And how those decisions are being made.  So I see the duty of  prudence being the kind of  most 24:23 I, the duty with the most opportunity, let's say, maybe, maybe the most misunderstood because  the employer sometimes think, well, you know, the broker came in and he showed me one or two other options.  This is the least worst option. Therefore that's what we're doing. And I think that's enough. Right.  And that is not the case.  And it's only until there's a 40 % increase due, right. It doesn't employer say  my business is not sustainable. 24:51 So actually healthcare is what not the number two or number three expense  in the company's PNL today. Correct. Right. So walk me through some of these  recent lawsuits.  Yeah, I think we have companies like J &J and JP Morgan. Speak to me about that. 25:14 Yeah, J. J. J. P. Morgan, Wells Fargo. A lot of them are almost they're copied and in some parts of the complaint,  because it's very much the same thing. the first one we saw was  Lewandowski versus Johnson and Johnson. And this is for their health care plan. You know, they're a Fortune 50 company.  I think they somewhere around 160,000 employees. 25:42 and they have a benefits committee and a benefits team of 16 or 18 people. So a big team of people to help make these decisions, understand them and vet them. And the lawsuit is basically for their decision of pharmacy benefit manager. So a pharmacy benefit manager essentially sets the price for any drugs that employees could get within the plan. And it lays out 35 or so specific examples of drugs 26:12 but basically they agreed to pay  up to  13,000 times  the cost of the drug that's available, just cash pay.  employee and employer funds are agreeing to pay that kind of multiple on a drug that's available without insurance, much, much cheaper.  And the  lawsuit is brought by the plaintiffs, who are they? 26:40 am Lewandowski. So she's she's the plaintiff. And then I believe as it's developed, other employees have kind of came on. So 13,000 was it do you know, I know that you're not directly involved in this case. Nor should you speak to it if that is the case. But is the transparency of the data? Can you get that data if you were an employee to then understand the 27:09 multiples that your employer plan has agreed to pay to the pharmacy benefit. I'm aghast. 13, I think the number is 13,226. So when this came out last January, the first thing I did is I read through the whole complaint. It was like 130 pages went through all these. So for all the drugs that were mentioned, I ran 27:40 J &J's prices, again, Fortune 50, 150, 160,000 employees. So you would assume they're getting leveraged prices, they're making great decisions, all those kinds of things. I ran those prices against what my clients were paying. And in the smallest, like I think our smallest in my book of business, like 100 insured employees somewhere around there, they were paying 94 % less. 28:06 for the same, for one fill of all the same drugs. So the math worked out to be like 135,000 for J &J for one fill of each of those. And my clients were like 3000 or 4000, don't know, it's all my LinkedIn. posted the public letter as soon as it came out. But I basically price referenced them. So it's not a question of leverage or buying power, know, all the ridiculous things you hear. 28:34 when you're talking to  an insurance broker for these types of decisions,  it's literally, it comes down to that question of prudence. Like,  how did you vet these decisions?  Do you know how the pharmacy benefit manager is getting paid? Do you know what these drug benchmarks are against the cash price?  And that's  where I think this lawsuit is gonna be a slam dunk. Like, there is no reason for a company that size with that big of a benefits committee to hire such a conflicted PBM, is what they call it. 29:04 You heard it here on the founder sandbox. So stay tuned for  any other  lawsuits that are  worthy of mention. Do all of them? Are they all related to the pharmacy benefit manager conundrum?  There's there's all kinds of lawsuits. I think the PBMs are the lowest hanging fruit because it's so easy to benchmark. But certainly the same arguments exist with  hospital reimbursement rates. 29:33 And we're starting to see those as well. Excellent. Well, thank you  for sharing  a bit more  details on  the  recent,  I guess,  health care benefits in the news, right? Lawsuits.  Going to get a little bit technical here. 29:57 because you allowed me to.  the framework of the CAA of 2020 and 2021, that's the minimum set of standards for activities to benchmark health care plans.  And so  what are they?  Because it then leads into  some of the common sense strategies  that employers can deploy immediately.  So can you walk? Because this is just as yesterday, it's actually during the pandemic. What's the CAA? 30:27 of 2020, 2021. Thank you. Yeah. So that's the interesting part of this. So the reason I said a decade ago, over a decade ago, I was waiting for these health care lawsuits to happen. It's because Arissa has always stated that  employers have this fiduciary responsibility, just like they had with  401k. The problem has been, and the reason these lawsuits didn't come sooner, is that health insurance companies  make this data hard to access. 30:56 different carriers were released different amounts.  And there was no set of compliance standards for employers to understand this is how I go about making it, making these decisions and benchmarking these decisions, right? Like  it was all just too vague, too opaque. The data was too gagged and withheld from the employers.  So the starting point of how do I know I'm being prudent or not, that's kind of what wasn't known prior to the  CAA of 2021. 31:27 So  the CAA  basically defined a set of minimum standards  that you have to do to even pretend like you're being a prudent fiduciary for your healthcare plan. So there's four things, but there's three main things. I'll mention the fourth thing as well, because there's funny stuff about that.  So the first one  should be the most obvious, and  it's kind of our founding story, which is understanding 31:53 your broker compensation before you enter into any arrangement or agreement for your upcoming plan. So that should not only be how much,  it should be when, what type of bonus is there. If you're looking at carrier A, B, and C, really what it says is you should know what is their compensation for carrier A, B, and C before you make an arrangement, because they will be different. And that will change the recommendation, the advice, the conversation that you're having with that broker. 32:23 is critical. That is so critical. And  in reading these transparency commission  disclosures from  brokers, it is wild, the stuff that they put in there and how conflicted their advice is.  One of them that I looked at last week said, broker acknowledges that their parent company has equity in the insurance carriers that they're recommending. Oh my gosh. So they're essentially saying, 32:52 We are an insurance company that's going to bias our recommendations to the own companies we have equity in. It's like, that's no longer a party you should take advice from, right? 33:07 Okay, so that's part one.  Yeah, no, this is this is  and you know,  I without it's gonna get too technical because the gag clause and  the prescription DC reporting so that you know, basically CAA has provided the set of benchmarks, right, which  you need to at least checkmark right before you actually do. 33:35 engage or decide on your employer benefit plan.  Yeah. To be in compliance with your fiduciary duty, particularly that of prudence. Yeah.  Yeah. And I think companies shouldn't look at as a checkmark. I think if they apply it with a good faith effort, they'll see like, oh,  it's not compliance. This is a framework  for making better decisions.  Right.  And that's what it's meant to do. It's meant to say, 34:05 Know your compensation, know your drug benchmarks,  and  eliminate any gag clauses to your data because you need your data to make decisions. So I think if companies make a faith effort, they'll automatically get better outcomes. That's the way here. Excellent. Well, thank you, Donovan. I want to give me this time to actually  speak about  how to contact you,  your company. But more importantly, 34:34 There is  you're hosting a webinar on August 14, which is right around the corner. Can you  give us some more details?  The details will be in the show notes,  but speak to the event that ethos benefits is hosting on August 14 2025. Thanks. Yeah, thank  you.  Yeah. So on the 14th, we're doing a fiduciary workshop masterclass, which is basically understanding what your 35:03 what your duties are, how to get through them, how to navigate them, how to have this framework for decision making and document that process as well. And it's all geared towards just achieving those better outcomes for your company, eliminating any of these risks and really creating positive results for your people. Excellent. And any information with respect to how to reach out to you beyond the- Yeah, sorry. the registration is on a banner on the top of our 35:33 on our homepage. So ethos benefits.com. If you connect with me on LinkedIn, LinkedIn,  Donovan, ragas, you can find it there as well.  Great. Well, I'm coming to the  part of my podcast, which  brings us back to the sandbox.  In my work, I'm all about working with purpose driven, scalable, and resilient companies. 36:00 And so I ask my guest, what is the meaning of each of those terms? What does purpose mean to you? 36:08 Purpose, what does it mean to you? That's such a big question that you can go a lot away from. You know, I feel like purpose should be almost like a hidden driver. It's almost not like a well-considered thing. It's just kind of driving you forward.  I think our purpose  is progress,  right? Like if something can be done better, it should be and just kind of moving forward with that. 36:35 We're trying to move one company at a time, but also the industry and better outcomes  for the country. 36:43 And that good feel factor when you get up in the morning and know that you're doing good, right? Yeah, absolutely. Let's just sleep well at night. Right? Yes. Amazing. How about resilience? You did share with me off  camera that yeah, while you abandoned the financials,  advisory role, it took almost five years, right to really find product market fit, right  and build this because it's a very unknown right industry. 37:12 unknown service within a very, very  complex industry, right? Yeah. So resilience for you, what does that mean?  Yeah, I think you're right. You know, it took us a while because we were sharing such a wildly different message than what people were hearing from their brokers. And sometimes they look at you and be like, well, you're small, they're big, that must mean they're right, right.  So I think resilience is being able to go from 37:42 failure to failure without any loss in energy, right? So when something doesn't go your way and you have an obstacle, an outcome that is less than desired, it's about being able to push on still without losing any of your optimism or energy. And that's all we do. So. Thank you for what you do. And scalable. What does scalable mean? 38:07 Scalable is certainly about having an actual documented process. I think when you're getting into something new as a company or a new system or procedure process, if it's not something that everybody in the company could repeat in the same way that I do, just inherently the way I do it because of my background and education, if it's not repeatable for everybody and everybody doesn't understand the purpose for those steps, 38:36 the outcomes from those steps, like the end result, it's definitely not gonna be scalable. Thank you. Final question. Did you have fun on the sandbox today? I did. Thank you so much for having  me. Thank you, Donovan.  So to my listeners, if you liked this episode with Donovan Rikas from Ethos Benefits,  sign up for the monthly release of founders, business owners, corporate directors, and professional service providers that share their experiences. 39:06 and how to build with strong governance a resilient, scalable, and purpose-driven company to make profits for good. Signing off for this month, thank you very much. Have a great day.  

Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio, a neurosurgeon at UCSF with a strong interest in healthcare policy, joins the show to unpack the complex and often misunderstood world of Medicaid. In a wide-ranging and nuanced discussion, he explores who qualifies for coverage, why most Medicaid spending goes to groups people don't typically expect, and whether the system should be expanded or fundamentally reformed. Dr. DiGiorgio outlines his support for a robust safety net, emphasizing targeted subsidies over a government-run program, and offers his take on the proposed “Big Beautiful Bill” currently in Congress. Along the way, the conversation touches on broader healthcare issues including the 340B drug discount program, the Affordable Care Act, and the role of the free market in ensuring access to care. Check out Chadi's website for all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes and other content. www.chadinabhan.com/ Watch all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes on YouTube. www.youtube.com/channel/UCjiJPTpIJdIiukcq0UaMFsA

How has the landscape of legal education shifted, and what ramifications has that already started having? How do politics factor into judicial appointments more than ever before, and how did we get to this point?Ilya L. Shapiro is a senior fellow and the director of Constitutional Studies at the Manhattan Institute. He's also the author of several books, including Lawless: The Miseducation of America's Elites and Supreme Disorder: Judicial Nominations and the Politics of America's Highest Court Cato Supreme Court Review.Greg and Ilya explore issues related to Supreme Court nominations, cancel culture, and the impact of bias in legal education. Their conversation also addresses the longstanding politicization of judicial appointments, challenges within legal academia such as DEI and student activism, and the broader implications for law and society. Ilya also shares potential reforms for improving the legal profession and education system.*unSILOed Podcast is produced by University FM.*Episode Quotes:When the law becomes just another form of activism35:49: Another failure of our systems of legal education or of the culture of the legal profession. Young lawyers seeing themselves as the law or their legal tools as just another part of activism, rather than as a profession. Or law schools not teaching lawyers the same way. The way to be a good lawyer is to be able to understand and see all sides of a given argument or issue or dispute. That is how you can best advocate your own sides, your own client's position. Well, if half of that 360 degrees is illegitimate, or you cannot even discuss beyond the pale, outside the Overton window, as they say, then you are going to be a much less effective lawyer. And yes, I think the legal profession has suffered, in general, its credibility, its reputation.What universities were meant to be43:19: It is the purpose of universities to develop, to have free inquiry, to have civil debate, to confront new ideas. And if universities have not been doing that for a whole host of reasons, then I think that is a level of criticism—something that they should be held to account for.On judges and legal objectivity04:36: You would hope that law and policy are different things, because there is a reason why we separate out the judicial power, and that reason is for it to be a counter-majoritarian check. You do not need judges to buttress popular opinions. You need judges to protect against abuses of power by elected officials. You need judges to protect individual rights against mob rule. And so, it cannot be the case that what is right on the law is always going to be what the majority of policy views. When fear shapes the future of the legal profession30:27: Most students just want to get their degree, get their credential, get a job, have some fun while they are at it, and that is about it. They are not politically motivated or philosophically motivated. They are just there because—especially when we are talking about law schools, rather, or some other professional school as opposed to college—they are there because this is the next step on their career trajectory, and they are just trying to keep their head down so as not to be caught in the cancellation crossfire. And it is fear, and this is how I counsel students, is that you do not have to be a martyr. You do not have to stand up and be an individual, objecting to every injustice you face.Show Links:Recommended Resources:Ketanji Brown JacksonBurwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.Robert BorkTheodore RooseveltJames MadisonAlexander HamiltonJohn JayMancur OlsonWilliam TreanorThe Paper ChaseLewis F. Powell Jr.John Paul StevensGuest Profile:Faculty Profile at The Manhattan InstituteProfile at the CATO InstituteProfile for Burke Law GroupLinkedIn ProfileSocial Profile on XGuest Work:Substack - Shapiro's GavelAmazon Author PageLawless: The Miseducation of America's ElitesSupreme Disorder: Judicial Nominations and the Politics of America's Highest CourtCato Supreme Court ReviewReligious Liberties for Corporations?: Hobby Lobby, the Affordable Care Act, and the ConstitutionAmicus Brief -- Alvarez v. Smith

On a recent night in the town of Kerman in Fresno County, hundreds of people gathered at the local football field. They were there for an event that has happened in Kerman only twice before. And it left the community star-struck. Reporter: Samantha Rangel, KVPR California will deploy almost $2 million to prevent thousands of people from losing their health insurance, as White House cuts hit the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Reporter: Carly Severn, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

We finally circle back to the two big structural constitutional law cases from the last day of the term. First is Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, which upheld the appointment structure of the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force under the Affordable Care Act. Then is FCC v. Consumers' Research, which upheld the universal-service contribution scheme against a pair of non-delegation challenges. Our second-longest episode of the season.

Rahm Emanuel is giving every indication that he's running for president in 2028—including by coming on Honestly yesterday. Emanuel, now 65 years old, has spent decades making a name for himself as one of the Democratic Party's fiercest and most effective partisans—a true knife fighter, and you'll see that spiciness in this interview. But can the dealmaker, the guy so adept at pulling the levers of power behind the scenes, really become the front man? And as the party continues to pull leftward, is there really room for an old-school moderate liberal like Rahm to be the standard-bearer? And lastly, but perhaps most importantly, does he have the bedside manner to be president? Or will people love his blunt nature and find it refreshing? He certainly has a résumé to run on. While still in his early 30s, he became a key adviser to Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign, and before he was 40, his career was already the stuff of legend, thanks to stunts like sending a dead fish to a Democratic pollster who had upset him. And after Clinton won the White House in 1992, when staffers met around a picnic table to celebrate their accomplishments, Rahm instead picked up a knife and began listing Democrats he felt were insufficiently supportive of the campaign. “Dead man!” he yelled after each name, jabbing the knife into the table. His nickname—“Rahm-bo,” after Sylvester Stallone's fearsome commando—became so pervasive that even his mom started calling him that. Meanwhile, in Hollywood, Rahm became the inspiration for a leading character on The West Wing, Josh Lyman. He spent five years as a top White House aide following Clinton's victory. Rahm then returned to his native Illinois and was elected to Congress in 2002. In 2006, he was the mastermind of the Democratic Party's wildly successful effort to retake the House of Representatives, making Nancy Pelosi speaker. In 2008, Barack Obama made Rahm his first White House chief of staff. He guided the new president through his tumultuous first two years in office, a period when Obama signed Dodd-Frank, a massive stimulus package, and the Affordable Care Act, into law. Then, in 2011, Rahm was elected to the first of his two terms as Chicago's mayor. And when Joe Biden won the White House, he made Rahm his ambassador to Japan, giving the maybe–presidential contender direct foreign policy experience in what some would argue is America's most important ally. Now the question is whether a man who ran Chicago and served every living Democratic president is too conservative for Democrats. Today on Honestly, Bari asks Rahm how moderates on the left and the right can get elected, about free trade, China, Israel, Iran, Trump, Biden, Obama, Zohran Mamdani, and the American dream—and what his party needs to do to win back Congress in the midterms next year, and the White House in 2028. And more deeply, if the Democrats can ever win a national election again after losing the trust of the American people. It's a fascinating conversation with one of the most unique, knowledgeable, and—dare we say—zesty figures in politics today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abdul and Katelyn catch up on a harrowing week in public health, after Republicans passed Trump's mega bill. They discuss: New work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP beneficiaries Why rural hospitals risk closure due to the upcoming changes to Medicaid New renewal requirements for people who buy health insurance on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces A new high in measles cases, which now jeopardize our “elimination status” distinction A recent court ruling that halts RFK Jr's plans to restructure HHS Then Abdul talks to Dr. Andres Lopez from the Coalition of Communities of Color about their organization's innovative work in community data collection. This interview was produced in collaboration with our sponsor deBeaumont Foundation. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don't miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts! This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by: Quince: Go to Quince.com/AD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Boll & Branch: Get 20% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at BollAndBranch.com /AD.