Podcasts about KFF

Here's a shocking number: One out of eight American adults is taking a GLP-1, like Ozempic or Zepbound, according to a KFF poll. GLP-1s are the biggest pharmaceutical story since antidepressants. But there's still so much we don't know. “We're only at the beginning of what's been called this Ozempic era,” the journalist Julia Belluz told me. “I think we're really just at the beginning of discovering the benefits and the harms of these drugs.” These discoveries begin in the research but are also expanding into how we think about our punishing beauty standards and the blurry lines between illness and wellness. Belluz is a contributing Opinion writer and the author, with Kevin Hall, of “Food Intelligence.” She's one of the best health and science reporters I know and has been reporting on GLP-1s for years. In this conversation, Belluz takes me through what we know — and don't know — about GLP-1s, their unexpected uses, how they are clashing with a culture obsessed with thinness and looksmaxxing, and whether everyone should be on them. Mentioned: “The obesity pay gap is worse than previously thought” by The Economist “The Great Ozempic Experiment” by Julia Belluz Book Recommendations: Behave by Robert M. Sapolsky The Poison Squad by Deborah Blum Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com. You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast, and you can find Ezra on Twitter @ezraklein. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs. This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced by Annie Galvin. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris, with Julie Beer. Our senior engineer is Jeff Geld, with additional mixing by Johnny Simon. Our recording engineer is Aman Sahota. Our executive producer is Claire Gordon. The show's production team also includes Marie Cascione, Rollin Hu, Kristin Lin, Emma Kehlbeck, Jack McCordick, Marina King and Jan Kobal. Original music by Pat McCusker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta. The director of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser. Transcript editing by Sarah Murphy and Marlaine Glicksman. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new KFF poll of 1,343 U.S. adults finds 61% say healthcare costs will have a major impact on their midterm vote. Among MAHA voters, 42% list cost as their top issue — double the share focused on food additives or vaccine policy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/healthcare-costs-top-of-mind-for-voters-as-midterms-approach-survey-finds/ #HealthcareCosts #MidtermElections #KFFPoll #MAHA #VoterSurvey #Politics #Congress #WashingtonStateStandard

The Friday Five for May 1, 2026: [00:44] Staying Caffeinated on the Road [03:26] Healthcare or Health Care? AP Stylebook Makes it Official [05:24] Spotify Spins Fitness into the Mix [08:41] Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 [12:16] CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge   Events & Webinars for Insurance Agents   Get Connected:

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman sits down with Lunna Lopez, senior survey manager at the Kaiser Family Foundation, to examine how rising healthcare costs are affecting consumers' insurance decisions and overall financial well-being. Drawing on recent KFF survey data, they explore how increases in premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs are forcing many marketplace enrollees to make difficult trade-offs—such as cutting back on basic household expenses or dropping coverage altogether. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of navigating coverage decisions, including widespread feelings of stress, confusion, and frustration, and discusses how affordability challenges may influence consumer behavior, market stability, and broader policy and voting dynamics.

Think what you've heard about Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans is true? Fun fact, it's probably not! Listen as we break down D-SNP myths to build up your knowledge.   Read the text version   Get Connected:

This week on Pulse: Hot Topics, Louise and George unpack a rapidly shifting healthcare landscape, where AI is no longer theoretical, but already embedded in patient behaviour, clinical risk, and global policy responses. And a big win for the UK's digital health workforce!Ireland's AI Strategy for Health - Ireland releases a national AI for Care strategy, positioning AI as core infrastructure for healthcare delivery, with strong emphasis on governance, workforce integration, and data readiness. A rare example of a country moving beyond pilots into system-wide planningAI Named #1 Patient Safety Risk - ECRI ranks AI-driven diagnostics as the top patient safety concern for 2026, highlighting risks like automation bias, poor integration, and lack of governance, reframing AI as a clinical safety issue, not just a technology one.Apple Forces Health Apps Into Regulation - Apple mandates that health apps declare whether they qualify as medical devices, signalling a major shift from platform neutrality to accountability, and potentially reshaping trust, compliance, and developer behaviour globallyPatients Are Already Using AI - New research from KFF, NEJM AI, and The Lancet shows that consumers are actively using AI for health advice, often before seeing a clinician, with evidence that AI is influencing real-world behaviour and reshaping care pathwaysNHS Recognises Digital Health Workforce - The NHS formally recognises its digital, data, and technology workforce as a professional group, a major milestone that elevates digital health roles and signals their critical importance to patient outcomes.Resources:Horizon Europe Grants LinkIreland's AI for Care Strategy 2026-2030 Pulse+IT LinkECRI 2026 Top 10 Patient Safety Concerns report LinkKFF poll on consumers use of AI in health LinkESSENCE study, published in the NEJM AI LinkSara Riggare and Charlotte Blease in Lancet Primary Care LinkVisit Pulse+IT.news to subscribe to breaking digital news, weekly newsletters and a rich treasure trove of archival material. People in the know, get their news from Pulse+IT – Your leading voice in digital health news.Follow us on LinkedIn Louise | George | Pulse+ITFollow us on BlueSky Louise | George | Pulse+ITSend us your questions pulsepod@pulseit.newsProduction by Octopod Productions | Ivan Juric

In this week's episode of Medicine: The Truth, hosts Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl balance two sides of American healthcare: the encouraging scientific advances that could help people live longer and healthier lives, and the growing affordability and trust crises threatening patients across the country. The conversation opens on an optimistic note. Dr. Pearl highlights new Yale research showing that aging is far less deterministic than many Americans assume. Rather than a steady and unavoidable decline, the study found that nearly half of adults over 65 improved physically, cognitively or both over a 12-year period. He pairs that story with new cardiovascular guidance from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, which shifts prevention toward a much longer time horizon and argues that earlier LDL management could prevent a significant share of heart attacks and strokes later in life. The episode then pivots to the mounting financial and institutional pressures facing patients, hospitals and public-health agencies. From rising medical debt and medication nonadherence to declining vaccine trust, hospital cost inflation and the political barriers keeping GLP-1 drugs unaffordable in the United States, the discussion captures both the promise and the fragility of healthcare in 2026. Here are the other major storylines from episode 105: Supplements fail the evidence test: Pearl reviews clinical trial data showing that commonly used supplements such as fish oil, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon and red yeast rice performed no better than placebo in lowering LDL, reinforcing the continued value of lifestyle interventions and low-cost statins. Medical costs continue to destabilize families: New Gallup-linked research shows that 82 million Americans are already making sacrifices to pay medical bills, from skipping meals to delaying retirement. Drug unaffordability worsens medication adherence: A new KFF survey finds that nearly 60% of Americans worry about affording prescriptions, with 43% reporting they have not taken medications as prescribed because of cost. Generative AI adoption surges among physicians: According to a new AMA survey, 81% of doctors now use generative AI in clinical practice, most commonly for documentation, literature summaries and chart support. Hospitals face intensifying economic pressure: The American Hospital Association reports that care delivery costs rose 7.5% last year, driven by higher labor expenses, drug prices, supply inflation and sicker patients. Trust in vaccine authorities continues to erode: Following the legal challenge to RFK Jr.'s overhaul of the federal vaccine advisory committee, new polling shows trust in federal vaccine recommendations has fallen sharply. Newborn preventive care is now affected by distrust: Pearl warns that refusal of vitamin K shots, hepatitis B vaccination and antibiotic eye ointment at birth is rising, reversing decades of scientific progress and reintroducing preventable newborn risks. Alzheimer's blood tests show progress, but not prediction: New FDA-cleared blood tests can help identify Alzheimer's disease as the likely cause of current dementia, but Dr. Pearl explains why they remain far less useful for predicting disease years before symptoms begin. The fax machine may finally be dying: In one of the episode's lighter moments, Dr. Pearl notes that CMS is moving to phase out fax-machine communication across HIPAA-covered entities, a long-overdue modernization step that could save taxpayers nearly $1 billion annually. Residency match reaches record size: The 2026 residency match was the largest in history, with more than 48,000 applicants competing for over 44,000 positions. Early heat waves carry serious health consequences: With unusual March heat across parts of the country, Dr. Pearl explains why early-season heat is especially dangerous, increasing risks of dehydration, kidney injury, cardiovascular strain and mental health emergencies. GLP-1 drugs go generic abroad while U.S. prices stay high: As Novo Nordisk's blockbuster GLP-1 medications go generic in India and other global markets, Dr. Pearl contrasts international pricing with U.S. costs and argues that congressional inaction on drug pricing remains one of healthcare's clearest failures. Tune in for more fact-based analysis and practical perspective on the healthcare stories shaping medicine today. * * * Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine” about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on X and LinkedIn. The post MTT #105: New science on aging, rising medical debt & healthcare’s fax problem appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

The Friday Five for March 27th: Macbook Neo & WWDC26 Gas Buddy for Fuel Savings The Great Nee-Doh Shortage KFF State Health Facts Resource CMS Final Rule on Fax & Snail Mail   Get Connected:

The Friday Five for March 20, 2026: Rueppel Recommends Audible launches Standard Plan Universal Health Services to Acquire Talkspace Manufacturer Participation in CMS 2028 Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Microsoft Announces Copilot Health   Get Connected:

In this provocative and darkly funny episode of Living in a Post-Truth World: The Death Of Fact, host Dr. John Schinnerer explores how America entered the post-truth era—and what it's costing our democracy, our public health, and our sanity.Dr. John examines how the Trump administration's documented removal and disruption of public datasets—from health and climate reports to environmental justice tools—has contributed to a growing erosion of shared reality. Drawing on investigative reporting from Brookings, KFF, ProPublica, AP News, and others, he separates documented evidence from clearly labeled inference to ask a critical question:What happens when the scoreboard disappears?This episode breaks down:  The difference between misinformation and “measurement sabotage”  Health data and federal public health pages taken offline  The disappearance of major climate assessments from government websites  The shutdown of environmental justice mapping tools  How loss of public data impacts maternal health, public safety, and policymaking  Why fear, uncertainty, and nervous system dysregulation make men especially vulnerable to propaganda  The psychological mechanics behind the post-truth movement  How narrative control replaces evidence when public measurement is weakened Dr. John also brings in philosophy—yes, epistemology—to explain why understanding how we know what we know is no longer academic trivia but democratic survival training.Most importantly, he offers practical tools to stay grounded in a chaotic information landscape, including his CALM framework for “fact fitness”. This is not a partisan rant. It's a sober, evidence-based discussion about protecting shared reality in an age of narrative warfare. If you care about democracy, critical thinking, media literacy, public health data, climate transparency, and staying regulated in polarized times, this episode is essential listening. Because when facts disappear, whoever holds the microphone controls reality. And that should concern all of us.Want a Higher Baseline of Calm, Confidence, and Control? Start Here…

The Friday Five for March 13, 2026: Headline Quick Hits AI & Critical Thinking CMS Notification: 1.3 Million MBI Reassignments 2026 Medicare Part D Enrollment Stats Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration   Get Connected:

KFF research shows 29 states and DC now reject parts of federal vaccine guidance, following reductions to the CDC's childhood immunization schedule. New alliances and lawsuits highlight political divides over public health. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/twenty-nine-states-and-dc-now-reject-federal-vaccine-guidance/ #vaccines #publichealth #WashingtonState #CDC #childhealth #politics #immunization #news #KFF #WashingtonStandard

In this week's episode of Medicine: The Truth, hosts Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl unpack a wide range of developments shaping healthcare in America today, including the TrumpRx drug discount program. From new legislation affecting telehealth and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to the rapid spread of measles and growing public concern about vaccine policy, this month's discussion highlights the policy decisions and scientific debates influencing medicine right now. The episode opens with the latest federal legislation passed to avert a government shutdown. While healthcare was not the central focus of this particular political battle, the bill contains several provisions that affect medical practice. These include extensions for telehealth coverage and hospital-at-home programs, reforms targeting PBM transparency and new requirements designed to address “ghost networks” in Medicare Advantage provider directories. Dr. Pearl explains that while these provisions represent incremental progress, they are unlikely to solve the larger problems driving healthcare costs and access challenges in the United States. Here are the other major storylines from episode 104: Healthcare costs remain nation's top concern: A new KFF poll finds that healthcare expenses rank above food, housing and utilities as the economic issue Americans worry about most. Prior authorization frustrations grow: Many patients report delays or denials of care due to insurance requirements, highlighting persistent tension between insurers, physicians and patients. Drug pricing debates continue: Pearl examines a new prescription drug website initiative and explains why it may have limited impact compared with broader policy proposals such as “most favored nation” pricing. Telehealth's uncertain future: Although the latest legislation extends certain pandemic-era flexibilities, the lack of a permanent solution leaves virtual care programs in limbo. PBM reforms move forward slowly: New policies aim to increase transparency and reduce incentives tied to drug list prices, though Pearl notes that meaningful change will depend on future implementation. Site-neutral payment gains attention: A provision requiring unique identifiers for outpatient services could pave the way for policies that eliminate higher reimbursement for hospital-owned facilities providing identical care. Measles outbreaks surge: Nearly a thousand cases have already been reported in 2026, with the overwhelming majority occurring among unvaccinated children. Trust in the CDC declines: Polling shows confidence in the agency has dropped significantly following changes to vaccine recommendations. Independent vaccine review groups emerge: Medical organizations and states are forming new committees to evaluate vaccine evidence as federal guidance becomes more contested. Early colon cancer deaths rise: The death of actor James Van Der Beek at age 48 highlights the growing incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults and the importance of earlier screening. FDA confusion over a new flu vaccine: The agency initially declined to review Moderna's mRNA-based flu vaccine before reversing course and agreeing to evaluate it ahead of the next flu season. Younger Americans face worsening health trends: New claims data suggest chronic disease is appearing earlier among millennials and Gen Z, driven by lifestyle factors and reduced connection to primary care. Wearable data reveal health disparities: Apple Watch data show significant differences in resting heart rates across states, reflecting variations in lifestyle, access to care and public health conditions. As the episode concludes, Dr. Pearl warns that growing political conflict around vaccines and biomedical research risks undermining public trust in science. The consequences, he argues, could shape American medicine for decades to come. Tune in for more fact-based analysis and discussion of the biggest stories in healthcare. * * * Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine” about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn The post MTT #104: TrumpRx, rising measles cases & the politics of vaccine science appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

Americans have more economic anxiety about health care costs than anything else, according to a KFF poll. “Conversations on Health Care” hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter are at the Reporters' Roundtable to break down the policy debates and real-world impacts behind those concerns. Joining the roundtable are: Nada Hassanein of Stateline, Michael McAuliff of […] The post Reporters' Roundtable: High Cost of Health Care appeared first on Healthy Communities Online.

The Friday Five for February 27, 2026: [01:02] ☕Starbucks Spring 2026 Menu  [02:45]

After the grind of Annual Enrollment, the reality of lock-in can be a little defeating, even for the most seasoned agents. If you've been feeling that way, listen to learn more about Special Needs Plans and their place in your post-AEP strategy.   Read the text version  

The Friday Five for February 20, 2026: TikTok USDS Update Apple Announces Video Podcasts Tide Launches Evo Detergent The Burden of Prior Authorization State of the Senior Market 2026   Register to Attend Craig Ritter's 2026 State of the Senior Market!   Get Connected:

The nation's persistent affordability crisis continues to leave large majorities of Americans deeply concerned about the state of the country and dissatisfied with national political leaders and, as Newsline learned in a recent conversation with KFF senior survey polling analyst Dr. Shannon Schumacher, nowhere is this better evidenced than in the field of health care. As Schumacher told us in a recent conversation, new KFF polling finds that the combination of soaring costs and frayed and uncertain insurance coverage has left millions of people worse off than they were just a year ago and deeply concerned about the policies, actions and inactions of the Trump administration and congressional leaders as we look forward to the 2026 elections. Click here to listen to the full interview with KFF senior survey polling analyst Dr. Shannon Schumacher.

Is 2026 really the new 2016? Join Sarah as she talks about this internet trend, takes the time machine back to 2016 to compare data, and explains how agents can get in on the fun while it lasts!   Get Connected:

Here's a shortened, tight one-paragraph summary:This episode of Living with Invisible Learning Challenges explores how rising health insurance premiums and government policy decisions affect everyone, while hitting neurodivergent individuals especially hard. Because many neurodivergent people rely on ongoing, specialized care, even small increases in premiums, deductibles, or cost-sharing can limit access to therapy, diagnoses, and mental health services. Drawing on research from KFF and the Center for American Progress, the episode highlights gaps in mental health parity, threats to Medicaid, and how policy choices directly shape who can afford essential care—underscoring the need for advocacy, informed decision-making, and community support.⁠https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share⁠Articles & Research Referenced (Links):Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) – Effects of premiums and cost sharing on low-income populations:https://www.kff.org/report-section/the-effects-of-premiums-and-cost-sharing-on-low-income-populations-updated-review-of-research-findings-table-3/KFF / STAT – Health insurance premiums continue to rise:https://www.statnews.com/2025/10/22/health-insurance-premiums-up-6-percent-kff-reports/Center for American Progress – The Behavioral Health Care Affordability Problem:https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-behavioral-health-care-affordability-problem/Commonwealth Fund – Behavioral health parity challenges:https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/behavioral-health-parity-takes-step-backward-under-trump-administrationAmerican Bar Association – Weakening Medicaid and health equity:https://www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/resources/human-rights/2025-october/weakening-medicaid-erodes-progress/Reuters / KFF Poll – Public support for extending ACA tax credits:https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/most-americans-back-extending-aca-tax-credits-kff-poll-shows-2025-10-03/

Get the breakdown of each Affordable Care Act metal tier plan right here!   Read the text version  

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Jared Ortaliza, “ACA Signups are Down, But Still an Incomplete Picture,” January 12, 2026, https://www.kff.org/quick-take/aca-signups-are-down-but-still-an-incomplete-picture/, KFF. Sam Gringlas, “House votes to renew ACA subsidies, as Senate Republicans rebuke Trump on Venezuela,” January 8, 2026, https://www.npr.org/2026/01/08/nx-s1-5662625/house-vote-affordable-care-act-subsidies, National Public Radio. America's Health Rankings, “2025 Annual Report,” 2025, https://assets.americashealthrankings.org/ahr_2025annual_comprehensivereport_final-web.pdf.  Elizabeth Gregerson, “Northwestern takes on its biggest rival in transplants: Time,” January 9, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/patient-safety-outcomes/northwestern-takes-on-its-biggest-rival-in-transplants-time/, Becker's Hospital Review. Mackenzie Bean, “Nation's 1st double lung-liver transplant performed at Northwestern,” March 28, 2024, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/patient-safety-outcomes/nations-1st-double-lung-liver-transplant-performed-at-northwestern/, Becker's Hospital Review. American Lunch Association, “Lung Transplant,” December 10, 2025, https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/lung-transplant. Tanmay S. Panchabhai et al., “Historical perspectives of lung transplantation: connecting the dots,” July 31, 2018, https://jtd.amegroups.org/article/view/22674/html, Journal of Thoracic Disease. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

Californians have until January 31 to sign up for health insurance provided by Covered California, the state's Obamacare plan. Because Congress let health care tax credits expire, the cost of insurance has radically increased for many customers, and some are opting out of health insurance altogether. We'll hear how skyrocketing costs are affecting your healthcare decisions and take your questions. Guests: Jessica Altman, executive director, Covered California, the state health insurance exchange Cynthia Cox, senior vice-president, KFF, an independent source for health policy research, polls and news - Cox is also the director of KFF's Affordable Care Act Program Katelyn Jackson, executive director, Clinic by the Bay, a free medical clinic for uninsured patients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced changes to vaccine recommendations for children and infants — raising questions and concerns for parents and pediatricians alike. We talk with pediatrician Dr. Amy Shriver about what's changed in the childhood immunization schedule, as well as the overturning of policy on the hepatitis B vaccine for infants. Health policy expert Jen Kates of KFF joins to explain what the changes mean for insurance coverage, how states are responding and why vaccines remain available for families. Later, husband-and-wife musicians Annie and Dave Ducharme-Jones join to discuss their latest album, 'Lumina.'

Recent medical news followed by a review of pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of myasthenia gravis.News Articles:New federal vaccine schedule (KFF): https://www.kff.org/other-health/the-new-federal-vaccine-schedule-what-changed/HRT black box warning removal (FDA): https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-advances-womens-health-removes-misleading-fda-warnings-hormone-replacement-therapyMore information about HRT warning label removal (Harvard Health): https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/fda-removes-menopause-hormone-therapy-black-box-warningsHouse votes to extend ACA subsidies (PBS): https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/in-a-rebuke-of-gop-leadership-house-heads-toward-vote-to-extend-health-care-subsidiesReferences:Bird, S. J. Pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pathogenesis-of-myasthenia-gravisBird, S. J. Clinical manifestations of myasthenia gravis. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-of-myasthenia-gravisBird, S. J. Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diagnosis-of-myasthenia-gravisBird, S. J. Overview of the treatment of myasthenia gravis. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-the-treatment-of-myasthenia-gravis

Rapid disenrollments don't have to happen to you! Learn how better communication can smooth over most Medicare plan disenrollment issues. We outline 8 strategies that are simple for agents to implement.   Read the text version  

Enhanced subsidies for health insurance policies on the Affordable Care Act exchanges are set to expire at the end of today. That means skyrocketing premiums for some Obamacare enrollees. Premiums are expected to more than double, according to the nonpartisan health research organization KFF, and some healthier people are expected to drop their insurance. Plus, 2025 was the year that generative AI exploded, divided, and created trust issues. We'll take a look back.

Enhanced subsidies for health insurance policies on the Affordable Care Act exchanges are set to expire at the end of today. That means skyrocketing premiums for some Obamacare enrollees. Premiums are expected to more than double, according to the nonpartisan health research organization KFF, and some healthier people are expected to drop their insurance. Plus, 2025 was the year that generative AI exploded, divided, and created trust issues. We'll take a look back.

Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp welcome Cynthia Cox from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) to discuss the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its impact on healthcare costs. Cynthia shares insights into how the ACA supports individuals without employer-provided insurance, including small business owners and farmers.You will learn more about the complexities of the challenges and opportunities in the current healthcare landscape. Tune in if you're interested in understanding the intricacies of healthcare policy. Join us on The Hot Dish every week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country. The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project, making sure the voices of the rest of us are heard in Washington. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org or find us at https://onecountryproject.substack.com/.  (06:00) - Cynthia Cox from KFF discusses her role and expertise on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp. (00:00) - Chapter 2 (12:00) - Cynthia urges listeners to pay attention to healthcare cost increases and the role of Congress. (00:00) - Chapter 4 (18:00) - Heidi and Cynthia debate the numerous Republican arguments against Obamacare and the impact on healthcare costs. (00:00) - Chapter 6 (24:00) - Cynthia details the work she's doing with KFF on Medicare Advantage and its implications.

Send us a textIn today's episode, we're pulling back the curtain on something we all feel but rarely talk about: Why does so much of what we see online — protests, trends, “viral” moments, political messages — feel engineered?And more importantly… Where's the line between honest persuasion and outright manipulation?Kyle breaks down the gray area between influence and orchestration, exploring questions like:What we cover in this episode:Why most public messaging (left, right, corporate, activist) is coordinatedHow “organic” viral moments often aren't organic at allThe blurry boundary between influence, strategy, and manipulationHow social media algorithms amplify emotion — not truthWhy transparency matters more than everThe ethics of engineering a message, even if the message itself is trueHow orchestrated narratives shape our culture without us realizing itKyle also shares:Research on political communicationStudies on influencer persuasionData on media trust and social media viralityReal examples of modern messaging tactics (without naming groups or pointing fingers)The big question we leave you with:“If a message is true… but engineered… does it change how you feel about it?”This episode is all about curiosity, not conclusions — and invites listeners to think deeply about the media ecosystem we live in, and how it shapes what we believe.Links: MIT Sloan research on misinformation spreading faster than truth  Study: Shares without clicks on Facebook and social platforms  UNESCO influencer fact checking study  KFF misinformation poll snapshot Social Media:Insta/X: kyleTHEhortonYoutube: KyletalkssTiktok: KyleTalkssIntro: Head In The Clouds by Matthew MorelockOutro: Surfaces Type Beat - Jellyfish BeatsSupport the show

The Friday Five for December 12, 2025: Wrapping Up AEP 2026 Spotify Wrapped 2025 Pebble Index 01 2026 ACA Enrollment Snapshot #1 KFF 2026 Medicare Advantage Spotlight   Get Connected:

Medicare Supplement comes in a few different variations, and each has its own merits. In this episode of our ASG Podcast, learn more about Med Supp Plan N and why it deserves a spot in your portfolio.   Read the text version  

With just weeks before enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expire for 22 million Americans, Congress faces mounting pressure to act on healthcare funding. We'll talk about the negotiations unfolding on Capitol Hill, what we're hearing from the White House and how the issue could shape the 2026 midterm elections. Guests: Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy, KFF - a nonpartisan health policy research, polling and news organization Sam Liccardo, United States Representative, California's 16th Congressional District - includes Santa Clara and San Mateo counties Jonathan Cohn, senior national correspondent, The Bulwark; author, "The Ten Year War: Obamacare and the Unfinished Crusade for Universal Coverage" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Serve your clients and stay CMS compliant. That's your priority as an insurance agent. Here at Ritter, we're happy to help! Check out this episode for a refresher on what you can't say during Medicare sales appointments and why. Read the text version  

Will 2026 healthcare costs destroy your FIRE plan? Enhanced ACA tax credits expire in 2026—meaning health insurance premiums could DOUBLE or TRIPLE overnight. This healthcare subsidy cliff threatens millions who depend on affordable marketplace coverage. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench interview Matt McGough from KFF to break down the 2026 healthcare crisis and what you can do NOW to protect your early retirement. This Episode Covers: Who gets hit hardest by 2026 healthcare premium increases Exact cost projections for early retirement health insurance in 2026 Actionable strategies to prepare NOW for rising healthcare costs Which FIRE strategies still work after ACA subsidy changes Affordable health insurance alternatives for early retirees History of ACA subsidies and why they're expiring Steps to protect your financial independence from the healthcare affordability crisis And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Changes are coming to ACA subsidies that you should be working with your clients to prepare for. We've got what agents need to know about Affordable Care Act Subsidies and how it affects your clients.    Read the text version   Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: Boost Your Commissions with a New Hospital Indemnity Sales Strategy Meet Your Ritter Sales Team Sense Success with Dental, Vision, and Hearing Plans The State of the ACA Market in 2025 What the Inflation Reduction Act Means for Your Medicare & ACA Clients   References: Sparks, Grace, Lunna Lopes, et al. “Americans' Challenges with Health Care Costs.” KFF, 15 Sept. 2025, www.kff.org/health-costs/americans-challenges-with-health-care-costs/. Kffjaredo. “Congressional District Interactive Map: HOW MUCH WILL ACA Premium Payments Rise If Enhanced Subsidies Expire?” KFF, 9 Aug. 2025, www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/congressional-district-interactive-map-how-much-will-aca-premium-payments-rise-if-enhanced-subsidies-expire/. Swagel, Phillip L. “Estimated Effects on the Number of Uninsured People in 2034 Resulting From Policies Incorporated Within CBO's Baseline Projections and H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” CBO.Gov, Congressional Budget Office, www.cbo.gov/system/files/2025-06/Wyden-Pallone-Neal_Letter_6-4-25.pdf. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025. Rakshit, Shameek, et al. “How Does Cost Affect Access to Healthcare?” Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, 7 Apr. 2025, www.healthsystemtracker.org/chart-collection/cost-affect-access-care/. “How Does the American Rescue Plan Affect Premiums?” Beyond the Basics, 1 July 2024, www.healthreformbeyondthebasics.org/category/new-laws-policies/how-does-the-american-rescue-plan-impact-premiums/. Tolbert, Jennifer, et al. “Key Facts about the Uninsured Population.” KFF, 9 Aug. 2025, www.kff.org/uninsured/key-facts-about-the-uninsured-population/. “Offsetting ACA Enhanced Subsidy Extensions.” Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, www.crfb.org/blogs/offsetting-aca-enhanced-subsidy-extensions. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025. Coughlin, Teresa A., et al. “Sources of Payment for Uncompensated Care for the Uninsured.” KFF, 9 Aug. 2025, www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/sources-of-payment-for-uncompensated-care-for-the-uninsured/. Kffjaredo. “Who Might Lose Eligibility for Affordable Care Act Marketplace Subsidies If Enhanced Tax Credits Are Not Extended?” KFF, 9 Aug. 2025, www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/who-might-lose-eligibility-for-affordable-care-act-marketplace-subsidies-if-enhanced-tax-credits-are-not-extended/.   Follow Us on Social!  Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Health insurance premiums are set to skyrocket after tax credits that make Obamacare more affordable expire at the end of the year. Republicans say they have plans to make health care more affordable. What are those plans? And would they would work? We ask KFF health policy expert Larry Levitt. Then, a Trump administration deadline came and went Tuesday without a sustainable water-sharing agreement on the Colorado River. Colorado State University's Bradley Udall tells us more. And, with fall well underway, resident chef Kathy Gunst has recipes for vegetable, fish and pork stews to share.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Kevin covered the following stories: the National Retail Federation projects Holiday spending; data from GenLogs drive Trucking industry confidence; the National Federation of Independent Business released their October Small Business Optimism Index; KFF, formerly known as The Kaiser Family Foundation, released their Annual Health Benefits Survey; Kevin has the details; sifts through the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way.

Kevin covered the following stories: the National Retail Federation projects Holiday spending; data from GenLogs drive Trucking industry confidence; the National Federation of Independent Business released their October Small Business Optimism Index; KFF, formerly known as The Kaiser Family Foundation, released their Annual Health Benefits Survey; Kevin has the details; sifts through the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subscribe to UnitedHealthcare's Community & State newsletter.Health Affairs' Rob Lott interviews Matthew Rae, Associate Director of the Health Care Marketplace Program at KFF, about his recent paper exploring the findings from the KFF Employer Health Benefits Survey, reporting on benefits in 2025. Order the November 2025 issue of Health Affairs.Currently, more than 70 percent of our content is freely available - and we'd like to keep it that way. With your support, we can continue to keep our digital publication Forefront and podcast Subscribe to UnitedHealthcare's Community & State newsletter.

It's open enrollment season. And for the 20 million Americans who buy their own health insurance, prices are through the roof.Rates are up an average of 30 percent for a typical plan in the 30 states where the federal government manages markets. In states that run their own markets, rates are up an average of 17 percent. That's according to an analysis from the health policy research group KFF.Meanwhile, the longest government shutdown continues in Washington. Lawmakers still can't agree over whether to extend subsidies that would make health insurance more affordable. Without those subsidies, experts estimate that more than 4 million people could lose access to insurance.How did health insurance get so expensive in the first place? And who stands to benefit from higher costs?Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

November 1 marked the start of open enrollment for 2026 health plans bought from Affordable Care Act marketplaces in most states. But this sign-up season is like no other in the health law's 15-year history. It remains unclear, even at this late date, whether expanded tax credits launched during the pandemic in 2021 will be continued or allowed to expire, exposing millions of Americans to much higher out-of-pocket costs. In this special episode of “What the Health?” from KFF Health News and WAMU, host Julie Rovner interviews KFF vice president Cynthia Cox about the past, present, and possible future of the health law and how those who purchase ACA coverage should proceed during this time of uncertainty. 

It's a critical week regarding the Affordable Care Act, which is at the center of the government shutdown impasse. “Window shopping" began for some people buying health insurance through the ACA – also known as Obamacare – giving enrollees estimates on how much their premiums could cost next year. Without the ACA tax credits that Democrats want to extend into 2026, many people could see big increases in their health care costs – 114%, on average, according to estimates by KFF, a nonprofit health policy think tank. While there's still time for lawmakers to strike a deal on extending the subsidies, “the longer this goes on, the more damage there could be,” says Cynthia Cox, who conducts research on Obamacare for KFF.This episode was produced by Michael Levitt, with audio engineering by Hannah Gluvna. It was edited by Ashley Brown, Diane Webber, and Nadia Lancy. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Millions of Americans are bracing themselves for a significant hike in their 2026 health insurance premiums without the subsidies at the center of the government shutdown battle. It comes as insurance costs are rising significantly throughout the country. A KFF survey found the average annual premium for a family increased 6% from the previous year. Amna Nawaz discussed more with Cynthia Cox. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

North Carolina Republicans on Wednesday approved new congressional maps in an effort to boost their chances of holding onto Congress in next year's midterm elections. It's the latest redistricting battle since President Trump pushed Texas to redraw its maps. Political scientist Chris Cooper explains the implications.And, a new study by the independent health research organization KFF found that health insurance premiums are up 6% from last year. That's more than double the inflation rate. Matthew Rae explains the price hike.Then, parts of the East Wing of the White House are being demolished as construction starts on President Trump's ballroom. The East Wing has historically been the home of the First Lady's offices. Author Kate Andersen Brower talks about the history of the space.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Premiums for people who get their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace are set to jump by thousands of dollars when open enrollment begins in a couple of weeks. Cynthia Cox, vice president at independent health policy organization KFF, joins us.Then, the Israeli-occupied West Bank has seen an increase in violence against Palestinians by both Israeli settlers and the military in the two years since Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza began. Journalist Dalia Hatuqa talks about how the past couple of years of violence in Gaza have impacted Palestinians living in the West Bank. And, have you heard of the grue jay? Study author Brian R. Stokes talks about the rare hybrid offspring of a blue jay and green jay, seen for likely the first time in the wild.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

REFERENCES 1. Miller RV. Tylenol autism lawsuit. Lawsuit Information Center. September 21, 2025. Accessed September 25, 2025. https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/tylenol-autism-lawsuit.html 2. Gerstein AS, Niederhelman EF. Harvard's public health dean was paid $150,000 to testify Tylenol causes autism. The Harvard Crimson. September 24, 2025. Accessed September 25, 2025. https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/9/24/autism-dean-public-health/ 3. Poll: Most Americans encounter health misinformation, and most aren't sure whether it's true or false. News Release. KFF. August 22, 2023. Accessed September 26, 2025. https://www.kff.org/covid-19/poll-most-americans-encounter-health-misinformation-and-most-arent-sure-whether-its-true-or-false/ 4. Prada D, Ritz B, Bauer AZ, et al. Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology. Environ Health. 2025 Aug 14;24(1):56. doi: 10.1186/s12940-025-01208-0. 5. Ahlqvist VH, Sjöqvist H, Dalman C, et al. Acetaminophen use during pregnancy and children's risk of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability. JAMA. 2024;331(14):1205–1214. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.3172 6. Alemany S, Avella-García C, Liew Z, et al. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to acetaminophen in relation to autism spectrum and attention-deficit and hyperactivity symptoms in childhood: meta-analysis in six European population-based cohorts. Eur J Epidemiol. 2021 Oct;36(10):993-1004. doi: 10.1007/s10654-021-00754-4. 7. Ji Y, Azuine RE, Zhang Y, et al. Association of cord plasma biomarkers of in utero acetaminophen exposure with risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder in childhood. JAMA Psychiatry. 2020;77(2):180–189. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.3259

Is the government about to shut down? Congressional leaders and the White House appear to be at an impasse, even after President Donald Trump gave in and scheduled a meeting for Monday to try and get a deal done (though that meeting did not go well). The core of the issue is subsidies connected with the Affordable Care Act, financial assistance that is due to expire at the end of the year. Without it, millions of Americans could see their healthcare premiums skyrocket, with costs rising by hundreds of dollars a month. But the GOP hasn't been very interested in talking about these funds, despite the fact that millions of Republican voters benefit from them. To understand what the healthcare fight is really about and what happens next, we spoke to Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent for KFF and host of the healthcare podcast, “What the Health.”And in headlines, Democratic Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer tries to turn down the temperature on rhetoric after a deadly attack at a Latter-Day Saints church, Jared Kushner is a gamer (or at least he's going to buy a video game company along with Saudi Arabia), and MAGA world reacts to the news that Bad Bunny will play the Super Bowl halftime show.Show Notes:Call 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Millions of Americans who rely on health plans under the Affordable Care Act could see their premiums increase if Congress doesn’t expand key tax credits. Some could lose their insurance altogether. William Brangham discussed what this means for coverage and costs with Cynthia Cox of KFF. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

For the first time, our senior producer, Emily, has to sign up for Obamacare. And it turns out, it’s one heck of a year to do that. A recent headline from KFF Health News reads: “Insurers and customers brace for double whammy to Obamacare premiums.” We break down what those “whammies” might mean in dollars and cents for Emily and the millions of others signing up for Obamacare in 2026. Plus, we cover what’s happening with ACA navigators – the people charged with helping you sign up for Obamacare, and what to expect in November when open enrollment kicks off. Learn more about what’s coming in 2026 in our First Aid Kit newsletter. Check out KFF’s Obamacare premium calculator. Learn whether your state funds its own navigator program. Read a transcript of this episode. Send your stories and questions! Or call 724 ARM-N-LEG. Of course we’d love for you to support this show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.