Podcasts about PBM

Exploring the Complexities of Pharma Rebates with Ann Lewandowski In this Summer Short episode of Relentless Health Value, host Stacey Richter converses again with Ann Lewandowski about the intricate dynamics of pharmaceutical rebates, or as Lewandowski prefers, post-sale concessions.  The discussion delves into the nuances of these rebates, the impact they have on drug costs, and the hidden consequences for patients and plan sponsors.  They highlight articles and insights by Austin Chelko and Peter Hayes, touching on how rebates can disadvantage the pursuit of lower-cost generics and biosimilars, and can obstruct pharmacogenetic testing that ensures drug efficacy and safety.  The conversation also critiques the opacity of rebates, deemed trade secrets by pharma and PBM companies, and underscores the ethical and financial dilemmas posed by the current rebate-driven system. === LINKS ===

In this relaunch of the PBM Reform Podcast, Greg Reybold returns with a powerful and timely conversation exploring how concentrated economic power—particularly in the form of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)—is undermining fair access to prescription medications, driving up drug costs, and crushing independent pharmacies. Greg is joined by Emma Freer, Senior Policy Analyst with the American Economic Liberties Project, a national non-profit and non-partisan organization dedicated to dismantling monopolistic control across critical sectors—including healthcare. Together, they dig deep into how PBMs serve as gatekeepers in the drug supply chain, extracting value at the expense of patients and providers, and how policy reform is urgently needed. Emma outlines how Economic Liberties is driving a new wave of anti-monopoly policy momentum in healthcare by advocating for stronger antitrust enforcement, corporate accountability, and legislative transparency. She highlights how concentrated PBM power not only threatens economic fairness but undermines public health outcomes.

If there's one name to know in the fight for PBM reform, it's Benjamin Jolley. As Co-Founder of Apex Consulting and Senior Fellow at the American Economic Liberties Project, Ben has spent years exposing what's been broken in the pharmacy system—and what can still be fixed. Most recently, he addressed 20,000 attendees at a rally in Salt Lake City to advocate for Breaking Up Big Medicine (breakupbigmedicine.com). This week, Ben joins us on the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast to talk about all things advocacy, legislation, and fighting for what's right from the front lines of the pharmacy all the way to Capitol Hill.  2:45 – Opening discussion on PBM reform momentum 8:16 – Legislative wins for pharmacy 11:44 – Banning vertical integration between PBMs and pharmacies 14:03 – “Break Up Big Medicine” campaign details 21:37 – Mandatory NADAC reporting: what's required and what it solves 29:36 – Chain vs. independent pricing: real-world examples of inequality 36:14 – Helping pharmacies with Medicare plan optimization 47:51 – Final thoughts and call to action for community involvement  Benjamin's Substack: https://benjaminjolley.substack.com/ Apex Consulting: https://www.apexpharmacyconsulting.com/  Hosted By: Mark Bivins | Chief Growth Officer, RedSail Technologies Guest: Benjamin Jolley | Pharmacist at Jolley's Compounding Pharmacy  Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com 

Red Light Therapy is gaining a lot of momentum in recent years. It has been used for mood, hair growth, and many other health benefits.But how does photobiomodulation (PBM) help our eyes? In this episode, Dr. Graham Merry, MD discuss the history of PBM and the exciting future for this technology in eyecare.Dr. Merry is one of the pioneers of PBM in North America, he has published landmark papers that have shown the positive effects of PBM on patients with AMD, and he has co-founded multiple companies in the PBM space.If you were ever curious about how red light therapy works and how it can help your patients, this is the discussion for you!Learn more about Arunalight and related studies, go to:Arunalight.comConnect with Dr. Merry:gfmerry@gmail.comThanks to Bright Optical for supporting this episode.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/

In this Vital Health Podcast, host Duane Schulthess speaks with Jocelyn Ulrich, Vice President of Policy and Research at PhRMA, to discuss the far-reaching implications of current U.S. drug pricing and reimbursement policies. With a unique journey from opera stages to Senate testimony, Ulrich brings both strategic acumen and firsthand experience in navigating complex policy terrain. The conversation explores PBM consolidation, the fallout from the Inflation Reduction Act, vertical integration in biosimilars, and looming tariff threats - all through the lens of innovation, patient access, and economic resilience. Key Topics PBM Consolidation Concerns: Three PBMs now control 80% of U.S. prescriptions, raising red flags over patient steering, inflated costs, and limited access. IRA's Small-Molecule Penalty: The Inflation Reduction Act's nine-year price-setting for pills versus thirteen for biologics is shrinking investment in elderly-targeted therapies. Vertical Integration in Biosimilars: Insurers and PBMs are now owning biosimilars and pharmacies, limiting patient options and delaying uptake of lower-cost treatments. Tariff Risks and U.S. Manufacturing: Proposed pharmaceutical tariffs could undermine domestic production despite the sector’s significant economic footprint and current exemptions. Rebuilding Innovation Incentives: From the EPIC Act to patient-first rebate reform, industry stakeholders are pushing for legislative fixes that sustain R&D and reduce care disparities. This episode unpacks how policy shifts are reshaping biopharma’s incentive structures, investment flows, and ultimately, patient outcomes. Essential listening for policymakers, investors, and health economists seeking clarity on U.S. pharmaceutical policy and its global ripple effects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we deliver a critical update on the rapidly evolving legislative landscape impacting rheumatology. We explore the intense policy battles shaping the future of the field, including steep Medicare reimbursement cuts threatening the survival of many practices. We also examine the ongoing challenges posed by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and the growing uncertainty around research funding. Joining us is a special guest, Lennie Shewmaker McDaniel, JD, who brings a firsthand perspective from Capitol Hill, shedding light on what it truly takes to advocate for our patients and the profession in today's complex policy environment. 

One of the keys to a profitable medical or dental practice is to be smart on overhead costs. They're significant, and sometimes difficult to find. If you don't understand your overhead costs, or if you feel like you're working harder for the same compensation, then this is an episode you'll want to listen to. Joe Lessard is a partner at Professional Business Management, a healthcare practice management and accounting firm in the northwest Chicago suburbs. Joe has been with PBM since 2009 and a Principal since 2020. He has attained designations as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Health Practice Advisor (HPA), and as a Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC). He believes in rolling up his sleeves and is usually on site visiting his clients' operations first-hand. Joe is responsible for all accounting and payroll services as well as personal and business tax returns for his clients. He helps them review operations and day-to-day aspects such as HR, employee benefits, retirement plans, collections, billing, and patient interactions. Every client has different needs and that's why Joe's commitment to his clients' needs and his customer service is what he prides himself on.In this episode Carl White and Joe Lessard discussWhat the main overhead costs in a practice areWhat good vs. bad levels look likeWhy more practice owners do not have a handle on their overhead costsWant to be a guest on PracticeCare®?Have an experience with a business issue you think others will benefit from? Come on PracticeCare® and tell the world! Here's the link where you can get the process started.Connect with Joe Lessardhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joelessardpbm/https://www.instagram.com/thedoctorscpa/For more depth on this episode, read Understanding and Managing Overhead Costs in Your Practice, a blog this guest wrote about it. Connect with Carl WhiteWebsite: http://www.marketvisorygroup.comEmail:  whitec@marketvisorygroup.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/marketvisorygroupYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD9BLCu_i2ezBj1ktUHVmigLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/healthcaremktg

GLP-1 medications and Evaluation & Management (E&M) services present two very different prior authorization challenges—one is high-volume and fast-moving, the other is nuanced and frequently blocked by PBM red tape. In this episode, Infinx's Jonathan Aguiar and Jennifer Glockzin break down how their team uses AI, automation, and hands-on intervention to streamline both, improving speed and accuracy while reducing provider burden. 

This conversation explores the rise and fall of Walgreens, focusing on its healthcare strategy and the challenges it faced in the retail pharmacy market. The discussion highlights key events, including the merger with Alliance Boots, the impact of online competition, and the company's attempts to diversify into healthcare delivery. It also examines the lessons learned from Walgreens' struggles, particularly the importance of having a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) and the difficulties of transforming a legacy business in a complex regulatory environment.Welcome to the Health System CXO Podcast, sponsored by The Health Management Academy, featuring content designed for Health System Nurse Executives, Health Equity Officers and Strategy Executives provided by our company SME's - Anne Herleth, Jasmaine McClain, Ph.D. and Jackie Kimmell. Subscribe today and receive the latest insights from the country's leading Health System CXO experts regularly, helping you remain current and guide your health system strategy with thought leadership and success.The Health System CXO Podcast activates health system leaders towards outcomes and scalable solutions you can implement now.About The Health Management Academy:Since 1998, The Health Management Academy has cultivated the premier community of healthcare's most influential changemakers from the top U.S. health systems and innovative industry partners. We power more than 2,000 health system senior executives and 200 industry organizations through exceptional peer groups, original market insights, world-class leadership development programs and novel member alliances. Our industry-leading programs and solutions enable members to facilitate meaningful relationships, navigate strategic transformation and address critical industry issues. To learn more, visit hmacademy.com and follow The Health Management Academy on ...

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who needs PBM reform in their state. Trent McLemore and Josh Hardin from the Alabama Independent Pharmacy Alliance share how they helped achieve a major PBM reform victory. Hear about their comprehensive solution, why grassroots advocacy was key, and how facetime with legislators made all the difference. What's next for Alabama? Tune in to find out.      Learn more about the Alabama law here.      Guests:   Trent McLemore, executive secretary, Alabama Independent Pharmacy Alliance, director of Pharmacy, Star Discount Pharmacy ownership group   Josh Hardin, chairman of legislative affairs, Alabama Independent Pharmacy Alliance, owner, Mills pharmacy 

Jonathan Kanter (former DOJ Antitrust) and Martin Gaynor (Carnegie Mellon Professor and former FTC official) join The Capitol Forum to discuss their groundbreaking paper, The Rise of Healthcare Platforms. They explain how companies like UnitedHealth have evolved into sprawling conglomerates—combining insurer, provider, pharmacy, and PBM functions—and why this consolidation threatens both market competition and patient care.

PBM Pricing Nightmare: Pharmacists Expose Hidden Tactics! We dive into the most frustrating PBM tactics pharmacists face today, revealing unjust pricing discrepancies where reimbursements are lower than acquisition costs.   

It's annual review season at Employers Health — when clients meet with our team to hear how their pharmacy benefit plan is performing, what they should watch for in the future and plan changes to consider to reduce or minimize future pharmacy benefit costs. In the episode, we sit down with Devon Feriance and Tori Sinclair to hear the main themes they're seeing in these reviews, how employers are dealing with the onslaught of legislative changes and, of course, GLP-1s and benefits trends for 2026. 

Are billion-dollar secrets hiding in plain sight every time you pick up a prescription? While most of us trust the price tags and availability of life-saving medications, who's really pulling the strings—and why aren't these stories front-page news? In an era when legal battles against corporate giants can change lives and headlines, we need transparency and we need it now. This week on Cut to the Chase: Podcast, we're diving deep into the explosive world of pharmaceutical litigation with Mike Papantonio, legendary trial attorney, legal commentator, and acclaimed author. Mike's latest novel “The Middleman” pulls back the curtain on the mysterious—and disturbingly powerful—pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) who are quietly shaping the cost and availability of vital medicines. The PBM industry is a $300 billion behemoth—raising medication costs across the board by up to 50%. Most Americans, including seasoned professionals, have no idea these gatekeepers exist. Tune in to hear how real courtroom drama translates into gripping fiction, what's really driving up drug prices, and what lawyers must know to make a transformative impact—financially and socially—through mass tort litigation. What you'll learn in this episode: The shocking influence and unchecked power of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—and how they're raising drug prices, taking kickbacks, and operating as a modern-day mob Insider details from landmark cases (tobacco, opioids, human trafficking, Wall Street scams) and how those stories shape Mike's writing The criminal-like conduct behind life-saving drug pricing, vertical integration, and extortion in the pharma industry How whistleblowers drive 40% of mass tort cases—why they matter and how law firms can support them Tips for trial lawyers and young attorneys on building a meaningful, profitable practice—the legacy case approach A sneak peek at Mike's upcoming book, “Death in Arcadia,” exposing corruption and abuse in America's reform schools Key Takeaways: Look Beyond the Headlines: Mainstream media often misses (or avoids) big stories; legal professionals must dig deeper and use insider knowledge to expose injustice. Leverage Whistleblower Potential: Proactively support and educate potential whistleblowers—40% of mass torts begin with insider revelations. Consider Legacy Cases: Don't just chase profits—choose cases that have lasting impact and can become the cornerstone of your reputation. Educate Through Storytelling: Use creative outlets—novels, blogs, podcasts—to inform and inspire both the public and fellow attorneys. Adapt to Changing Legal Landscapes: Stay alert to new threats—PBMs, antitrust schemes, white-collar criminality—that need legal champions willing to take action.   Stay tuned for more updates, and don't miss our next deep dive on Cut to The Chase: Podcast with Gregg Goldfarb!   Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode of the Cut to the Chase: Podcast!   Resources: Buy “The Middleman: A Legal Thriller” by Mike Papantonio: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1648211054 Connect with Mike Papantonio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepapantonio  Visit his website - Ring of Fire: https://trofire.com Subscribe to his YouTube channel - America's Lawyer: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRingofFire  Follow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rofpap Learn more about Mike's legal career: https://levinlaw.com/our_team/mike-papantonio    This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

God's Debris: The Complete Works, Amazon https://tinyurl.com/GodsDebrisCompleteWorksFind my "extra" content on Locals: https://ScottAdams.Locals.comContent:Politics, Pope's MAGA Brother, Macron Cocaine Controversy, Trump EO Pharmaceutical Prices, PBM, Pharmacy Benefit Managers, Mark Cuban, Trump Cost Reductions List, President Trump, Medicaid Restrictions, Apple iPhone Price Increase, Habeas Corpus, Ilhan Omar, James Carville, Jack Smith's Lead Prosecutor, Trump Approval Polls, Tesla Robotaxi, Trump Family Middle East Projects, Air Force One, SCOTUS Birthright Citizenship, India Pakistan Ceasefire, Putin Zelensky Meeting, Scott Adams~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If you would like to enjoy this same content plus bonus content from Scott Adams, including micro-lessons on lots of useful topics to build your talent stack, please see scottadams.locals.com for full access to that secret treasure.

I'm back again for my fourth conversation with Dr. Mark Cronshaw, an expert in the world of photobiomodulation (PBM), aka red light therapy. You know that when I have multiple conversations with a guest, I highly value their knowledge and want to go deeper with what they have to share. If you want to get VERY technical and go deep with the topic of PBM, this episode is for you, and I recommend you listen to the prior 3 episodes we've recorded together.  In this conversation, Dr. Cronshaw presents what he calls his "philosophy of care" for using photobiomodulation to enhance healing, manage pain, and prevent injury. His approach focuses on a few fundamental questions:  Are you treating surface or deep tissues?  Are you seeking to stimulate healing/tissue repair or provide pain relief?  His multi-dimensional approach explains why different devices produce different results, enabling more strategic use of both professional and at-home light therapy tools.  

Jed Lewis is an innovative pharmacist that owns four pharmacies in Nebraska.  But Lewis is doing something remarkable!  By working with doctors and incorporating a line of "uniquely formulated" branded generics he has found a way to increase his gross profit by thousands of dollars.  The company he works with is FH2 Pharma and in this episode he tells how he met the company's local sales rep and then started calling on doctors, with suggestions for using the new product line with specific patients, one's that would benefit most of the unique formulations.  He shares that for nearly two years now he has found the program to be beneficial in two ways; one the products provide an unusually high reimbursement from all the major PBM's.  But, because he visits the doctors and "details" the drug, he has learned how to get-in to see them and in doing so he is picking up a lot of new business as the doctors have come to know him and know he'll take good care of their patients.  This is a must listen episode.  

Jed Lewis is an innovative pharmacist that owns four pharmacies in Nebraska.  But Lewis is doing something remarkable!  By working with doctors and incorporating a line of "uniquely formulated" branded generics he has found a way to increase his gross profit by thousands of dollars.  The company he works with is FH2 Pharma and in this episode he tells how he met the company's local sales rep and then started calling on doctors, with suggestions for using the new product line with specific patients, one's that would benefit most of the unique formulations.  He shares that for nearly two years now he has found the program to be beneficial in two ways; one the products provide an unusually high reimbursement from all the major PBM's.  But, because he visits the doctors and "details" the drug, he has learned how to get-in to see them and in doing so he is picking up a lot of new business as the doctors have come to know him and know he'll take good care of their patients.  This is a must listen episode.  

Send us a textSchedule an Rx AssessmentIs Your Pharmacy Prepared for a Cyberattack?In this episode of The Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP and Austin Murray sit down with Trenton Thiede, President of PAAS National, to unpack the rising cybersecurity threats facing independent pharmacies and what owners must do to stay compliant and protected.We dive into everything from:HIPAA compliance updatesAI risks, multi-factor authentication, and risk assessmentsThe growing pressure of PBM audits and the need for strong advocacyClick here for the transcriptMore About Our Guest:Trenton Thiede is the President of PAAS National (Pharmacy Audit Assistance Service).Trenton started his journey working at Shopko, a community pharmacy, in 1999 for 15 years, holding positions as Pharmacy Manager and Regional Pharmacy Supervisor while completing his PharmD from UW-Madison and MBA from UW-Oshkosh.In 2013, Trenton took over Shopko's Long-Term Care division and helped divest it to KPH HealthCare (Kinney Drugs/HealthDirect).There, he helped grow their business throughout the Midwest, eventually servicing 20,000 beds in just under four years. In 2018, Trenton joined PAAS and oversees the daily operations as President.With his operations experience, Trent knows what's involved, and at stake, with pharmacy audits; taking pride in helping independent pharmacies win against ruthless PBMs.Learn more about Trenton and PAAS National:Trenton Thiede LinkedInPAAS National WebsitePAAS National FacebookPAAS National Twitter (X)PAAS National LinkedInStay up to date on new episodes by liking and subscribing!Check out all our social media:FacebookTwitterLinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP LinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP TwitterMore resources on this topic:Podcast – Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Audit UpdatesPodcast – Pharmacy Audit Master Class: Strategies for Audit Success

Gina Alsdorf has more than 15 years of experience in employee benefits, working on complex issues involving ERISA, employee benefit plans, and related laws. Her past clients include trustees, plan committees, plan sponsors, consultants, registered investment advisors, broker-dealers, banks, insurance companies, third-party administrators, and recordkeepers for retirement plans and individual retirement accounts. Gina received her JD, cum laude from University of Georgia Law School and was awarded an LLM in Employee Benefits with honors, from the University of Illinois, Chicago Law School.In this episode, Eric and Gina Alsdorf discuss:Evaluating PBM contracts with expert oversightPrioritizing transparency in pricing modelsAlign PBM incentives with participant outcomes, if possibleInvest in education and oversight for long-term successKey Takeaways:Engage legal and consulting professionals to analyze contract terms, ensuring alignment with fiduciary responsibilities and plan objectives.Understand the financial structure of PBM arrangements, favoring models that clearly show how costs and profits are distributed.Select partners and structures that place plan participant benefit above corporate profit, especially in vertically integrated PBM organizations.Encourage continuous learning and mentorship among benefit managers to adapt to a complex and evolving pharmacy benefits landscape.“ERISA does not give you the duty to go for the cheapest price. You're supposed to get the best service for the money for your people.” - Gina AlsdorfConnect with Gina Alsdorf:Website: https://www.carltonfields.com/team/a/gina-alsdorf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-alsdorf/ Connect with Eric Dyson: Website: https://90northllc.com/Phone: 940-248-4800Email: contact@90northllc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/ The information and content of this podcast is general in nature and is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the posting date, but may be subject to change.It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation for any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, investment advice, financial advice, tax, plan design, or legal advice (unless otherwise specifically indicated). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made.The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan-specific circumstances.

Send us a textIn this podcast episode, Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) discusses critical healthcare policy issues, including his bipartisan proposal to fund community health centers through a nationwide sugary beverage tax. The Massachusetts Democrat shares pointed criticism of RFK Jr.'s approach to healthcare, arguing that while chronic disease is a genuine crisis, the current administration's methods threaten critical scientific institutions and public health infrastructure.The conversation also covers Auchincloss's perspective on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), PBM reform, and federal budget priorities, highlighting the congressman's view that current efficiency initiatives risk damaging valuable government functions while tax policies disproportionately benefit the wealthy at the expense of middle-class Americans.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Opening Teaser Clips00:01:14 - Introduction of Congressman Jake Auchincloss00:01:59 - Energy and Commerce Committee Jurisdiction00:02:44 - CMMI Program Cuts and Congressional Oversight00:04:26 - Discussion on Political Intent and Bipartisanship00:06:33 - Critique of RFK Jr.'s Healthcare Policies00:10:28 - Tackling the Chronic Condition Epidemic00:10:57 - Community Health Centers and Sugary Beverage Tax Proposal00:14:44 - Food Policies and School Lunch Programs00:33:21 - Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Discussion00:43:45 - Federal Budget and Tax Policy Debate00:51:24 - Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) Reform00:54:08 - Closing Remarks

Send JD a text message and be heard!BING BONG!!! Thanks @companyadjace @mgoods1219 for the fantastic pic of @mikalbridges ripping the ball out of #jaylenbrown hands as the @nyknicks take game 1 of #nbaplayoffs

In this month's Digital Health Download, Steve and Halle unpack the headlines shaping healthcare, policy, and technology—with an eye toward where things may be heading next. From shifting political support for Medicaid and the ACA to state-level action on PBMs, they explore the unexpected ways the system is evolving.We cover:

I have quite the offer for you. First 10 people only though so questions email me and I'll give you the details. Offer will end by June 1st. Today I discuss PBM…listen and subscribe so you don't miss future episodes Email Tony@tonyresonno.com

This Astonishing Healthcare podcast episode features Bridget Mulvenna, who joins us in the studio again for an insightful discussion about addressing data access hurdles and utilizing pharmacy claims data. Building on her previous episodes, we dig into the "how" here - how can plan sponsors get their data, analyze it, and use it to make more informed decisions. It's encouraging that things are getting a little better out there, but data transparency and sharing remain top concerns for channel partners and plan fiduciaries alike; everyone is trying to understand what's driving costs higher within their plans (aside from GLP-1s, of course)!What data do you need? Who can/should do the analysis? What do contract definitions have to do with this? We cover it all, offering practical suggestions to hold partners accountable based on Bridget's experience.Related ContentWhy this benefit leader switched to a more modern, transparent PBM.AH030 - Plan Sponsors Need a Source of Truth; Get Your Data Now & Find It, with Jeff HoganAH048 - High-Cost Orphan Drugs, Securing Claims Data, and More, with Dr. Eric BrickerAH053 - Selling Pharmacy Benefits: Relationships, Rebates, GLP-1s, and More, with Bridget MulvennaFor more information about Capital Rx and this episode, please visit Capital Rx Insights.

North Carolina's House Bill 163 would require pharmacies to be reimbursed at NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) plus a fair dispensing fee, which would protect NC pharmacies - ensuring they can stay in business and continue providing critical care to patients. As usual, PBMs are spreading misinformation designed to scare patients and lawmakers by mislabeling these reforms as “taxes” and falsely claiming reforms will increase premiums.Join the PUTT cocktail crew with NC pharmacy owners Wes Hickman, PharmD, & Stephen Joyce, RPh (PUTT board member) as they break down the benefits of HB 163, dispel the myths that PBM deceptions create, and discuss the importance of building strong relationships - because when it comes to pharmacy issues and helpful reform legislation, pharmacists really are the smartest people in the room.Music by JuliusH | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

President Donald Trump's April 15th executive order, “Lowering Drug Prices by Once Again Putting Americans First”, contained a smorgasbord of policy proposals targeting a variety of industry stakeholders. But how much legal force do these different elements have, and what are the concrete takeaways for pharma? To answer these questions and more, host Jonah Comstock once again welcomes Hogan Lovells attorney Alice Valder Curran to the podcast to pick apart the order piece by piece. They discuss the headline – Trump's intention to eliminate the Inflation Reduction Act's “pill penalty”, and talk about why the language is more ambiguous than it appears and could be good or bad news for pharma. They also talk about PBM reform, closing 340B loopholes, and how much the Federal government can really do to promote drug importation from Canada at the state level. Check out the podcast to learn everything you wanted to know about Trump's Executive Order.

In this episode of the NASP Podcast, Sheila Arquette, President & CEO of NASP, speaks with Jeffrey S. Baird, Esq., Chairman of the Health Care Group at Brown & Fortunato, P.C. and Bradley W. Howard, shareholder and director at Brown & Fortunato, P.C. In today's environment, it is challenging enough to profitably run a specialty pharmacy. The pharmacy needs to avoid the additional challenge of inquiries, audits and investigations by governmental agencies and PBMs. This podcast will discuss the proactive steps the specialty pharmacy can take to lower the risk of inquiries, audits and investigations. This podcast will also set out steps the pharmacy can take to resolve inquiries, audits and investigations before they spin out of control. The podcast will focus on the following: • Corporate Compliance Program – The specialty pharmacy needs to implement a robust compliance program that is specific to the pharmacy's business model. Such a program will head off many problems before they arise…and a compliance program will resolve problems, once arisen, before they spin out of control. • PBMs – A PBM is in a stronger negotiating position than that of the specialty pharmacy. At the end of the day, the PBM “possesses the pharmacy's money.” This podcast will discuss the steps the pharmacy should take to establish a “win-win” relationship with a PBM. Doing so will eliminate uncertainty and prevent many problems from arising. However, if the PBM ends up bringing an inquiry, audit or investigation against the pharmacy, the podcast will set out the steps the pharmacy should take to resolve the inquiry, audit or investigation without it devolving into an adversarial action. • Governmental Agencies – There are a number of federal and state governmental agencies that a specialty pharmacy may have to deal with. These include (i) the Department of Justice, (ii) the Office of Inspector General, (iii) the DEA, (iv) the FDA, (v) state Attorneys General, and (vi) State Boards of Pharmacy. This podcast will discuss the steps the pharmacy should take when it is investigated by a governmental agency. As with working with PBMs, the pharmacy should strive to resolve a government investigation before it spins out of control. 

Join Amanda and Steve McCaughey for a discussion about both the Clear Lake Splash-In and the growing vision and opportunities for seaplanes at this Northern California secret gem.Clear Lake is the largest lake fully within the state of California, with over 100 miles of shoreline, and yet the region is sparsely populated and under visited. Of specific interest to seaplane pilots, the lake has 100 years of seaplane activity with everything from the Pan Am Clipper ships to the military using the lake as a primary location for PBY, PBM and Martin Mars training.Our thanks to Herb Lingl, the Skylark Resort, the city of Lakeport and all of the volunteers who made this event such a success.Join our team of Clear Lake Splash-In volunteers by emailing us at spa@seaplanes.org

When it comes to pharmacy benefits, no topics make headlines like GLP-1s and weight loss programs. On this episode of HR Benecast,  Dr. Lia Rodriguez and Erin Bacon from CVS Health share what makes a clinical weight loss program really work. Listen to hear the latest obesity stats, obesity's link to other chronic conditions, the importance of lifestyle changes and more. 

In this episode, I'm back for a third installment of my conversation with Dr. Mark Cronshaw, one of the world's foremost photobiomodulation (PBM) experts...what most people commonly refer to as red light therapy. He's particularly one of the top experts when it comes to dosimetry (the details of how to properly “dose” light therapy). Have you invested in red light therapy but feel confused by contradicting information?  You're certainly not alone. In this conversation, Dr. Cronshaw challenges conventional wisdom about photobiomodulation with some insights that surprised even me! I deeply appreciate his highly informed and logical, yet relaxed, approach to this complex topic. WARNING: My conversations with Dr. Cronshaw are NOT a simple or practical how-to guide of “go buy this device and use it this way.” This podcast series intends to go deep into the scientific, technical, and theoretical nuances of PBM science. So it's NOT for everyone. These podcasts are for people who want to nerd out on PBM science. So please don't say I didn't warn you! :)

In this episode of the Astonishing Healthcare podcast, we welcome Jessin Joseph, PharmD, MBA, back to the studio. Jessin's focus on the pharmacy benefit administration side of the business and experience at Kentucky Medicaid and working with health plan clients inform the discussion about the impact the new administration and appointments in Washington, D.C., may have on health plan partners, MPPP (M3P), various models of Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) for Medicaid, including the single PBM and carve-out/unbundling approaches, and how the drug price benchmark can influence access to medication for plan members.In Episode 16 - The Intersection of Pharmacy, Government Requirements, and Medicaid, Jessin highlighted the momentum that discussions around single PBM seemed to have, and this time around, nearly a year later, he dives into why everyone is talking about unbundling the pharmacy benefit!Related ContentReplay: How You Can Leverage Modern Technology to Meet the CMS Medicare Prescription Payment Plan RequirementsPartnership & Collaboration: Why PBMs and Health Plans Should Sync on Regulatory Change Management AH033 - Never Move Again™, a Paradigm Shift in Pharmacy Benefits, with AJ Loiacono (for more on unbundling)Please visit Capital Rx Insights for additional content, including this episode's transcript!

qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. Subscribe at ncpa.org/qam. Hosted by Sam Manas (smanas@ncpa.org).   Today's stories: NCPA urges DOGE to focus on PBMs for waste, fraud, and abuse   - https://bit.ly/4cNTTJb PhRMA report: 25 percent tariff could hike prices by up to 12.9 percent - https://bit.ly/3RzWmNx Ohio shows PBM and Medicaid reforms save money  - https://bit.ly/3YjsU25   For more information on our Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In, please visit our website here: https://ncpa.org/congressional-pharmacy-fly   Want to catch up on what else we've shared in qAM? You can find a running list of our stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's Member Publications section (https://ncpa.org/news#memberpub).

In this powerful episode of This Week in Pharmacy, Todd Eury explores the growing national backlash against pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—starting with bold action in Arkansas. Following Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' recent signing of legislation to limit PBM influence, Arkansas has become a flashpoint in the nationwide struggle to protect independent pharmacies and ensure fair drug pricing. Special guest from Arkansas, Doctor's Orders Pharmacy Owner, Lelan Stice, as we dig into what this legislation means, how states like Alabama are following suit, and why pharmacists across the U.S. are calling for transparency, accountability, and reform. PBMs are under increased legal and political scrutiny across multiple states Independent pharmacies are gaining new allies in their fight for survival Legislative momentum is growing—this could be a tipping point Patients, too, are paying the price for PBM overreach Pharmacists must stay informed and involved in local/state policy Full AP article: APNews.com – Arkansas Takes on PBMs TWIRx Feature: Lumicera Health Services Guest: Dr. Ben Heiser, PharmD – General Manager, Specialty Pharmacy, Lumicera Health Services In this special TWIRx segment, This Week in Pharmacy dives into the world of specialty pharmacy with Dr. Ben Heiser of Lumicera Health Services, a nationally recognized leader in delivering specialty drug solutions with a patient-first approach. Dr. Heiser discusses how Lumicera leverages data-driven care models, collaborative payer partnerships, and a commitment to access and affordability to redefine what it means to support patients with complex, chronic conditions. From pharmacy innovation to value-based outcomes, this interview offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most forward-thinking organizations in specialty care. Lumicera Health is the Pharmacy Podcast Network sponsor for the AXS25 Press Coverage, learn more about  Lumicera here:  https://www.lumicera.com/  Subscribe to all 40+ Pharmacy Podcast Network podcasts from one link:  https://linktr.ee/pharmacypodcast 

The American healthcare system is complex, but two of the most urgent cost drivers offer places to start exploring possible reforms: prescription drug pricing and how providers are paid. In this episode, we examine the conflicting incentives at the heart of the U.S. healthcare system between insurers, providers, pharmaceutical companies, and patients. These competing priorities shape everything from access to care to drug affordability. Through conversations with healthcare experts, we unpack the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and compare fee-for-service and capitated payment models. PBM diagram referred to in the podcast: https://www.healthcarehuddle.com/p/drug-supply-chain. Healthcare policy articles by ScriptsPro CEO and journalist Ken Perez: https://www.hfma.org/author/ken-perez/.

This encore episode of the Astonishing Healthcare podcast highlights the transformative potential of Judi Health™, the first unified claims processing platform that integrates medical and pharmacy claim administrative workflows and data to create a seamless experience for stakeholders, including patients, providers, and employers. Judi Health garnered much attention during our second annual Partner Summit, as Unified Claims Processing™ has the potential to help reduce up to $1 trillion of administrative waste and empower the provider-patient relationship.AJ Loiacono (Co-Founder & CEO of Capital Rx) and Dr. Sunil Budhrani (Chief Innovation & Medical Officer) emphasize the limitations of the traditional fee-for-service model and legacy infrastructure in U.S. healthcare, which incentivizes reactive rather than proactive care and can't handle the evolution and complexities of value-based care, respectively.Building on Episode 7 (with Sunil) and Episode 9 (with Ryan Kelly, CTO), AJ and Sunil discuss how Judi Health's innovative design can improve the system by enabling real-time data sharing across medical and pharmacy claims (and ultimately vision, dental, etc.), reducing administrative friction, and offering personalized care through population health strategies.The conversation closes with a reflection on the team members' strong personal and professional synergies and real-life experience with Judi Health since its launch on January 1.Related Content:Capital Rx Unveils Healthcare's First Unified Pharmacy and Medical Claims Processing PlatformCapital Rx 2025 Partner Summit Highlights: The Future of Claim Administration & Benefit ManagementSetting a New Standard for the Future of Pharmacy Benefit AdministrationSigns it is time to change your PBM vendor, and how to overcome common hesitationsPlease visit Capital Rx Insights for more information, including this episode's transcript!

qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. Subscribe at ncpa.org/qamsignup. Hosted by Sam Manas (smanas@ncpa.org).   Here are the stories we covered today: Tariffs must be finely tuned to avoid higher costs to pharmacies - https://bit.ly/42ijUg7 NCPA Statement on Drug Pricing Executive Order - https://bit.ly/42sQdYo Arkansas law bans state permits to PBM-owned pharmacies effective 2026 - https://bit.ly/4jC8ae7 Comeback state of the year: Alabama governor signs PBM reform bill into law - https://bit.ly/4413cTJ 39 state and territory attorneys general urge passage of federal PBM reform legislation - https://bit.ly/43ZJeZC   For more information on our Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In, please visit our website here: https://ncpa.org/congressional-pharmacy-fly   Want to catch up on what else we've shared in qAM? You can find a running list of our stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's Member Publications section (https://ncpa.org/news#memberpub).

An insider's look at the games PBMs play to hid fees and tack profits for community pharmacies. What a true transparent PBM should look like and why it matters.   

In this episode of ShiftShapers, host David A. Saltzman welcomes compliance expert Carol Taylor, JM, of BenefitMall, for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of employer compliance. From court rulings and legislative penalties to HIPAA security updates and AI-driven benefit denials, Carol offers critical insights for anyone navigating today's tangled regulatory landscape.She unpacks the latest on ERISA preemption battles, mental health parity lawsuits, and the real-world impact of complex compliance rules on small agencies and employers. With rising penalties and tech-driven claim denials making headlines, Carol arms listeners with strategies to stay compliant—and stay out of court.

I sat down with Joey Dizenhouse, CEO of SlateRx, to talk about redefining pharmacy benefits—minus the gimmicks. We dug into transparency, real fiduciary alignment, and how SlateRx is tackling PBM dysfunction head-on. If you're tired of smoke and mirrors in the benefits space, this episode is for you. Sponsored by WaypointRx.

Another long day in the State House! We'll catch you up on the highlights on @CapitolJournal . I'll also interview Rep. Phillip Rigsby, whose PBM legislation passed this week, and Derek Chen, who announced his run for State Auditor.

Last time we spoke about the invasion of Iwo Jima. In March 1945, as the Pacific War raged, the US Marines began and invasion of Iwo Jima while Allied forces advanced across the Philippines. The Japanese formed the 32nd Army to defend the island, but faced shortages of supplies and equipment. They mobilized Okinawan civilians for support and constructed extensive fortifications. The Americans launched Operation Iceberg, neutralizing enemy air facilities in the Ryukyus, Kyushu, and Formosa. Task Force 58 and other air forces struck Japanese targets, while Spruance's 5th Fleet prepared to land Buckner's 10th Army. Initial landings occurred in the Kerama Islands, followed by the main assault on April 1 on Okinawa's Hagushi beaches. Despite heavy bombardment, Japanese defenses remained concealed. The Americans encountered minimal resistance initially, but the stage was set for a bloody and brutal battle. This episode is Yamato's Last Stand Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  As we last left off, Admirals Turner and Spruance successfully landed over 60,000 troops from General Buckner's 10th Army on the Hagushi beaches of Okinawa with minimal resistance. In response, General Ushijima's main forces remained inactive in their underground positions in the south, having effectively endured the continuous naval and air assaults from the enemy. However, under pressure from higher authorities in Tokyo and Formosa, the 32nd Army began to develop plans for a general counteroffensive aimed at the Yontan and Kadena airfields, utilizing nighttime infiltration and close combat tactics. The primary response, however, was expected to come from the air. As part of Operation Ten-Go, all Army and Navy air forces stationed in the Home Islands were to focus their efforts in the East China Sea to execute a series of coordinated mass air strikes against enemy transport and carrier task forces, collectively referred to as the Kikisui attacks. Japan's wartime terminology exploited the distinctively poetic and euphemistic nature of the Japanese language. The informal term kamikaze actually means “divine wind.” Specifically, kamikaze refers to the typhoons that miraculously wrecked Kublai Khan's Mongol–Koryo invasion fleets in 1274. Like “blitzkrieg”, the unofficial term “kamikaze” was mostly used by Allied journalists. The IJN and IJA officially called suicide attack units tokubetsu kogekitai, meaning “special attack unit.” This was usually shortened to tokkutai, with tokko both noun and adjective meaning “special” i.e. suicide. Kikisui was the codename for the ten mass kamikaze attacks off Okinawa against the Allied fleet. Kikisui means “floating chrysanthemum,” which was the war emblem of legendary 14th-century samurai Masashige Kusinoke, a national exemplar of sacrificial devotion to the Emperor. Ten-Go had been initiated on March 26, following the initial landings on the Kerama Islands; however, by the time of the invasion, Admiral Toyoda's disorganized Combined Fleet was unable to carry out any large-scale kamikaze attacks, as it was still consolidating approximately 3,000 aircraft in Kyushu. Additionally, encouraged by Emperor Hirohito, Toyoda momentarily sanctioned a dramatic, one-way suicide mission involving the superbattleship Yamato and Rear-Admiral Komura Keizo's 2nd Destroyer Squadron, aimed at destroying Spruance's invasion fleet. This surface attack mission, codenamed Ten-Ichi-Go and led by Vice-Admiral Ito Seiichi of the 2nd Fleet, vaguely suggested that if Yamato reached Okinawa, she would ground herself as an artillery platform while her crew disembarked as naval infantry. Nonetheless, the chances of success for this mission were slim; it was primarily intended for the Imperial Japanese Navy to maintain its honor. On April 2, while General Watson's 2nd Marine Division conducted another demonstration off the southeast beaches, American forces prepared to advance eastward. In the south, benefiting from ideal weather and minimal resistance, the 17th Regiment secured the highlands overlooking Nakagusuku Bay and extended its patrols to the bay's shoreline. The 32nd Regiment eliminated a strongpoint south of Koza using tanks and then aligned with the 17th. The 381st Regiment advanced through Shimabuku but faced enemy resistance in and around Momobaru. Meanwhile, the 383rd Regiment captured a hill just south of Momobaru after a fierce battle and also took a ridge northeast of Futema with support from airstrikes, artillery, and tanks. In the north, however, General Geiger's Marines faced challenging terrain and supply issues. The 1st Battalion, 29th Marines moved north to secure the unoccupied Zampa Misaki area, where Turner later established a radar station. The 22nd Marines advanced quickly eastward throughout the day against light opposition, successfully securing the Nagahama beaches alongside the 6th Reconnaissance Company. On the other hand, the 4th Marines met with steadily mounting resistance. At 1100 a platoon of 3/4, entering the mouth of a steep ravine was met by a sharp fusillade of small-arms fire, which revealed a series of mutually supporting caves on both sides of the draw. In the fire fight that ensued, 12 wounded men were isolated and not recovered for four hours. "Every means of painlessly destroying the strongpoint was unsuccessfully tried and it was finally taken by a typical 'Banzai' charge, with one platoon entering the mouth of the draw and one platoon coming down one side of the two noses that formed the pocket."  The 1st Marine Division continued its advance with little resistance to the Ishimmi-Kutoku line, also extending southward to Chatan, while the 1st Marines moved past the 5th Marines toward Chibana. With approximately 6,000 yards separating General Del Valle's main frontline units from the 7th Division, General Arnold decided to send Colonel Roy Greene's 184th Regiment to fill this significant gap. At sea, Admiral Mitscher's Task Force 58 launched a strike against Amami Oshima, sinking three vessels and damaging two others, while also witnessing four warships collide and sustain damage. In retaliation, Admiral Ugaki's Kyushu aircraft force conducted sporadic kamikaze attacks, resulting in damage to five transports. The next day, General Hodge's 24th Corps shifted its focus southward. The 17th Regiment secured the rear areas and captured Awase, while the 32nd Regiment advanced approximately 5,000 yards along Nakagusuku Bay to occupy Kuba and establish its lines in front of Hill 165. The 381st Regiment took control of Kishaba and Atanniya but failed in its assaults on Hill 165 and Unjo. Meanwhile, the 383rd Regiment swiftly occupied Isa, Chiyunna, and the Futema high ground. Looking north, Del Valle dispatched the 1st Reconnaissance Company to scout the area along the corps boundary, sweep the Katchin Peninsula, and patrol back up the east coast to the village of Hizaonna. This maneuver enabled the 1st Marines to advance quickly in formation and reach the sea wall overlooking the northern end of Nakagusuku Bay by nightfall. Concurrently, the 5th Marines moved forward and successfully occupied Agina and Tengan; the 7th Marines gained around 2,700 yards of enemy territory and ultimately reached Hizaonna, although Company K became lost and was ambushed. The 4th Marines navigated the challenging terrain and light enemy resistance to secure the significant hill mass behind Yontan airfield, located 3,000 yards short of the east coast. The 22nd Marines advanced and successfully captured Nakadomari, along with a position 400 yards south of that line. Meanwhile, the 6th Reconnaissance Company, supported by armored units, crossed the Ishikawa Isthmus to the village of Ishikawa, where they faced mortar fire. At sea, Mitscher's aircraft carriers targeted Okinawa, sinking two vessels and damaging two others. In response, Ugaki was finally able to launch a preliminary mass Ten-Go air attack, with 119 aircraft causing damage to the escort carrier Wake Island, the destroyers Bennett, Prichett, and Foreman, the minesweeper Hambelton, and two landing craft. Due to significant advancements, Geiger successfully deployed Colonel Victor Bleasdale's 29th Marines to take control of the Yontan airfield and other rear areas. To the south, Del Valle's units moved toward the eastern shore of Okinawa, with the 1st Marines occupying the Katchin Peninsula without facing any resistance, while the 5th and 7th Marine Regiments secured the coastline in their designated zones. Further south, after splitting the island in two, Hodge began advancing toward Naha, targeting the hill mass stretching from Urasoe-Mura to Hill 178 and Ouki. In response, General Bradley positioned Colonel Macey Dill's 382nd Regiment in front of Nodake, while the 184th Regiment moved through the 381st in the Attaniya-Unjo area. For the initial push toward the Uchitomari-Tsuwa line, the 383rd Regiment advanced quickly from Isa to Mashiki, where they were ultimately halted by heavy fire from the south. The 382nd advanced over two miles south from Nodake along the eastern boundary of the division, while Arnold's forward units lagged about two miles behind due to moderate resistance at a high, wooded ridge parallel to the coastline just west of Kuba. Meanwhile, at sea, Ugaki launched only sporadic kamikaze attacks, which resulted in damage to the destroyer Wilson near the Kerama Islands. Additionally, two American vessels collided while Task Force 58 targeted Okinawa, and later that night, a suicide boat attacked and sank an LCI gunboat. In the Attaniya-Unjo area, the 383rd Regiment made a swift advance from Isa to Mashiki as part of the initial push towards the Uchitomari-Tsuwa line. However, the following day marked the onset of fierce resistance on Okinawa, with the 383rd Regiment struggling to make headway against the formidable Japanese defenses on Cactus Ridge. Meanwhile, the 382nd Regiment continued its advance southward against a series of fortified positions, achieving gains of approximately 400 yards to the east and 900 yards to the west. The 184th Regiment moved through Arakachi but was halted by intense and precise fire from a rocky outcrop located about 1,000 yards southwest. The 32nd Regiment finally managed to capture Castle Hill before pushing more than two miles along the coast to a point east of Ukuma. To the north, while the 1st Marine Division shifted to a primarily defensive posture, the 6th Marine Division conducted active reconnaissance toward the Motobu Peninsula, advancing the front to the Atsutabaru-Chima line. Additionally, a patrol from the 1st Marines on the Katchin Peninsula crossed the reef to seize Yabuchi Island swiftly. At sea, there were no kamikaze attacks that day as Ugaki and Toyoda prepared to launch the main phase of Operation Ten-Go, although an Okinawa shore battery managed to hit the battleship Nevada. Unbeknownst to the Japanese, American intelligence had successfully intercepted Combined Fleet codes, allowing them to anticipate the details of the surface Ten-Ichi-Go attack. Consequently, Spruance's warships were prepared for the imminent departure of Ito's “Surface Special Attack Force,” which was executed a few hours later. Additionally, Ushijima was instructed to initiate a strong counterattack the following day to coincide with Ten-Ichi-Go and the first Kikisui attack, but he firmly rejected this order and called for the cancellation of the unnecessarily suicidal surface attack. During the night, as Admiral Blandy's minesweepers completed the perilous task of clearing the vast areas of Chimu and Nakagusuku Bays, the Fleet Marine Force Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion landed on the northern coast of Tsugen Island to gather intelligence on enemy positions. Upon their arrival in the early hours of April 6, they encountered machine-gun and mortar fire, which ultimately compelled the battalion to retreat to the beach and reembark. Simultaneously, the 4th and 29th Marine Regiments advanced through the 22nd Marine Regiment, with the 29th Marines moving up the west coast in formation and reaching Chuda by noon, while the 4th Marines progressed along the eastern coastal road, successfully advancing seven miles toward Madaira. Further south, the 383rd Regiment continued its assault on the fortified enemy positions at Cactus Ridge, pushing forward relentlessly until they secured the western half by nightfall. The 2d Battalion, 383d Infantry, made frontal assaults through intense mortar fire to gain the ridge. "We figured," S/Sgt. Francis M. Rall later wrote, "that the way to get out of that knee mortar fire was to get to where it was coming from. So we stood up in waves, firing everything we had and throwing hand grenades by the dozen, and charged the Jap position." By such tactics the 2d Battalion gained the western half of Cactus.  Over the next two days, the 382nd Regiment advanced slowly east of the Ginowan road, facing fierce resistance from the Tombstone and Nishibaru Ridges. After a 10-minute artillery bombardment, two companies of the 1st Battalion, 184th Regiment climbed nearly to the summit of the Pinnacle but were ultimately pushed back by strong resistance from caves and underground strongholds. Undeterred, Company B continued frontal assaults while Company C maneuvered up the western approaches to surprise the determined defenders. This strategy proved effective, with Company C reaching the top without sustaining any casualties and then methodically eliminating the remaining Japanese troops using white phosphorus grenades and flamethrowers. As the Pinnacle was being captured, the 32nd Regiment advanced across the coastal flatlands with minimal resistance to maintain contact with the 184th Regiment. On this day, Task Force 58 returned to sea, launching strikes on Okinawa and the Daito Islands, while Admiral Rawlings' Task Force 57 targeted the Ishigaki and Miyako Islands. Meanwhile, Japanese aerial reconnaissance identified two American carrier groups near Okinawa, prompting Ugaki to initiate his first mass Kikisui attack, sending hundreds of Japanese aircraft to assault Mitscher's carriers. US carriers unleashed a combined 19 USN and four USMC squadrons to blunt the onslaught. Swirling, running dogfights developed around noon and lasted through sunset. April 6 may have started slow, but by evening it had developed into one of the greatest aerial confrontations of all time. American CAPs overwhelmingly massacred the poorly trained Japanese attackers; Mitscher's Task Force 58 fighters claimed 249 Japanese planes for just two lost—a staggering 125-to-1 kill ratio. Yet the kamikaze pilots' grim determination was chillingly apparent. According to VF-82's action report: “Of all the enemy planes encountered, not one returned fire, all remained on course, boring in toward the surface vessels. The only evasive action offered was jinking, and the majority of the aircraft were obsolete models as can be seen by the list [of] destroyed. Primary danger to our pilots was collision or getting in the path of a friendly plane's fire.” Essex's VF-83 (36 Hellcats) and VBF-83 (36 Corsairs) combined for 69 kills, while Belleau Wood's 24 VF-30 Hellcats shot down 47. Belleau Wood's skipper, Captain Red Tomlinson, duly signaled Task Group 58.1's Rear Admiral Joseph J. Jocko Clark: “Does this exceed the bag limit?” Clark responded, “Negative. There is no limit. This is open season. Well done.” The US carrier fighters' 275 kills was thus the war's 4th-highest 1-day total. 13 US pilots achieved ace status (scored their 5th kill) on April 6, with 4 becoming “ace-in-a-day.” 10 pilots claimed 4 kills, while another 17 shot down 3 each. Combined with anti-aircraft fire, the Americans destroyed 355 Japanese planes. However, even significant aerial victories could not prevent the devastating kamikaze assaults, with approximately 182 Japanese aircraft in 22 groups attacking Spruance's 5th Fleet that afternoon. This led to 24 kamikaze planes sinking the destroyers Bush and Colhoun, as well as three transport ships, and inflicting further damage on the light carrier San Jacinto, 12 destroyers, three destroyer minesweepers, and one minesweeper. Friendly anti-aircraft fire also caused damage to battleship North Carolina, light cruiser Pasadena, and destroyer Hutchins. Despite the extensive damage, four new escort carriers arrived off Okinawa that day, bringing the first 222 fighters of Major-General Francis Mulcahy's Tactical Air Force, stationed at Yontan airfield. Meanwhile, the Yamato force set sail at 15:24 towards Okinawa, but within 45 minutes, a B-29 spotted them in transit. Submarine Threadfin then detected Ito's strike force moving through the Bungo Strait at 17:45. As Ito's force rounded Kyushu to the southwest, it was monitored overnight by submarine Hackleback, which sent four additional contact reports and was pursued three times briefly by one of Yamato's escorting destroyers. Concerned about a potential mass Kikisui attack on April 7, Spruance ordered Mitscher's carriers to concentrate on thwarting Japanese air assaults while tasking Admiral Deyo's Task Force 54 with intercepting Ito's strike force. At 06:20, April 7, six Zeros of the 203rd Kokutai arrived over Yamato as CAP. 14 total Zeros would relay in small groups over the Yamato task force, but all would depart as scheduled by 10:00. The Americans already knew the exact CAP schedule of Yamato's fighters, a later US intelligence memo dryly observing, “They left too soon.” At 08:32, an Essex Hellcat reported the Yamato task force southwest of Koshiki Retto at a heading of 300 degrees. The Yamato group was doing 22kts and deployed in a diamond formation, with Yamato in the center and Yahagi astern. Yamato simultaneously reported that she had been sighted. Visibility was highly variable, with patchy overcast. Within minutes, two VPB-21 PBM-3 Mariner flying boats (based at Kerama Retto with seaplane tender Chandeleur) arrived and began shadowing Yamato and radioing situation reports. Meanwhile, Mitscher duly reported the Yamato sighting to Spruance, before dispatching 16 additional fighters at 09:15 to track Yamato. Shortly after Yamato's CAP had departed, at 10:14, the Japanese discovered the two shadowing PBM-3 Mariners, and simultaneously reported a US submarine stalking the task force—this was Hackleback, which had managed to catch back up with the zig-zagging Japanese. Three minutes later, at 10:17, Yamato turned towards the Mariners and opened fire with her awesome 18.1in. Sanshikidan anti-aircraft shells. Yahagi also opened fire, and additionally began jamming the Mariners' transmissions. The Mariners retreated into the clouds unharmed at 10:18, and Yamato and Yahagi ceased fire. To his chief-of-staff, Commodore Arleigh Burke, Mitscher announced: “Inform Admiral Spruance that I propose to strike the Yamato sortie group at 1200hrs unless otherwise directed.” The grizzled aviator desperately wished to sink Yamato, but he likely suspected that Spruance, riding New Mexico, intended his beloved dreadnoughts claim one last moment of glory. “Will you take them or shall I?” Mitscher pressed. Spruance's response: “You take them.” At 10:00, the carriers of Task Groups 58.1 and 58.3 launched the first wave of 282 aircraft, although only 227 managed to locate Ito's strike force as they navigated through challenging, overcast weather. At 11:07, Yamato's radars detected the large formation approaching from 63 nautical miles away, prompting Ito to increase speed to 25 knots. Within eight minutes, the formation closed to 44 nautical miles, leading the Japanese to initiate sharp evasive maneuvers. Bennington's Lieutenant-Commander Hugh Woods' airborne radar detected the Yamato task force some 25nm away from its predicted location, and the US strike altered course. Five minutes later, the Americans made visual contact through a hole in the patchy 3,000ft overcast, a Hornet pilot recalling, “Yamato looked like the Empire State Building plowing through the water.” Yamato cruised in the center, flanked by destroyers Kasumi, Suzutsuki, Hamakaze, and Yukikaze. Light cruiser Yahagi was in the van, followed by destroyers Hatsushimo, Isokaze, and Fuyutsuki. The first American aviators encountered the destroyer Asashimo, which had been experiencing machinery issues for five hours and had fallen 12 nautical miles behind the main task force to the north. San Jacinto's seven Hellcats dove against Asashimo, but the crippled destroyer threw up notably heavy flak. The Hellcats' 1,000lb bombs closely straddled Asashimo, buckling the destroyer's hull plating. The Hellcats then repeatedly strafed the destroyer, causing large fires that quickly silenced Asashimo's guns. San Jacinto's eight Avengers then made a textbook attack run at 300ft, dropping torpedoes from 1,200 to 1,600yds range. Trailing a wide oil slick, the crippled Asashimo attempted to comb the torpedoes, but one struck beneath her bridge and a second hit near her engine room. Successive explosions blew Asashimo partly out of the water and broke her in half. Asashimo sank at 1213hrs, going down with all 330 men. She had lasted three minutes against San Jacinto's attack. Twelve miles ahead, Yamato lookouts spotted the incoming aircraft at 12:32, which then spent the next five minutes circling just outside the range of Japanese anti-aircraft fire to coordinate their strike plan. Around this time, Yamato also raised Togo's iconic Tsushima flag signal: “On this one battle rests the fate of our nation. Let every man do his utmost.”At 12:37, the circling planes launched their coordinated assault on Yamato and her escorts, focusing on the superbattleship's port side in an attempt to capsize her. US fighters repeatedly strafed Yamato with their 5in. rockets and 0.50cal. machine guns, decimating Japanese antiaircraft batteries and slaughtering exposed antiaircraft crews. The intense carnage and chaos that followed suppressed careful targeting and further ravaged Japanese gunners' morale. Yamato was maneuvering hard at her flank speed of 27kts, when at 1240hrs four Bennington Helldivers from VB-82 delivered two 1,000lb bombs near Yamato's mainmast. The first bomb exploded in Yamato's crew quarters. The second detonated near Yamato's aft command station and caused serious damage, destroying one of Yamato's two air search radars, her after secondary gun director, and several 25mm antiaircraft guns. The subsequent fires shortly reached the powder handling area beneath Yamato's after 6.1in. turret and detonated the readyuse propellant. The resulting conflagration virtually exterminated the 6.1in. turret crew, but flash doors prevented the explosion from reaching the rest of the magazine. Nevertheless, the explosion killed the area's entire damage control party, meaning the resulting fire would rage uncontrolled for the rest of the battle. The Americans lost one Helldiver. At 1243hrs, eight Hornet Avengers launched torpedo attacks against Yamato's port side, covered by 14 Bunker Hill Corsairs strafing Yamato with rockets. Antiaircraft fire hit six Avengers, destroying one, but at least three torpedoes hit the water. The first two torpedoes missed, but at 1245hrs the third torpedo slammed into Yamato's port side, opening her hull to 2,235 tons of seawater. Japanese damage control counterflooded with 604 tons of water to correct the list. Attempting to draw US attackers from Yamato, Hara's light cruiser Yahagi had maneuvered away from the Japanese battleship, steaming hard at 35kts. US strafing had already ricocheted machine gun bullets around Yahagi's bridge, killing a lookout. Watching the attack unfold, Hara admitted, “The spectacle was at once thrilling and terrifying.” Meanwhile, Bennington's Lieutenant-Commander Ed De Garmo led three Avengers against Yahagi. At 1246hrs, De Garmo's Avengers delivered Yahagi her first hit and it was a devastating one. A single torpedo struck Yahagi in the engine room, killing the entire engineering crew. Yahagi was left dead in the water nine minutes into the battle. Destroyer Isokaze subsequently sped towards Yahagi to take off Rear Admiral Komura. Meanwhile, around 56 aircraft targeted Yamato's escorting destroyers, leading to multiple torpedo hits that split Hamakaze in two; Isokaze was bombarded with bombs; Fuyutsuki suffered minor damage from two dud rockets; and Suzutsuki was struck by a bomb that severed her bow. The first wave of attacks concluded at 12:50, as Ito sought to reorganize his forces and evaluate Yahagi's status. Shortly after 13:00, a second wave of 50 aircraft appeared, managing to hit Yamato's port bow with a bomb at 13:23 and inflicting several bomb hits near the battleship's bridge. Additionally, two bomb hits and several near misses critically damaged the destroyer Kasumi, leaving her dead in the water and ablaze. At 1333 the third wave of US attackers arrived, comprising 110 new Yorktown, Intrepid, and Langley aircraft from the delayed TG-58.4 strike. The Americans now overwhelmingly focused on the reeling Yamato. Twenty Avengers attacked Yamato's portside. Around 1337, the third wave saw three confirmed torpedo hits on Yamato's portside, plus a fourth probable hit, increasing her portside list to 15–16 degrees. Stationed on Yamato's bridge, Ensign Mitsuru Yoshida recalled, “I could hear the Captain vainly shouting, ‘Hold on men! Hold on men!'”. Aruga had no option but to flood Yamato's starboard machinery spaces, where hundreds of engineers toiled to keep Yamato underway. Water, both from torpedo hits and the flood valves rushed into these compartments and snuffed out the lives of the men at their posts, several hundred in all. Caught between cold sea water and steam and boiling water from the damaged boilers, they simply melted away.” Aruga's drastic measure reduced Yamato's portside list back to five degrees, but exhausted her last starboard counterflooding capacity. Having lost one shaft and gained 3,000 tons more water, Yamato's speed fell to 12kts. At 1342hrs, TG-58.4 Avengers dropped another four torpedoes. Yoshida marveled, “That these pilots repeated their attacks with such accuracy and coolness, was a sheer display of the unfathomable, undreamed-of strength of our foes!” Yamato shot down one Avenger, but two torpedoes plowed into Yamato's portside, making five torpedo hits in five minutes. The Americans had intentionally targeted Yamato's stern to wreck her steering, and the gamble paid off. Yamato's rudders were now disabled, jamming her in a permanent starboard turn. Any chance of reaching Okinawa was gone. Reduced to a speed of 8 knots and unable to maneuver, the stricken Yamato became an easy target. Around 14:02, Mitscher's relentless carrier planes inflicted at least four more bomb hits, disabling most of Yamato's remaining operational anti-aircraft guns as the battleship helplessly circled. As a result, Ito canceled the Ten-Ichi-Go attack and promptly ordered all his warships to rescue survivors and attempt to retreat to Japan. The sinking battleship was then deserted, except for Ito and Captain Aruga Kosaku, who chose to go down with their ship.  Throughout the battle, a stoic Ito had sat silently with arms crossed on Yamato's bridge, unflinching as bullets ricocheted around him, slaughtering his staff. Ensing Yoshida Mitsuru now observed that Ito “struggled to his feet. His chief of staff then arose and saluted. A prolonged silence followed during which they regarded each other solemnly.” Ito then told his staff, “Save yourselves. I shall stay with the ship.” Ito then shook hands deliberately with his officers, retired to his sea cabin one deck below, and locked it behind him. Meanwhile, with Yamato's pumps no longer functioning, alarms began to blare: temperatures in the 18.1-inch magazines were approaching dangerous levels. By 14:20, the capsizing Yamato's main deck was vertical to the ocean. Captain Aruga, eating a biscuit given to him by a rating, tied himself to a binnacle on Yamato's bridge. As Yamato capsized, surviving men clambered across her keel, a crazed, half-naked officer screaming and brandishing his samurai sword at the Americans.  Meanwhile, the Americans continued pummeling the helpless Yahagi, which “quivered and rocked as if made of paper,” recalled Captain Hara. The stricken Yahagi suffered repeated hits. “My proud cruiser,” Hara brooded, “was but a mass of junk, barely afloat.” Around 1400hrs Yahagi took the decisive torpedo hit, triggering a clearly fatal starboard roll. Hara finally ordered, “Abandon ship.” At 1405hrs, one minute after receiving her last bomb, Yahagi capsized and sank, having somehow absorbed at least 12 bombs and seven torpedoes. Captain Hara and Rear Admiral Komura calmly stepped into the water as Yahagi sank from beneath them, only barely surviving the sinking Yahagi's undertow. Now clinging to floating wreckage, the exhausted Hara observed “scores of planes swarming about [Yamato] like gnats.” By 14:20, the capsizing Yamato's main deck was vertical to the ocean, and three minutes later, the sinking dreadnought exploded catastrophically before finally disappearing beneath the East China Sea. Yamato's capsizing motion had likely forced open her 18.1in. powder room doors, allowing fires into the battleship's magazines. An American gunner described the explosion as “the prettiest sight I've ever seen … A red column of fire shot up through the clouds and when it faded Yamato was gone.” The detonation killed most Yamato survivors still struggling in the water and may have destroyed several US aircraft. The Americans' exact score will never be known, but Yamato had certainly absorbed seven bombs and nine to twelve torpedoes out of 150 torpedoes dropped. The US planes departed at 1443, but not before issuing “a few farewell strafing runs across the Yamato survivors.” Destroyers Suzutsuki, Fuyuzuki, Yukikaze, and Hatsushimo rescued 1,620 men, including Hara and Komura, before successfully returning to Japan. Additionally, the disabled destroyers Isokaze and Kasumi were scuttled by Yukikaze and Fuyuzuki, respectively. By the end of the action, the combined losses for Ten-Ichi-Go totaled 4,242 Japanese lives. Meanwhile, Ugaki had launched a second mass kamikaze attack around noon, sending 132 aircraft towards Task Force 58. Although Mitscher's fighters shot down 54 attackers, the kamikazes managed to damage the fast carrier Hancock, the battleship Maryland, the destroyers Bennett and Wesson, and a motor minesweeper. The initial Kikisui operation resulted in the deaths of 485 Americans and left 582 wounded. The significant losses over the two days hindered Ugaki from launching another large-scale Kikisui attack for five days. Meanwhile, back in Okinawa on April 7 and 8, Hodge continued his offensive in the south. In Bradley's sector, the 383rd Regiment persistently executed banzai charges against the remaining enemy strongholds on Cactus Ridge until the entire area was secured by American forces. They then advanced toward Kakazu Ridge, where they faced even stronger resistance. The 382nd Regiment made a slow but steady push forward, ultimately being halted by intense fire across a broad front just north of Kaniku and Tombstone Ridge.  The fighting in the 7th Division's sector on April 7 centered on a low, bare hill 1000 yards west of the town of Minami-Uebaru, called Red Hill because of its color. The enemy had made a fortress of the hill by constructing his usual system of caves and connecting trenches. A frontal assault on Red Hill by troops of the 3rd Battalion failed in the face of machine-gun and mortar fire. In a 2nd attempt, 3 platoons of tanks supported the attack. 10 medium and 5 light tanks advanced through a cut toward Red Hill; 2 tanks were blown up by mines and 1 was satchel-charged as the column moved toward the hill and up the sides. Intense enemy artillery and machine-gun fire drove the infantry back and disabled more tanks. Japanese swarmed in among the armor and tried to destroy the tanks with satchel charges and flaming rags. 2 medium tanks held off the attackers, the defending crews resorting to hand grenades, while the rest of the operative tanks withdrew. The 14th Independent Battalion headquarters proudly described this action as a perfect example of how to separate troops from tanks and thus break up the American infantry-tank team. The enemy dispatch stated: "The above method of isolating the troops from the tanks with surprise fire followed by close combat tactics is an example in the complete destruction of enemy tanks and will be a great factor in deciding the victories of tank warfare." After these 2 reversals the 3rd Battalion made a wide enveloping maneuver to the right. Behind fire from artillery and supporting weapons, the troops drove toward Red Hill from the west and occupied it, suffering only 2 casualties in the move. Once more a Japanese outpost had shown its strength against a frontal attack and its vulnerability to a flanking maneuver. The capture of Red Hill left another sector of enemy territory open for the taking. The troops advanced 100 yards south before digging in. A platoon of tanks conducted a remarkable 4000-yard foray almost to Hill 178 and withdrew safely, despite a bombing attack by two single-engined Japanese planes. The following day, the 184th continued its advance southward under heavy fire, managing to take Triangulation Hill after two fierce assaults. Simultaneously, the 32nd Regiment captured Tsuwa as it extended the front along the coastline. By the night of April 8, the 24th Corps had sustained 1,510 battle casualties while inflicting 4,489 Japanese fatalities and capturing 13; they had finally reached the formidable perimeter of the Shuri fortified zone. Looking north, on April 7, the Fleet Marine Force Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion landed on Ike Island, encountering no opposition. Subsequently, Company B was dispatched to secure Takabanare Island, while Company A took control of Heanza and Hamahika Islands. During the night, Company B reembarked, maneuvered around Tsugen Island, and landed on Kutaka Island, where they also found no enemy presence. Simultaneously, the 32nd Regiment captured Tsuwa as it expanded the front along the coastline. By the evening of April 8, the 24th Corps had incurred 1,510 battle casualties. On the same day, Shepherd advanced north with minimal resistance, as the 29th Marines successfully reached Nago while the 4th Marines moved through Henoko. Ahead of the division, the 6th Reconnaissance Company traveled up the west coast road to the village of Awa and then crossed the base of the Motobu Peninsula to Nakaoshi, encountering and either destroying or scattering several enemy groups along the way. As the reconnaissance zone was extended westward on April 8, clear signs, confirmed by aerial observations and photographs, indicated that the enemy had chosen the rugged mountains of Motobu as their defensive position. As a result, the 22nd Marines were deployed across the island from Nakaoshi to Ora to protect the right flank and rear of the 29th Marines attacking westward, while the 4th Marines assembled near Ora to support either the 29th on Motobu or the 22nd in the north. The 2nd Battalion, 29th Marines probed westward, moving across the base of Motobu and occupying the village of Gagusuku. Additionally, the reserve 1st Battalion at Yofuke successfully secured Yamadadobaru and Narashido, facing heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire at the latter location. The following day, the 29th Marines advanced in three columns to locate the enemy's main force at Motobu; all columns encountered resistance, revealing that a significant enemy force confronted the division in the area stretching from Itomi to Toguchi. On April 10, the 2nd Battalion, 29th Marines captured Unten Ko, where the Japanese had established a submarine and torpedo boat base; the 3rd Battalion took Toguchi and sent patrols into the interior, while the 1st Battalion advanced through Itomi and uncovered well-fortified positions on the high ground north of the village. On April 9, the 184th Regiment successfully captured Tomb Hill in the south following an artillery and air bombardment, while the 32nd Regiment took control of several finger ridges to the east that oversaw the approaches to Ouki. The Japanese-held area in front of the 383rd Regiment offered the enemy an ideal combination of defensive features. A deep moat, a hill studded with natural and man-made positions, a cluster of thick-walled buildings behind the hill; these were the basic elements of Kakazu stronghold. The enemy had exploited each one of them. Moreover, Kakazu, unlike such outposts as the Pinnacle, was an integral element of the Shuri fortified zone and a vital rampart that could expect reinforcements and heavy fire support from within the ring of positions that surrounded the 32nd Army headquarters, only 4000 yards to the south. Between the Americans and Kakazu lay a deep gorge, half hidden by trees and brush, which could be crossed only with difficulty. The Kakazu hill mass itself, which was made up of two hills connected by a saddle, stretched northwest-southeast for 2000 yards, sloping on the west toward the coastal flat and ending on the east at Highway 5. Just below Kakazu Ridge on the southeast was the town of Kakazu, a compact group of tile-roofed structures, each surrounded by hedges and stone walls and somewhat in defilade to the adjoining open fields. In and around the Kakazu hills the Japanese had created one of their strongest positions on Okinawa. Mortars dug in on the reverse slope were zeroed-in on the gorge and on vulnerable areas between the gorge and the crest of Kakazu. Several spigot mortars also protected the hill. In an intricate system of coordinated pillboxes, tunnels, and caves Japanese machine-guns were sited to cover all avenues of approach. The enemy was also supported by many artillery pieces within the Shuri fortified zone. The heavy walls and the hedges of the town of Kakazu-and eventually its rubble-afforded the Japanese countless defensive positions. Concurrently, the 383rd Regiment initiated its first coordinated assault on Kakazu Ridge, with Companies A, C, and L swiftly reaching the summit by dawn without detection. However, the surprised defenders quickly launched a fierce counterattack, ultimately forcing Companies A and C to withdraw. Company L, positioned on Kakazu West, continued to fend off enemy counterattacks alone until late afternoon when the exhausted unit had no choice but to retreat. The next day, Brigadier-General Claudius Easley proposed a "powerhouse attack," where the 381st Regiment would assault Kakazu West from positions south of Uchitomari while the 383rd would press on Kakazu Ridge from positions north of the gorge. Following a heavy artillery bombardment, the assault commenced, with the 2nd Battalion of the 381st Regiment rapidly fighting through strong enemy defenses to secure the crest of Kakazu West. However, the 383rd was struggling to make headway, prompting Colonel May to direct his two battalions to execute flanking maneuvers. Although the eastern encirclement was unsuccessful, May's 3rd Battalion managed to cross the gorge at the northern base of Kakazu West to join Colonel Halloran's 2nd Battalion on the crest. Both units then attempted to advance eastward in heavy rain, but relentless Japanese counterattacks forced them back to Kakazu West. Stalemated, Easley eventually ordered Halloran's 1st Battalion to move through May's 3rd Battalion to attack southeast along Kakazu Ridge, but this assault was also repelled by the determined defenders. At the same time, the 382nd Regiment launched its primary assault on Tombstone Ridge, advancing southwest with three battalions in formation but managing to gain only a few hundred yards to the west as fierce defenders thwarted their main offensives against the hills held by the Japanese. Meanwhile, to the east, the 32nd Regiment attempted to advance into the town of Ouki without success, while the 184th Regiment on the heights defended against minor counterattacks, sealed off caves, and solidified their positions. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The battle for Okinawa is really heating up, showcasing to the Americans they would be paying dearly for every foot they took off the island. Meanwhile the last stand of the super battleship Yamato would form a legend encompassing the defiant spirit of Japan as well as producing one of the most bizarre science fiction animes of all time.

"If you know how a PBM gets paid, that's the best transparency you can ask for.” - Julie WassermanJulie Wasserman, VP of Sales for VerusRx, joined me this week to discuss the PBM industry in 2025. If you're a PBM, how do you gain trust with employers and build plans that work for them? We talk about what every PBM should be doing for their employers, what true transparency looks like, how to reach employees directly through software, and how GLP1s are changing the industry.If you're a PBM or work with them, or are just curious about one of the biggest industries in healthcare, make sure to tune in this week to Self-Funded with Spencer to hear from Julie on what the best practices need to look like.Chapters:00:00:00 What The PBM Industry Should Focus On In 2025 | with Julie Wasserman00:15:07 Increasing Employee Engagement00:20:16 Complexity in the PBM Industry00:25:03 Data-Driven Health Savings for Employers00:31:27 What Does True Transparency Look Like00:49:36 Global Drug Price Discrepancies00:56:38 Incentivizing Cost-Effective Healthcare Decisions in PBMs01:01:11 Financial Risks of Covering GLP1s for Weight LossKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/Key Words: VerusRx, PBM, PBMs, Rebate, Rebates, Pharmacy Rebates, Transparency, PBMIndustry, GLP1, GLP1s, Ozempic, Wegovy, pharma, Reference Based Pricing, RBP, Healthcare Costs, julie wasserman, spencer smith, podcast, healthcare, health insurance, self funded, self funding, self funded health insurance, self funded insurance#VerusRx #PBM #PBMs #Rebate #Rebates #PharmacyRebates #Transparency #PBMIndustry #GLP1 #GLP1s #Ozempic #Wegovy #pharma #ReferenceBasedPricing #RBP #HealthcareCosts #juliewasserman #spencersmith #podcast #healthcare #healthinsurance #selffunded #selffunding #selffundedhealthinsurance #selffundedinsurance

I sat down with attorneys Dae Lee and Adam Farkas to dig into the legal mess surrounding GLP-1 compounding, PBM overreach, and the brutal reality facing independent pharmacies. Dae's a pharmacist-attorney, Adam's a legal powerhouse, and together they're helping pharmacies fight back in a system stacked against them.

And here we are, at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy Annual for a 2nd year in row for a special “on the road” episode of Pharmacy Friends.  This year, AMCP is in Houston with more than 6,000 managed care pharmacy and health care industry professionals in attendance. And thought leaders from Prime Therapeutics are also on hand to present 7 research posters and several education sessions based on our integrated medical and pharmacy claims data. This episode will help you gain clarity on the real-world impact of GLP-1 drugs, understand how predictive modeling can help identify members enrolled in Medicare Part D at risk of large increases in prescription drug spending, and other trends shaping the health care industry.We also have two up and coming researchers share their experience taking their first steps in the managed care space and their careers. (00:00) Introduction(01:05) 2024 JMCP “Article of the Year” Award for Excellence(06:46) Latest GLP-1 research(15:56) Accelerated Drug Approval Program (28:00) PBM and Medical Pharmacy Industry Trends(41:17) Medicare Member Drug Cost Predictive Model: Creation and Feature Engineering (50:32) Advancing Health Equity in Food Allergy Prevention and Treatment: Bridging Gaps in Care and Knowledge(55:22) Legislative Impacts on Site of Service: What is the Big Deal?(1:00:07) The next generation of managed care professionals

Story at-a-glance Photobiomodulation therapy utilizes specific light wavelengths — including 660 nanometers (nm), 850 nm and 1,050 nm — to stimulate biological processes, each offering unique tissue penetration and therapeutic benefits The optical window (600 to 1,100 nm) allows effective light penetration into tissues by avoiding absorption from hemoglobin, melanin and water, optimizing PBM efficacy Red light at 660 nm enhances skin health, collagen production and wound healing, reduces neuropathic pain and boosts cellular energy (ATP), ideal for dermatology and wound-healing applications Near-infrared light at 850 nm penetrates deeper, aiding muscle recovery and pain management, reducing inflammation and improving skin complexion, suitable for sports medicine and rehabilitation Light at 1,050 nm reaches deep tissues and brain structures, supporting cognitive function, brain health, ophthalmic uses, stroke recovery and detoxification processes

What if the future of healthcare was shaped by those who know it best – pharmacists? In this episode, we sit down with Theresa Tolle, Owner of Bay Street Pharmacy, to discuss how independent pharmacists are working to change the industry from the inside out. Theresa draws on her experiences as an independent owner and former APhA President to reflect on the past, present, and future of pharmacy. We dive into the latest updates in PBM legislation, opportunities for accreditations, and best strategies for administering (and billing) clinical services. We also discuss the importance of advocacy and how you can make a difference in changing the profession for the better. As Theresa explains it, change is coming; you just have to be ready.  NCPA Legislative Action Center: https://ncpa.org/legislative-action-center?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f121272%2fRespond Fight PBMs Now: https://www.fightpbms.com/ APhA Legislative Action Center: https://actioncenter.pharmacist.com/ NCPA | Friends in High Places: https://www.ncpa.org/newsroom/executive-update/2025/03/07/friends-high-places-ncpa-executive-update-march-7-2025 CDC DSMES Toolkit:  https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes-toolkit/php/reimbursement/medicare-reimbursement-guidelines.html  00:00 - Introduction to Theresa Tolley and her background 04:28 - Discussion on PBM reform legislation and advocacy efforts 11:51 - Florida-specific legislative initiatives and provider status bill  19:39 - Overview of PQA (Pharmacy Quality Alliance) and its purpose  27:26 - Bay Street Pharmacy's combo shop model and LTC at home services  28:40 - Diabetes education program and Medicare billing details 40:26 - LTC at home implementation and compliance considerations  Hosted By: Mark Bivins | Chief Growth Officer, RedSail Technologies Guest: Theresa Tolle | Owner of Bay Street Pharmacy  Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit www.pioneerrx.com  

The political landscape is shifting, and long-term care (LTC) pharmacies are feeling the impact. In this episode of FrameworkFocus, we sit down with Alan Rosenbloom, President & CEO of the Senior Care Pharmacy Coalition, to discuss the key policy challenges facing LTC pharmacies in 2025. From the effects of the Inflation Reduction Act and ongoing PBM reform efforts to the push for LTC at Home and the looming threat of NADAC payment changes, Alan breaks down what's happening in Washington and what it means for LTC pharmacies nationwide. Tune in for expert insights on the regulatory road ahead and how the industry can advocate for meaningful change.  

In this episode, I'm back for the second part of my conversation with Dr. Mark Cronshaw, a highly respected expert in photobiomodulation (PBM), more commonly known as red light therapy.  The same warning applies to this episode as part 1! Again, this conversation is not a simple “how to” practical guide to photobiomodulation. It's a continuation of going very deep into the scientific, technical, and even theoretical nuances of PBM based on Dr. Cronshaw's vast research and clinical understanding of the topic.  Be prepared for lots of nerdy PBM science, along with a few practical pearls as our discussion unfolds. Please listen to part 1 if you haven't already, and leave any questions you have in the comments on YouTube…we'll do our best to answer questions in future episodes.  

Dive deep into the underbelly of American healthcare corruption with Brigham Buhler in this exposé episode.Is the system designed to keep you sick, or is there a path to real health? In this hard-hitting conversation, I sit down with Brigham Buhler to expose the hidden agendas and financial incentives driving America's broken healthcare system. We uncover the dark connections between big pharma, insurance companies, and pharmacy benefit managers, revealing how profits are often prioritized over patient well-being.--- --- ---00:00 - Introduction02:07 - How insurance and pharma are intertwined03:30 - Why does your doctor ignore diet, lifestyle, and wellness over medicine05:58 - Are insurance companies intentionally making healthcare confusing for you?07:37 - You are overpaying for medicine without even knowing 10:09 - Discover how Pharma is involved13:15 - How did healthcare insurance go wrong16:44 - Denied healthcare claims, just a glitch or calculated profit?20:28 - Is your healthcare bankrupting you and your family?22:52 - Unmasking healthcare's most powerful influencers23:57 - Subsidizing big pharma's profits with your tax dollars27:16 - New leadership to clean up healthcare's mess28:44 - Behind the mask31:11 - Take back your health33:03 - Modern food crisis is real35:30 - Is your dietician influenced by big food37:17 - Hidden agendas exposed39:02 - Consumer choice or a systemic problem?40:38 - How is PBM's inflating medicine costs44:06 - How to get proactive and predictive with your health47:15 - Game-changing healthcare50:06 - Should HSAs cover healthy food and gym memberships?52:30 - Personalized diets and farm-to-table delivery with health tracking?55:00 - Could metabolic health be the key to fighting disease?57:55 - Pharma's secret exposed1:01:27 - Are we missing a key blood test?1:03:36 - Low T exposed and how it might be affecting your life1:06:51 - Hormone imbalance1:08:08 - Pesticides are harming your hormones?1:10:09 - Is big pharma like the nazis testing their product on humans for bad intentions1:12:15 - Frameworks for approaching healthcare1:14:06 - Decoding our DNA for health secrets with cutting edge tech is possible1:14:33 - The new frontier of regenerative medicine1:17:36 - Why pregnancy boosts womens health and immunity1:19:04 - Seed oils could be the culprit1:20:52 - How processed foods rewire your brain1:23:05 - Can eating organs unlock regenerative health?--- --- ---SOCIALSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulsaladinomdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paulsaladinomd2Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulsaladinomdSend a message to the team: info@paulsaladinomd.coBRIGHAMS SOCIALSBrigham Buhler on Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/brigham.buhler/WEB: https://ways2well.com/DISCLAIMERDr. Paul Saladino received his medical degree from the University of Arizona Medical School. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Saladino is a licensed physician in California, but he no longer practices in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Saladino and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.