The Gist Healthcare Podcast

In today’s episode of The Gist Healthcare Podcast , we look at three headlines shaping healthcare this week: rising 2026 ACA exchange prices, California’s plan to sell its own insulin, and Prospect Medical Holdings’ move to sell more hospitals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For decades, pregnant women have been excluded from most clinical drug trials. The policy was meant to protect mothers and babies, but it has left major gaps in medical knowledge. Now, renewed debate over the safety of common medicines like Tylenol has brought those gaps into sharp focus.     In this episode, STAT News reporter Lizzy Lawrence joins host J. Carlisle Larsen to discuss...

In today’s episode of The Gist Healthcare Podcast , we look at headlines making waves in the industry: Qualtrics’ plan to acquire Press Ganey Forsta in a multibillion-dollar deal, new polling that shows a decline in public trust in the CDC, and a report revealing that some potentially unnecessary back surgeries have cost Medicare nearly $2 billion over three years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...

In this episode of The Gist Healthcare Podcast , President Trump signals that he's open to healthcare discussions with Democratic lawmakers as part of efforts to end the government shutdown. General Catalyst’s HATCo has finalized its acquisition of Summa Health. And the CDC approves new vaccine recommendations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Gist Healthcare Podcast , we cover the political fight over extending Affordable Care Act tax credits as lawmakers avert a shutdown. The Trump administration has reached a deal with Pfizer to lower drug costs in the United States. And dueling lawsuits reflect how competition is intensifying in the AI healthcare space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati...

President Trump is expected to propose changes to the nation’s largest work visa program, with implications for healthcare staffing. A CMS pilot adding prior authorizations to traditional Medicare is facing pushback from Congressional leaders. A major medical supply manufacturer is reportedly planning a high-profile IPO next month. More on these stories in today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare po...

On today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast, the CDC’s top vaccine panel prepares to vote as questions grow around future access. Privia Health expands further into value-based care with a new deal to acquire Evolent’s ACO business. And a new report explores why more hospitals are closing in urban areas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast, we look at three headlines making waves in the industry: the Trump administration’s claim of a connection between Tylenol use during pregnancy and conditions such as autism and ADHD, CVS’s Omnicare division filing for bankruptcy protection, and VillageMD will sell more than 30 of its Texas clinics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

One of this year’s most talked-about shows is The Pitt , a critically acclaimed HBO Max medical drama starring Noah Wyle of ER fame. Touted as one of the most realistic portrayals of an emergency department, the series recently earned multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series and Best Lead Actor. In this episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast, host J. Carlisle Larsen speaks with Syl...

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

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has opened applications for the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has appointed new members to a key CDC vaccine advisory panel. Plus, a new report reveals just 5% of plastic medical waste is currently recycled. These stories and more coming up on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast. H...

Several states have announced they’ll create their own vaccine distribution guidelines as confusion continues at the federal level. Telehealth company Remedy Meds is set to acquire its rival, Thirty Madison. And a new study shows that the No Surprises Act helped lower out-of-pocket healthcare costs for consumers. Those stories coming up on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare Podcast . Hosted on...

Senator Bill Cassidy urges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to delay an upcoming advisory panel meeting following leadership changes at the agency. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reports that accountable care organizations generated more than $2 billion in savings for Medicare last year. And Cigna’s Evernorth announces a major investment in a former Walgreens-owned co...

The newly confirmed director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is out of her role amid reported disagreements with leaders at Health and Human Services over COVID-19 vaccine guidance. Walgreens has officially transitioned to a privately held company. And, a new survey reveals a growing shortage of qualified physicians available for hire. Those stories on today's episode of the Gist...

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

The Department of Health and Human Services announces plans to start an advisory committee to help reimagine federal health insurance programs. A federal court ruling strikes down a Medicare Advantage marketing rule introduced during the Biden administration. And, Johnson & Johnson commits to a major investment aimed at strengthening domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. Those stories—and mor...

The American Academy of Pediatrics releases a new childhood vaccination schedule and diverges from federal guidelines. Employers prepare for rising healthcare costs in the year ahead. And Elevance Health faces a legal setback in its Medicare Advantage star ratings dispute. Catch these stories on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare Podcast . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...

Medicare is at risk of automatic cuts totaling hundreds of billions of dollars over the next 10 years. Texas officials have declared the recent measles outbreak officially over. And, AstraZeneca introduces a new at-home nasal flu vaccine, aiming to expand access and improve vaccination rates. Hear more on these stories in the latest episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acas...

The Department of Health and Human Services revives a disbanded childhood vaccine safety task force. Illinois moves to tighten rules on artificial intelligence in behavioral health. And UnitedHealth Group finalizes its merger with home health provider Amedisys after resolving antitrust concerns. All that and more, coming up on today's episode of the Gist Healthcare Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See ac...

President Trump orders a stockpile of critical drug ingredients. Highmark Health partners with Abridge to bring AI to real-time prior authorizations. And, AbbVie announces a major investment in U.S. manufacturing. Those stories and more on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare Podcast.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters following last week’s deadly shooting. Thousands of healthcare providers—including some of the nation’s largest health systems—are opting out of a multibillion-dollar antitrust settlement with Blue Cross Blue Shield carriers. And the national shortage of sterile saline...

Many healthcare organizations nationwide have piloted various artificial intelligence tools to streamline workflows, reduce administrative burden among clinicians, and more. However, there isn’t a set of guidelines or principles for healthcare organizations to use when deploying these tools. This is something that the Coalition for Health AI and the Joint Commission have partnered to create. ...

The federal government slows progress on mRNA vaccine research. UnitedHealth Group and Amedisys resolve a key legal challenge, clearing the way for their multibillion-dollar merger. And Vertex Pharmaceuticals experiences a delay in its development of a new class of non-opioid pain therapies. Those stories on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

The Trump Administration finalizes an inpatient payment rate increase for 2026. Medicare and Medicaid reportedly consider covering GLP-1 drugs for obesity. And, the childhood vaccine exemption rate hits record high. Those stories and more on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Joint Commission and the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) recently announced they would partner to scale the responsible use of artificial intelligence tools in healthcare settings. The organizations plan to release guidance and best practices this fall based on conversations happening now among industry stakeholders.     On today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare Podcast, host J....