On Background - A Healthcare Podcast

In this episode of On Background, host Stephen Parente leads a roundtable at the HEAL Network’s 3rd annual Washington Health Economic Symposium (WHES). Health economists, academics, industry participants, and future leaders debate how to reform 340B without destabilizing hospitals that depend on its revenue. The discussion weighs transparency and auditing, patient-based payments, Medicaid transitions, hospital data access, and targeted support for financially vulnerable facilities.

In this episode of On Background, host Stephen Parente leads a roundtable discussion at the HEAL Network's 3rd annual Washington Health Economics Symposium (WHES) debateing whether a private-sector Medicare Advantage for All proposal could become politically viable by 2030, contrasting it with Medicare for All and Medicaid for All. Participants weigh consumer frustrations, competition, coverage gaps, risk adjustment, provider reimbursement, innovation, and the political coalition required for major reform.

In this episode, hosts Stephen Parente and Thom Gunderson explore the complexities of the 340B drug pricing program, its origins, current challenges, and potential reforms. Guest expert Sayeh Nikpay from the University of Minnesota provides insights into how the program operates, its unintended consequences, and policy options for better transparency and effectiveness.

In this episode of On Background, host Stephen Parente conducts a roundtable with previous guests Marta Wosinska, Rena Conti, and Doug Holtz-Eakin on the current challenges, innovations, and future prospects in the healthcare marketplace, including drug pricing, insurance markets, and technological advancements like AI.

In this episode of On Background, we talk with Kenny White and explore the complexities of the US health insurance industry, the role of managed care, AI's potential in healthcare, and future policy directions, delving into cost management, risk analysis, and the sustainability of current models.

In this year-end review, hosts Stephen Parente, Thom Gunderson, and Matt Stoll discuss key topics covered throughout 2025 in the On Background podcast: the impact of AI, investment trends, market uncertainties, and the future of MedTech. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in healthcare, the need for clear direction in investment, and the importance of innovation in drug development. The conversation also touches on healthcare costs, consumer engagement, and the regulatory landscape, setting the stage for future discussions in the coming year.

In this episode of On Background, host Stephen Parente leads a conversation around the challenges and opportunities in health economic analysis, particularly focusing on the missing data that hinders optimal policy-making. The participants discuss the difficulties in accessing health data, the need for standardization, and the importance of linking health data with other social determinants. They also explore future directions for improving data transparency and the role of technology in facilitating better access to health information.

In this episode of the On Background podcast, host Steve Parente and former Deputy Secretary of HHS Eric Hargan discuss the current state of healthcare legislation, particularly focusing on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and the implications of the recent government shutdown. The two explore the political dynamics surrounding the ACA, the impact of enhanced subsidies, and the potential future challenges in Congress. The conversation delves into the complexities of legislative processes, public perception, and the role of discharge petitions in shaping healthcare policy.

In this episode, the discussion revolves around the 340B Drug Pricing Program, its origins, current issues, and potential reforms. Rena Conti provides insights into how the program, initially designed to help underinsured patients, has expanded and been misused, leading to significant concerns about its effectiveness. The conversation also touches on emerging business models that exploit the program, legislative challenges, and the need for bipartisan support to address these issues. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the importance of ensuring access to affordable healthcare for vulnerable populations.