Industry leaders and patient advocates are preparing to oppose a forthcoming Biden administration regulation that would set minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes, with the former worried about costs and the latter concerned standards won’t be high enough. Host Kelly Hooper talks with Daniel Payne about the criticism of the pending nursing home rules.

Industry leaders and patient advocates are preparing to oppose a forthcoming Biden administration regulation that would set minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes, with the former worried about costs and the latter concerned standards won’t be high enough. Host Kelly Hooper talks with Daniel Payne about the criticism of the pending nursing home rules.

Pending nursing home rules upset both advocates and industry

The CDC has identified three more tuberculosis infections linked to recalled bone graft materials from Aziyo Biologics, bringing the total cases to 5, with one death. At least 36 more patients are being preemptively treated. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with Lauren Gardner about the latest contamination concerns.

The CDC has identified three more tuberculosis infections linked to recalled bone graft materials from Aziyo Biologics, bringing the total cases to 5, with one death. At least 36 more patients are being preemptively treated. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with Lauren Gardner about the latest contamination concerns.

CDC finds more tuberculous cases linked to bone grafts

Mississippi’s new medical marijuana market is struggling to find its footing, with more than 280 licensed businesses but fewer than 20,000 enrolled patients. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with Paul Demko about how the market is trying to balance robust competition with attracting enough patients to sustain all the new businesses.

Mississippi’s new medical marijuana market is struggling to find its footing, with more than 280 licensed businesses but fewer than 20,000 enrolled patients. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with Paul Demko about how the market is trying to balance robust competition with attracting enough patients to sustain all the new businesses.

Mississippi’s cannabis conundrum: Too much weed, not enough need

The Biden administration has proposed a rule designed to force health insurers to comply with a 2008 mental health parity law. Host Megan Messerly talks with Ben Leonard about the White House’s push to equalize mental and physical health benefits and what it would mean for patient access and costs.

The Biden administration has proposed a rule designed to force health insurers to comply with a 2008 mental health parity law. Host Megan Messerly talks with Ben Leonard about the White House’s push to equalize mental and physical health benefits and what it would mean for patient access and costs.

Biden cracking down on insurers who skimp on mental health care coverage

House Republicans’ health care hopes are riding on the must-pass legislation. Host Ben Leonard talks to Alice Miranda Ollstein about how the culture wars are more prominently featuring into this year’s appropriations process.

House Republicans’ health care hopes are riding on the must-pass legislation. Host Ben Leonard talks to Alice Miranda Ollstein about how the culture wars are more prominently featuring into this year’s appropriations process.

GOP readies for spending fight for wins on abortion, trans care

Health care treatments such as gene therapy may hold the key to effectively treat rare genetic diseases and alleviate future chronic diseases. Host Kelly Hooper talks with Robert King about what we learned from POLITICO's Next Generation of Health Care Therapies event.

Health care treatments such as gene therapy may hold the key to effectively treat rare genetic diseases and alleviate future chronic diseases. Host Kelly Hooper talks with Robert King about what we learned from POLITICO's Next Generation of Health Care Therapies event.

What’s next for rare disease treatments?

Overdose deaths involving both cocaine and opioids have spiked over the past decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with Kelly Hooper about the factors driving the deadly increase.

Overdose deaths involving both cocaine and opioids have spiked over the past decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Host Alice Miranda Ollstein talks with Kelly Hooper about the factors driving the deadly increase.

Behind the evolving overdose crisis

Once one of the biggest champions of the National Institutes of Health, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich now backs funding cuts to the agency. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks to Erin Schumaker about what's behind Gingrich’s new take on the NIH and how a budget cut would impact the agency's work.

Once one of the biggest champions of the National Institutes of Health, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich now backs funding cuts to the agency. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks to Erin Schumaker about what's behind Gingrich’s new take on the NIH and how a budget cut would impact the agency's work.

Newt's new view of NIH

The Biden administration’s effort to use HIPAA privacy laws to protect abortion rights is facing dual criticism from Republicans, who say it overreaches, and Democrats, who say it doesn’t go far enough. Host Kelly Hooper talks with Alice Miranda Ollstein about President Joe Biden’s attempt to defend abortion access in the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.

The Biden administration’s effort to use HIPAA privacy laws to protect abortion rights is facing dual criticism from Republicans, who say it overreaches, and Democrats, who say it doesn’t go far enough. Host Kelly Hooper talks with Alice Miranda Ollstein about President Joe Biden’s attempt to defend abortion access in the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.

Biden’s plan to expand HIPAA to protect abortion rights comes under bipartisan fire

CMS has proposed changes to Medicare’s physician fees. Host Evan Peng talks to Ben Leonard about a plan the agency says would advance lower costs, and support behavioral health.

CMS has proposed changes to Medicare’s physician fees. Host Evan Peng talks to Ben Leonard about a plan the agency says would advance lower costs, and support behavioral health.

CMS’ physician fee cut plan draws praise and criticism

POLITICO Pulse Check delivers the latest news in health care with sharp policy analysis and a dose of real-world perspective. Hear what stories POLITICO's deep bench of Health Care policy reporters are watching and their analysis of the critical issues facing regulators, legislators, and practitioners.

Dan is a perfect host. He has interesting guests for reasonably deep dives. He probes further when appropriate. Overall he leaves guests more (or newly) informed about critical issues in health policy.

Health policy at its best

Dan is a great reporter. Imthis is a wonky podcast that those who are interested in healthcare would really enjoy. It talks about policy and politics related to the health industry. Good guests appearances..

Solid, informative

POLITICO's Pulse Check

Farzad Mostashari

Farzad Mostashari has been on the frontlines of health care's biggest stories — from New York City's war on smoking to the Obama administration's $30 billion push for electronic health records. Now he's the CEO of Aledade, a fast-growing company that blends digital and population health and riding the wave of Obamacare startups. Farzad sat down with POLITICO's Dan Diamond to discuss his beginnings in public health (starts at the 2:20 mark), his move to become the nation's leader on health IT (8:55), his thoughts on the Meaningful Use program (15:00), what it's like to be a government regulator (20:30), why he started Aledade (28:00), whether MACRA is a boon for the industry (34:00), if independent doctors are endangered and how new Medicare pilots will help (41:00). Plus: Don't miss the lightning round quiz at 48:00.

Farzad Mostashari has been on the frontlines of health care's biggest stories — from New York City's war on smoking to the Obama administration's $30 billion push for electronic health records. Now he's the CEO of Aledade, a fast-growing company that blends digital and population health and riding the wave of Obamacare startups. Farzad sat down with POLITICO's Dan Diamond to discuss his beginnings in public health (starts at the 2:20 mark), his move to become the nation's leader on health IT (8:55), his thoughts on the Meaningful Use program (15:00), what it's like to be a government regulator (20:30), why he started Aledade (28:00), whether MACRA is a boon for the industry (34:00), if independent doctors are endangered and how new Medicare pilots will help (41:00). Plus: Don't miss the lightning round quiz at 48:00.

Farzad Mostashari on how government really works

Kate Baicker

The politics of health care are messy. Obamacare is haunted by myths. And that's why Harvard's Kate Baicker — a former White House economist and one of the nation's most acclaimed researchers — is so focused on using evidence, not anecdotes, to shape America's health policies. Baicker talks about building a career in research (starts at the 1:55 minute mark), her pioneering work with the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment (8:45), what she thinks of Obamacare’s cost controls and President Obama’s pitch for a public option (24:30), whether the ACA did enough to bend the cost curve (34:00), and what beltway pundits get wrong about health policy (41:30). Plus: Don't miss the lightning round quiz at 46:10. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com.

The politics of health care are messy. Obamacare is haunted by myths. And that's why Harvard's Kate Baicker — a former White House economist and one of the nation's most acclaimed researchers — is so focused on using evidence, not anecdotes, to shape America's health policies. Baicker talks about building a career in research (starts at the 1:55 minute mark), her pioneering work with the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment (8:45), what she thinks of Obamacare’s cost controls and President Obama’s pitch for a public option (24:30), whether the ACA did enough to bend the cost curve (34:00), and what beltway pundits get wrong about health policy (41:30). Plus: Don't miss the lightning round quiz at 46:10. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com.

Kate Baicker on busting Obamacare myths

Karen DeSalvo

Growing up, Karen DeSalvo never planned to have one of the nation’s most important health care jobs. Now she has two of them. As National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, she’s the White House’s point person on digitizing health care — and as acting Assistant Secretary for Health, she also helps guide the nation's public health strategy. Dr. DeSalvo joined POLITICO's Dan Diamond to discuss how she’s shaped by her upbringing (starts at the 1:20 mark), her perspective as New Orleans health commissioner post-Katrina (4:20), how she balances her two big jobs (15:45), the nation’s progress on digital records (20:00), and why white life expectancy has declined (32:00). Plus: Don't miss the lightning round quiz at 42:00. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com.

Growing up, Karen DeSalvo never planned to have one of the nation’s most important health care jobs. Now she has two of them. As National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, she’s the White House’s point person on digitizing health care — and as acting Assistant Secretary for Health, she also helps guide the nation's public health strategy. Dr. DeSalvo joined POLITICO's Dan Diamond to discuss how she’s shaped by her upbringing (starts at the 1:20 mark), her perspective as New Orleans health commissioner post-Katrina (4:20), how she balances her two big jobs (15:45), the nation’s progress on digital records (20:00), and why white life expectancy has declined (32:00). Plus: Don't miss the lightning round quiz at 42:00. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com.

Karen DeSalvo on how data will transform health care

Aneesh Chopra

Aneesh Chopra has a lot of titles. He was the nation's first Chief Technology Officer, under President Obama. He's been a venture capitalist, a consultant, an entrepreneur and an author. And according to David Axelrod, Chopra is an evangelist for the power of “digitizing information” — especially in health care. Chopra joined POLITICO's Dan Diamond to reminisce about what they learned at the Advisory Board (starts at the 2:30 mark), why Chopra left the private sector to go work for Tim Kaine (8:15), what he did as the White House’s first CTO and his perspective on Obamacare (14:30), why he’s so bullish on the power of health data (23:30), why he thinks the government is leading the way (32:30), and what Silicon Valley can do in health care (40:15). Plus: Don't miss the lightning round quiz at 51:10. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com.

Aneesh Chopra has a lot of titles. He was the nation's first Chief Technology Officer, under President Obama. He's been a venture capitalist, a consultant, an entrepreneur and an author. And according to David Axelrod, Chopra is an evangelist for the power of “digitizing information” — especially in health care. Chopra joined POLITICO's Dan Diamond to reminisce about what they learned at the Advisory Board (starts at the 2:30 mark), why Chopra left the private sector to go work for Tim Kaine (8:15), what he did as the White House’s first CTO and his perspective on Obamacare (14:30), why he’s so bullish on the power of health data (23:30), why he thinks the government is leading the way (32:30), and what Silicon Valley can do in health care (40:15). Plus: Don't miss the lightning round quiz at 51:10. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com.

Aneesh Chopra on why health care's data revolution has arrived

Jon Favreau

Rick Wilson

The Affordable Care Act has polled poorly for years — but Republicans’ health bill is polling even worse. What does it mean for the GOP to have such an unpopular bill, and how can progressives take advantage of it? On this PULSE CHECK, you’ll hear from two experts in political messaging and strategy. First, Jon Favreau, who was the chief speechwriter for President Obama and is a cofounder of Crooked Media, a new liberal political media network, sits down with POLITICO’s Dan Diamond to talk about setting Affordable Care Act strategy, Republicans’ struggles to craft a health bill of their own, and how his views on media have changed since starting a media company. (Starts at the 1:50 mark.) Then after the break, Rick Wilson, a Republican strategist who helped attack the Affordable Care Act, explains why Obamacare’s pre-existing conditions protections are the “nuclear bomb” against critics of the law, why he's no fan of Republicans' current health care strategy, and how the GOP is risking the party’s political future by pushing a bad bill. (Starts at the 38:50 mark.) We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com.

The Affordable Care Act has polled poorly for years — but Republicans’ health bill is polling even worse. What does it mean for the GOP to have such an unpopular bill, and how can progressives take advantage of it? On this PULSE CHECK, you’ll hear from two experts in political messaging and strategy. First, Jon Favreau, who was the chief speechwriter for President Obama and is a cofounder of Crooked Media, a new liberal political media network, sits down with POLITICO’s Dan Diamond to talk about setting Affordable Care Act strategy, Republicans’ struggles to craft a health bill of their own, and how his views on media have changed since starting a media company. (Starts at the 1:50 mark.) Then after the break, Rick Wilson, a Republican strategist who helped attack the Affordable Care Act, explains why Obamacare’s pre-existing conditions protections are the “nuclear bomb” against critics of the law, why he's no fan of Republicans' current health care strategy, and how the GOP is risking the party’s political future by pushing a bad bill. (Starts at the 38:50 mark.) We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com.

Jon Favreau and Rick Wilson on bad bills and worse messaging

President Donald Trump reportedly bashed the House health bill as “mean, mean, mean." But will the Senate's version be any better? And what do experts want senators to know as they finalize their bill? On this episode of PULSE CHECK, Dan Diamond talks with two people with very different perspectives — and significant concerns — as changes to the health system loom in Congress. First, Diane Rowland of the Kaiser Family Foundation sits down (starts at the 2:25 mark) to talk about Kaiser’s latest polling on Republicans’ health care efforts and how possible Medicaid cuts could hurt Trump's voters. Then after the break, John Sculley, the former CEO of Apple and Pepsi and now a health care investor and executive, talks about his own meetings with Republicans on the Hill this week and his thoughts on how dramatic changes could complicate the business of health care. (Starts at 30:46.) We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com or tweet him @ddiamond.

President Donald Trump reportedly bashed the House health bill as “mean, mean, mean." But will the Senate's version be any better? And what do experts want senators to know as they finalize their bill? On this episode of PULSE CHECK, Dan Diamond talks with two people with very different perspectives — and significant concerns — as changes to the health system loom in Congress. First, Diane Rowland of the Kaiser Family Foundation sits down (starts at the 2:25 mark) to talk about Kaiser’s latest polling on Republicans’ health care efforts and how possible Medicaid cuts could hurt Trump's voters. Then after the break, John Sculley, the former CEO of Apple and Pepsi and now a health care investor and executive, talks about his own meetings with Republicans on the Hill this week and his thoughts on how dramatic changes could complicate the business of health care. (Starts at 30:46.) We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com or tweet him @ddiamond.

She's a Medicaid expert. He's the ex-CEO of Apple. Here's how they see the GOP bill.

Republicans’ health care legislation continues to lurch forward, with the Congressional Budget Office this week again predicting the bill will lead to 20-million-plus more uninsured in a decade. On this episode of PULSE CHECK, we discuss how the CBO score is playing in Washington and what’s ahead for the unpopular bill. First, POLITICO’s Jen Haberkorn and Paul Demko discuss their reporting from Capitol Hill, address the latest reports about the health of Obamacare and share how the Senate is approaching its efforts. (Starts at 1:45.) Then, Matt Fiedler of the Brookings Institution — and the former chief economist of the Obama administration’s Council of Economic Advisers — shares his analysis of the GOP bill and why he thinks the most recent changes made it worse. (Starts at 27:10.) We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com.

Republicans’ health care legislation continues to lurch forward, with the Congressional Budget Office this week again predicting the bill will lead to 20-million-plus more uninsured in a decade. On this episode of PULSE CHECK, we discuss how the CBO score is playing in Washington and what’s ahead for the unpopular bill. First, POLITICO’s Jen Haberkorn and Paul Demko discuss their reporting from Capitol Hill, address the latest reports about the health of Obamacare and share how the Senate is approaching its efforts. (Starts at 1:45.) Then, Matt Fiedler of the Brookings Institution — and the former chief economist of the Obama administration’s Council of Economic Advisers — shares his analysis of the GOP bill and why he thinks the most recent changes made it worse. (Starts at 27:10.) We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com.

‘Only 23 million more uninsured’

Andy Slavitt

Andy Slavitt has been busy: Since leaving office in January, the man who ran Medicare, Medicaid and the ACA has mounted a whirlwind defense of Obamacare, holding town halls coast to coast and being ever-present on social media. And in a repeat podcast appearance, Slavitt rejoins POLITICO's Dan Diamond to explain his strategy — and what this year has been like as his profile exploded. Andy discusses how he morphed from Obama administration official to the ACA's most visible advocate (starts at the 3:00 mark), the bipartisan solutions he thinks are necessary in health care (6:30), what he thinks HHS will do and why he thinks his criticism of the GOP is fair (12:00), whether he'd ever run for office (25:00), if he still needs the media as someone with 100,000-plus Twitter followers (34:30), and what he's learned about communications strategy since leaving office (42:20). Note: This conversation was recorded in late July, a few days before the Senate GOP health bill failed on the floor. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com or tweet him @ddiamond.

Andy Slavitt has been busy: Since leaving office in January, the man who ran Medicare, Medicaid and the ACA has mounted a whirlwind defense of Obamacare, holding town halls coast to coast and being ever-present on social media. And in a repeat podcast appearance, Slavitt rejoins POLITICO's Dan Diamond to explain his strategy — and what this year has been like as his profile exploded. Andy discusses how he morphed from Obama administration official to the ACA's most visible advocate (starts at the 3:00 mark), the bipartisan solutions he thinks are necessary in health care (6:30), what he thinks HHS will do and why he thinks his criticism of the GOP is fair (12:00), whether he'd ever run for office (25:00), if he still needs the media as someone with 100,000-plus Twitter followers (34:30), and what he's learned about communications strategy since leaving office (42:20). Note: This conversation was recorded in late July, a few days before the Senate GOP health bill failed on the floor. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com or tweet him @ddiamond.

Andy Slavitt on what's next for health care - and him

Toby Cosgrove

Republicans' health care push continues to grip the Capitol and keep the industry on high alert. On this episode of PULSE CHECK, we review how that effort is unfolding in D.C. but also in Ohio, in a sit-down interview with one of America's most powerful health care leaders. First, POLITICO's Jen Haberkorn joins Dan Diamond to discuss her reporting on the latest twists and turns in the GOP health care push (starts at the 1:45 mark). Then Dr. Toby Cosgrove, the heart surgeon who runs the Cleveland Clinic, talks about why he turned down both the Obama and Trump administration's overtures about being VA Secretary, what he's telling Ohio Sen. Rob Portman about Republicans' health bill and his view on the health care industry's challenges (starts at the 12:45 mark). We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com or tweet him @ddiamond.

Republicans' health care push continues to grip the Capitol and keep the industry on high alert. On this episode of PULSE CHECK, we review how that effort is unfolding in D.C. but also in Ohio, in a sit-down interview with one of America's most powerful health care leaders. First, POLITICO's Jen Haberkorn joins Dan Diamond to discuss her reporting on the latest twists and turns in the GOP health care push (starts at the 1:45 mark). Then Dr. Toby Cosgrove, the heart surgeon who runs the Cleveland Clinic, talks about why he turned down both the Obama and Trump administration's overtures about being VA Secretary, what he's telling Ohio Sen. Rob Portman about Republicans' health bill and his view on the health care industry's challenges (starts at the 12:45 mark). We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com or tweet him @ddiamond.

Cleveland Clinic CEO Toby Cosgrove on what he's telling his senator, and news roundup

POLITICO's Alice Miranda Ollstein and Adam Cancryn join Dan Diamond to discuss what's getting missed in the presidential debates about Medicare-for-all, from the likely Senate math in 2021 to the complications posed by Obamacare repeal.The PBS NewsHour/POLITICO presidential primary debate will be held on Thursday Dec. 19 and also televised on CNN.MENTIONED ON THE SHOWAlice's story with Alex Thompson and Holly Otterbein about how Medicare-for-all proposals caused trouble for candidates like Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris.Adam's story about the Partnership for America's Health Care Future, the industry-backed group working to kill Medicare expansion.Dan's story about how the Obama administration weakened the Affordable Care Act's cost-cutting measures to preserve jobs during the recession.

POLITICO's Alice Miranda Ollstein and Adam Cancryn join Dan Diamond to discuss what's getting missed in the presidential debates about Medicare-for-all, from the likely Senate math in 2021 to the complications posed by Obamacare repeal.The PBS NewsHour/POLITICO presidential primary debate will be held on Thursday Dec. 19 and also televised on CNN.MENTIONED ON THE SHOWAlice's story with Alex Thompson and Holly Otterbein about how Medicare-for-all proposals <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2019/12/05/medicare-for-all-2020-democratic-primary-075034" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">caused trouble</a> for candidates like Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris.Adam's story about the Partnership for America's Health Care Future, the industry-backed group <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/agenda/2019/11/25/medicare-for-all-lobbying-072110" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">working to kill</a> Medicare expansion.Dan's story about how the Obama administration <a href="https://www.politico.com/agenda/story/2016/07/what-is-the-effect-of-obamacare-economy-000164" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">weakened the Affordable Care Act's cost-cutting measures</a> to preserve jobs during the recession.

Six things missing in the Medicare-for-All debate

Nicholas Bagley

The central fight over the ACA has (for now) moved from Congress to the White House, where President Donald Trump is debating whether to yank key payments for insurers. But some senators are hinting that a bipartisan compromise on Obamacare is coming — as long as Trump doesn’t blow up their efforts, that is. First, POLITICO’s Jennifer Haberkorn and Paul Demko join Dan Diamond to talk about what's next in the Senate, the legal case that gives Trump the power to nix the payments, and what it was like to watch the dramatic vote early Friday morning. (Starts at 1:30.) Then after the break, Nicholas Bagley, a University of Michigan law professor who’s a leading voice on the ACA's legal issues, explains the theory behind the current case, what happens in the courts if Trump yanks the payments, and the series of legal attacks on Obamacare over the years. (Starts at the 22:45 mark). We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com or tweet him @ddiamond. Stories referenced on the podcast: Jen’s story on how the GOP got stuck on repeal: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/31/republicans-obamacare-repeal-241152 Paul’s story on Trump’s looming decision on ACA payments: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/31/obamacare-payments-insurers-trump-decision-241171

The central fight over the ACA has (for now) moved from Congress to the White House, where President Donald Trump is debating whether to yank key payments for insurers. But some senators are hinting that a bipartisan compromise on Obamacare is coming — as long as Trump doesn’t blow up their efforts, that is. First, POLITICO’s Jennifer Haberkorn and Paul Demko join Dan Diamond to talk about what's next in the Senate, the legal case that gives Trump the power to nix the payments, and what it was like to watch the dramatic vote early Friday morning. (Starts at 1:30.) Then after the break, Nicholas Bagley, a University of Michigan law professor who’s a leading voice on the ACA's legal issues, explains the theory behind the current case, what happens in the courts if Trump yanks the payments, and the series of legal attacks on Obamacare over the years. (Starts at the 22:45 mark). We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com or tweet him @ddiamond. Stories referenced on the podcast: Jen’s story on how the GOP got stuck on repeal: <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/31/republicans-obamacare-repeal-241152" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/31/republicans-obamacare-repeal-241152</a> Paul’s story on Trump’s looming decision on ACA payments: <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/31/obamacare-payments-insurers-trump-decision-241171" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/31/obamacare-payments-insurers-trump-decision-241171</a>

Nicholas Bagley on Trump’s legal threat to Obamacare and news roundup

Scott Gottlieb

"We can't afford to let this happen again," said the former FDA commissioner, offering advice on next steps.Dan Diamond sits down with Gottlieb, who's become one of the most prominent voices publicly on coronavirus while privately advising the Trump administration on its response.Gottlieb discussed his new travel routine (starts at the 1:15 mark), the tragedy unfolding in New York City (4:15), the next cities he thinks are at risk, (11:30), his aggressive warnings on coronavirus (16:10) and his advice to the administration and whether he'd go back inside (23:45).Stay up-to-date on the latest Covid-19 news by subscribing to the POLITICO Nightly and POLITICO Pulse newsletters.MENTIONED ON THIS SHOWWriting in the Wall Street Journal, Gottlieb and Luciana Borio on Jan. 28 urged leaders to "act now to prevent an American epidemic."Gottlieb and fellow former FDA Commissioner Mark McClellan this week issued a road map to combat COVID-19.POLITICO called Gottlieb "the shadow coronavirus czar" — a term he disputed.

"We can't afford to let this happen again," said the former FDA commissioner, offering advice on next steps.Dan Diamond sits down with Gottlieb, who's become one of the most prominent voices publicly on coronavirus while privately advising the Trump administration on its response.Gottlieb discussed his new travel routine (starts at the 1:15 mark), the tragedy unfolding in New York City (4:15), the next cities he thinks are at risk, (11:30), his aggressive warnings on coronavirus (16:10) and his advice to the administration and whether he'd go back inside (23:45).Stay up-to-date on the latest Covid-19 news by subscribing to the <a href="https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-nightly-coronavirus-special-edition" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">POLITICO Nightly</a> and <a href="https://www.politico.com/politicopulse/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">POLITICO Pulse</a> newsletters.MENTIONED ON THIS SHOWWriting in the Wall Street Journal, Gottlieb and Luciana Borio on Jan. 28 <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/act-now-to-prevent-an-american-epidemic-11580255335" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">urged leaders</a> to "act now to prevent an American epidemic."Gottlieb and fellow former FDA Commissioner Mark McClellan this week <a href="https://healthpolicy.duke.edu/news/covid-19-pandemic%E2%80%94plan-future-now" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">issued a road map</a> to combat COVID-19.POLITICO called Gottlieb "<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/15/shadow-coronavirus-czar-scott-gottlieb-129563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the shadow coronavirus czar</a>" — a term he disputed.

Coronavirus: One-on-one with Scott Gottlieb

John Carreyrou

In 2015, the Wall Street Journal's John Carreyrou revealed that the blood tests developed by Theranos — the $9 billion company led by Elizabeth Holmes — didn't work. Now John's out with "Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup," a book that offers new details about Holmes, her fraud and her efforts to kill his investigation. John joined POLITICO's Dan Diamond to discuss how he got the story and walk through the Theranos timeline (starts at the 1:35 mark), how Holmes was able to attract staff, investors and media attention (12:00), why government regulators didn't spot the fraud (21:30), why staff were scared to blow the whistle (28:15), what Carreyrou thinks of reporters who missed the story and more on his journalistic process (33:30). At the end, there's a lighting round of listener-submitted questions at 43:30. We'd appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com. MENTIONED ON THE SHOW John's initial story on Theranos in 2015: https://www.wsj.com/articles/theranos-has-struggled-with-blood-tests-1444881901 Fortune Magazine's 2014 cover story on Holmes, one of many laudatory articles: http://fortune.com/2014/06/12/theranos-blood-holmes/ John's new book, "Bad Blood." https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078VW3VM7/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&amp;btkr=1 Federal prosecutors filed criminal charges against Holmes and her lieutenant Sunny Balwani this month: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-files-criminal-charges-against-theranoss-elizabeth-holmes-ramesh-balwani-1529096005

In 2015, the Wall Street Journal's John Carreyrou revealed that the blood tests developed by Theranos — the $9 billion company led by Elizabeth Holmes — didn't work. Now John's out with "Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup," a book that offers new details about Holmes, her fraud and her efforts to kill his investigation. John joined POLITICO's Dan Diamond to discuss how he got the story and walk through the Theranos timeline (starts at the 1:35 mark), how Holmes was able to attract staff, investors and media attention (12:00), why government regulators didn't spot the fraud (21:30), why staff were scared to blow the whistle (28:15), what Carreyrou thinks of reporters who missed the story and more on his journalistic process (33:30). At the end, there's a lighting round of listener-submitted questions at 43:30. We'd appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com. MENTIONED ON THE SHOW John's initial story on Theranos in 2015: <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/theranos-has-struggled-with-blood-tests-1444881901" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wsj.com/articles/theranos-has-struggled-with-blood-tests-1444881901</a> Fortune Magazine's 2014 cover story on Holmes, one of many laudatory articles: <a href="http://fortune.com/2014/06/12/theranos-blood-holmes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://fortune.com/2014/06/12/theranos-blood-holmes/</a> John's new book, "Bad Blood." <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078VW3VM7/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&amp;btkr=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078VW3VM7/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&amp;btkr=1</a> Federal prosecutors filed criminal charges against Holmes and her lieutenant Sunny Balwani this month: <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-files-criminal-charges-against-theranoss-elizabeth-holmes-ramesh-balwani-1529096005" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-files-criminal-charges-against-theranoss-elizabeth-holmes-ramesh-balwani-1529096005</a>

The fall of Theranos, with 'Bad Blood' author John Carreyrou

The Trump administration has discarded or reworked a number of Obama-era programs. But this week's Health Datapalooza — an annual conference launched by Obama officials and hosted by Academy Health — has received the current administration's full support, a reminder that the desire to improve data can trump partisan politics. On the podcast, Academy Health CEO Lisa Simpson joined POLITICO’s Dan Diamond to discuss the Datapalooza conference (starts at the 1:25 mark), why the Trump administration continues to supports the event and how the White House has shaped the current climate for researchers (3:20), why Academy Health focuses on "health services research" and how Lisa would like academic research to change (8:15) and the state of data, particularly as Silicon Valley firms eye health care (13:30). After the break, POLITICO’s Mohana Ravindranath discusses her reporting on the Trump administration's data-access initiatives. (Starts at the 18:45 mark.) Dan also remembers POLITICO’s Brett Norman, who died last week at age 43. (Starts at the 29:35 mark.)

The Trump administration has discarded or reworked a number of Obama-era programs. But this week's Health Datapalooza — an annual conference launched by Obama officials and hosted by Academy Health — has received the current administration's full support, a reminder that the desire to improve data can trump partisan politics. On the podcast, Academy Health CEO Lisa Simpson joined POLITICO’s Dan Diamond to discuss the Datapalooza conference (starts at the 1:25 mark), why the Trump administration continues to supports the event and how the White House has shaped the current climate for researchers (3:20), why Academy Health focuses on "health services research" and how Lisa would like academic research to change (8:15) and the state of data, particularly as Silicon Valley firms eye health care (13:30). After the break, POLITICO’s Mohana Ravindranath discusses her reporting on the Trump administration's data-access initiatives. (Starts at the 18:45 mark.) Dan also remembers POLITICO’s Brett Norman, who died last week at age 43. (Starts at the 29:35 mark.)

Why Obama's Datapalooza is still thriving under Trump

The Republican plan to repeal Obamacare has made it through the House. What are its chances in the Senate, and what's the ripple effect for the industry? That's the focus of this week's PULSE CHECK, with a mix of news analysis and a guest who may have lost his job because of his pro-Obamacare advocacy. First, POLITICO's Jen Haberkorn and Adam Cancryn join Dan Diamond to discuss their reporting about the American Health Care Act and what lies ahead in the Senate (Starts at the 1:30 mark.) Then Mario Molina, the former head of Molina Healthcare who was fired this week, joins PULSE CHECK to discuss his surprising exit, his view on the Republican health bill and why he doesn't regret speaking out in support of Obamacare (Starts at 35:30). We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com.

The Republican plan to repeal Obamacare has made it through the House. What are its chances in the Senate, and what's the ripple effect for the industry? That's the focus of this week's PULSE CHECK, with a mix of news analysis and a guest who may have lost his job because of his pro-Obamacare advocacy. First, POLITICO's Jen Haberkorn and Adam Cancryn join Dan Diamond to discuss their reporting about the American Health Care Act and what lies ahead in the Senate (Starts at the 1:30 mark.) Then Mario Molina, the former head of Molina Healthcare who was fired this week, joins PULSE CHECK to discuss his surprising exit, his view on the Republican health bill and why he doesn't regret speaking out in support of Obamacare (Starts at 35:30). We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com.

What's next for the GOP health bill, and Mario Molina on his surprise firing

Mary Bassett

Julie Morita

The nation heard from President Donald Trump on Wednesday, who again urged Republicans to repeal the ACA. Congress continues to loudly battle over the law, and governors have spoken out too. But one voice that’s been largely ignored: Local health leaders. And on this episode of PULSE CHECK, two big city health commissioners — New York City commissioner Mary Bassett and Chicago commissioner Julie Morita — join POLITICO’s Dan Diamond to explain how Republicans’ plan would hit their cities, why they prioritize "health" over "health care" and how they're addressing persistent social inequality. They also walk through what it’s like to be a city health commissioner — a role that both describe as their dream job. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com or tweet him @ddiamond. NOTE: Dan will be at Politicon.com next week for a live-taping of POLITICO’s Nerdcast podcast and to moderate a panel on health care. Stories referenced on the podcast: How the Cleveland Clinic gets healthier while its neighborhood stays sick: http://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/obamacare-cleveland-clinic-non-profit-hospital-taxes/ How hospitals got richer off Obamacare: http://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/obamacare-non-profit-hospital-taxes/

The nation heard from President Donald Trump on Wednesday, who again urged Republicans to repeal the ACA. Congress continues to loudly battle over the law, and governors have spoken out too. But one voice that’s been largely ignored: Local health leaders. And on this episode of PULSE CHECK, two big city health commissioners — New York City commissioner Mary Bassett and Chicago commissioner Julie Morita — join POLITICO’s Dan Diamond to explain how Republicans’ plan would hit their cities, why they prioritize "health" over "health care" and how they're addressing persistent social inequality. They also walk through what it’s like to be a city health commissioner — a role that both describe as their dream job. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com or tweet him @ddiamond. NOTE: Dan will be at <a href="http://Politicon.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Politicon.com</a> next week for a live-taping of POLITICO’s Nerdcast podcast and to moderate a panel on health care. Stories referenced on the podcast: How the Cleveland Clinic gets healthier while its neighborhood stays sick: <a href="http://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/obamacare-cleveland-clinic-non-profit-hospital-taxes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/obamacare-cleveland-clinic-non-profit-hospital-taxes/</a> How hospitals got richer off Obamacare: <a href="http://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/obamacare-non-profit-hospital-taxes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/obamacare-non-profit-hospital-taxes/</a>

NYC health commissioner Mary Bassett and Chicago health commissioner Julie Morita

Atul Gawande

Atul Gawande doesn't really need an introduction — but if PULSE CHECK were to provide one, it would highlight his work as a New Yorker writer, researcher, best-selling author, surgeon and founder of two non-profits. (Among other responsibilities.) Atul sat down with POLITICO's Dan Diamond to discuss how he manages his schedule (starts at the 2:05 mark), his book "Being Mortal" and how he thinks its lessons have resonated (5:50), his perspective on politics and public health (11:20), his early career as a Hill staffer and Clinton-era appointee at HHS (18:00), whether he'd ever take a job in D.C. again (26:00) and his writing process (28:00). Plus, stick around to hear Atul answer PULSE CHECK listener questions, which starts at the 40:20 mark. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com. Stories and book referenced on the podcast: Atul's 2015 book, "Being Mortal": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JCW0BCY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&amp;btkr=1 Atul's 2009 story, "The Cost Conundrum": https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2009/06/01/the-cost-conundrum Atul's 2009 story, "Hellhole": https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2009/03/30/hellhole

Atul Gawande doesn't really need an introduction — but if PULSE CHECK were to provide one, it would highlight his work as a New Yorker writer, researcher, best-selling author, surgeon and founder of two non-profits. (Among other responsibilities.) Atul sat down with POLITICO's Dan Diamond to discuss how he manages his schedule (starts at the 2:05 mark), his book "Being Mortal" and how he thinks its lessons have resonated (5:50), his perspective on politics and public health (11:20), his early career as a Hill staffer and Clinton-era appointee at HHS (18:00), whether he'd ever take a job in D.C. again (26:00) and his writing process (28:00). Plus, stick around to hear Atul answer PULSE CHECK listener questions, which starts at the 40:20 mark. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com. Stories and book referenced on the podcast: Atul's 2015 book, "Being Mortal": <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JCW0BCY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&amp;btkr=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JCW0BCY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&amp;btkr=1</a> Atul's 2009 story, "The Cost Conundrum": <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2009/06/01/the-cost-conundrum" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2009/06/01/the-cost-conundrum</a> Atul's 2009 story, "Hellhole": <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2009/03/30/hellhole" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2009/03/30/hellhole</a>

Atul Gawande on Washington, writing and what really matters

Policy wonks are increasingly pessimistic about Affordable Care Act open enrollment this year, as sign-ups fall further behind last year's pace. What's next for health coverage — in 2018 and beyond? First, Noah Lang of Stride Health joins POLITICO's Dan Diamond to discuss Stride's new partnership with CMS to help workers for Uber, Etsy and other gig economy companies get covered. Then, POLITICO's Adam Cancryn and Alice Miranda Ollstein review the ACA sign-up slowdown, Democrats' tricky policy fight over Medicare for All and why the Supreme Court turned down a chance to weigh in on abortion. REFERENCED ON THE PODCAST Sign-ups on HealthCare.gov are about 10 percent behind last year's pace, according to CMS data released Wednesday. There are many possible culprits. Adam's story on progressives' looming dispute over Medicare for All. Alice's story on the Supreme Court rejecting petitions to hear cases involving Planned Parenthood.

Policy wonks are increasingly pessimistic about Affordable Care Act open enrollment this year, as sign-ups fall further behind last year's pace. What's next for health coverage — in 2018 and beyond? First, Noah Lang of Stride Health joins POLITICO's Dan Diamond to discuss Stride's new <a href="https://blog.stridehealth.com/post/stride-process-simplified-enhanced-direct-enrollment" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">partnership</a> with CMS to help workers for Uber, Etsy and other gig economy companies get covered. Then, POLITICO's Adam Cancryn and Alice Miranda Ollstein review the ACA sign-up slowdown, Democrats' tricky policy fight over Medicare for All and why the Supreme Court turned down a chance to weigh in on abortion. REFERENCED ON THE PODCAST Sign-ups on <a href="http://HealthCare.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HealthCare.gov</a> are about 10 percent behind last year's pace, according to CMS <a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/weekly-enrollment-snapshot-week-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">data</a> released Wednesday. There are <a href="https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-pulse/2018/12/07/why-has-aca-enrollment-plunged-446201" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">many</a> possible culprits. Adam's <a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2018/12/10/establishment-democrats-progressive-medicare-1052215" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">story</a> on progressives' looming dispute over Medicare for All. Alice's <a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2018/12/10/supreme-court-planned-parenthood-defunding-case-845056" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">story</a> on the Supreme Court rejecting petitions to hear cases involving Planned Parenthood.

HealthCare.Glum? The latest on the ACA

Adam Cancryn

Rachana Pradhan

HHS Secretary Alex Azar and CMS Administrator Seema Verma are the two most important health officials in the Humphrey building — but they've spent months disagreeing on policy, personnel and priorities. The longstanding cold war between them has heated up amid questions over Verma's use of outside public relations contractors.On this episode of "Pulse Check," POLITICO's Dan Diamond joins colleagues Adam Cancryn and Rachana Pradhan to discuss the team's recent reporting on the Azar-Verma relationship, what it means for the Trump administration's policies and where it's all headed.MENTIONED ON THE SHOWVerma's faced congressional inquiries and an inspector general probe following a POLITICO report that she directed millions of federal dollars toward PR communications contracts that benefited her personal brand.Azar and Verma's battles have affected big ideas — like the administration's plans to replace Obamacare — and smaller moments like who gets to announce new regulations, POLITICO reported last week.Azar also has clashed with the White House — and specifically Joe Grogan, the domestic policy council chief — over policy ideas.

HHS Secretary Alex Azar and CMS Administrator Seema Verma are the two most important health officials in the Humphrey building — but they've spent months disagreeing on policy, personnel and priorities. The longstanding cold war between them has heated up amid questions over Verma's use of outside public relations contractors.On this episode of "Pulse Check," POLITICO's Dan Diamond joins colleagues Adam Cancryn and Rachana Pradhan to discuss the team's recent reporting on the Azar-Verma relationship, what it means for the Trump administration's policies and where it's all headed.MENTIONED ON THE SHOWVerma's faced congressional inquiries and an inspector general probe following a <a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2019/03/29/seema-verma-contracts-1306652" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">POLITICO report</a> that she directed millions of federal dollars toward PR communications contracts that benefited her personal brand.Azar and Verma's battles <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2019/11/26/hhs-trump-azar-verma-074149" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">have affected</a> big ideas — like the administration's plans to replace Obamacare — and smaller moments like who gets to announce new regulations, POLITICO reported last week.Azar also has <a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2019/06/18/alex-azar-health-care-hhs-trump-cabinet-1538651" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">clashed with the White House</a> — and specifically Joe Grogan, the domestic policy council chief — over policy ideas.

Inside the fight shaking HHS, with Adam Cancryn and Rachana Pradhan

"All the great gains that we've made in this country, reducing smoking rates ... all of that will be reversed or lost if we can't address the youth use of e-cigarettes." FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb is planning a crackdown on sales of e-cigarettes — a story that broke on Thursday — and he sat down exclusively with POLITICO to talk about why the agency is making such a dramatic move. Gottlieb joined POLITICO's Dan Diamond to discuss his infamous "almonds don't lactate" comment and other nutrition news (starts at the 6:00 mark), explain his concerns about e-cigarettes and tease the FDA's pending crackdown (14:45), answer questions about the Trump administration's approach to science and vaccines (30:30), discuss FDA's new approach to approving opioids (35:30) and explain why the FDA's drug importation working group has been so low-profile (38:30). And stick around for the lightning round of questions about Gottlieb's job, which starts at 42:30. But first, POLITICO's Sarah Owermohle joins the podcast to put the e-cigarette news in context (starts at the 1:45 mark). MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST Gottlieb's infamous "an almond doesn't lactate" line at the POLITICO Pro summit. TV host Stephen Colbert touting "An Almond Doesn't Lacate" line of t-shirts. The FDA and Department of Agriculture's turf battle over lab-grown meat. Gottlieb's reported plan to crack down on sales of e-cigarettes. The fight over fetal tissue research inside HHS pitting "pro-life against pro-science." Concerns about President Trump's inaccurate comments about vaccines. FDA's formation of a working group to look at drug importation. Gottlieb's announcement of a new approach to opioid approvals.

"All the great gains that we've made in this country, reducing smoking rates ... all of that will be reversed or lost if we can't address the youth use of e-cigarettes." FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb is planning a crackdown on sales of e-cigarettes — a story that broke on Thursday — and he sat down exclusively with POLITICO to talk about why the agency is making such a dramatic move. Gottlieb joined POLITICO's Dan Diamond to discuss his infamous "almonds don't lactate" comment and other nutrition news (starts at the 6:00 mark), explain his concerns about e-cigarettes and tease the FDA's pending crackdown (14:45), answer questions about the Trump administration's approach to science and vaccines (30:30), discuss FDA's new approach to approving opioids (35:30) and explain why the FDA's drug importation working group has been so low-profile (38:30). And stick around for the lightning round of questions about Gottlieb's job, which starts at 42:30. But first, POLITICO's Sarah Owermohle joins the podcast to put the e-cigarette news in context (starts at the 1:45 mark). MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST Gottlieb's infamous "<a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2018/07/17/almond-lactate-nondairy-milk-scott-gottlieb-725974" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">an almond doesn't lactate</a>" line at the POLITICO Pro summit. TV host Stephen Colbert touting "<a href="https://twitter.com/colbertlateshow/status/1027402608451891200" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">An Almond Doesn't Lacate</a>" line of t-shirts. The FDA and Department of Agriculture's <a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2018/06/15/lab-grown-meat-feds-turf-battle-629774" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">turf battle</a> over lab-grown meat. Gottlieb's reported <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/fda-plans-to-impose-severe-restrictions-on-e-cigarettes/2018/11/08/91253cf2-e3a1-11e8-8f5f-a55347f48762_story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">plan</a> to crack down on sales of e-cigarettes. The fight over fetal tissue research inside HHS pitting "<a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2018/09/28/abortion-health-fetal-tissue-809829" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pro-life against pro-science</a>." <a href="https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2017.304111" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Concerns</a> about President Trump's inaccurate comments about vaccines. FDA's formation of a <a href="https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm613931.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">working group</a> to look at drug importation. Gottlieb's announcement of a <a href="https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm624968.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">new approach</a> to opioid approvals.

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb

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