S5, Ep 1- New Findings Unveiled: The Economic Path to Increased Vaccination
In this episode of Healthcare Matters, our hosts dive into the impact of pharmacy reimbursement on vaccination rates with guest Vibhu Tewary, researcher and Project Director at IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science. Through discussing a recent study, they reveal how a modest increase in reimburse…
S4, Ep 10- PBM Practices Uncovered: A Closer Look at Drug Pricing
Dr. Robert Popovian and Conner Mertens dive into the problematic practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) that prioritize profits over patient access to affordable medications. Focusing on the case of a generic asthma medication offered at a discount yet overlooked by PBMs, the hosts explore t…
S4, Ep 9- Pandemic Economics: How Vaccines Changed the Game
Join our hosts as they explore the substantial impact of COVID-19 vaccines. They discuss a groundbreaking study by the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) revealing how rapid vaccine development and distribution saved millions of lives and prevented hospitalizations, leading to a significant $500 bi…
S4, Ep 8- Beyond the Formulary: Uncovering the Hidden Impact of Drug Exclusions
Dr. Robert Popovian and Conner Mertens, along with guest Catherine Hicks, a patient diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis as a child, dive into the complex world of formulary exclusions. They discuss how these exclusions impact patient care and the hidden consequences they bring, including h…
S4, Ep 7- Prescription for Uncertainty: Navigating the Maze of Drug Shortages
Our hosts delve into the complex and concerning rise in drug shortages affecting patients in the U.S. and around the world. They explore the intricate economics driving the scarcity of essential medicines, from the impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act to the raw material supply disruptions tied t…
S4, Ep 6- Unpacking the Inflation Reduction Act: Hope and Hurdle for Patients
In this episode of Healthcare Matters, join our hosts as they dive into the intricacies of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). While the act has brought about significant benefits like the annual cap on out-of-pocket costs, zeroing out costs for vaccines, and the insulin cap, it's not without its ch…
S4, Ep 5- A Patient’s Journey: Navigating Vaccine Accessibility Challenges
In this week’s episode of Healthcare Matters, co-hosts Dr. Robert Popovian and Conner Mertens are joined by special guest, Dr. Shilpa Venkatachalam, Director of Patient-Centered Research Operations and Ethical Oversight at GHLF. Dr. Venkatachalam’s personal story sheds light on the systemic barrie…
S4, Ep 4- Healthcare Deception: Exposing Copay Accumulator and Maximizer Schemes
In this episode of "Healthcare Matters," join hosts Dr. Robert Popovian and Conner Mertens as they unravel the shady practice known as “copay accumulator adjustors.” Joined by JP Summers, a patient advocate and chronic disease patient herself, they’ll shed light on this practice employed by pharmac…
S4, Ep 3- Decoding Hospital Price Transparency: A Path Toward Patient Empowerment and Consumerism in Health Care
Join our hosts as they tackle the critical issue of hospital price transparency in the U.S. health care system. Their guest, David Balat, founder of the Healthcare Finance Specialists and an expert in health care finance, sheds light on the impact of hidden costs and the benefits of empowering pati…
S4, Ep 2- Voices on the Ground: Bringing the Patient Perspective to State Level Health Care Policy
At the Global Healthy Living Foundation, we know the value of grassroots advocacy. Tune in to this week's episode to hear how trained patient-advocates proactively connect with local, state, and federal health policy stakeholders to share their perspectives and influence change. This week features …