Episode 15: Sayeh Nikpay – From Safety Net to Profit Center: The Complicated Truth About the 340B Program

Episode 15: Sayeh Nikpay – From Safety Net to Profit Center: The Complicated Truth About the 340B Program

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.

Episode 14: Rena Conti, Marta Wosinska, and Doug Holtz-Eakin – TrumpRx, Medicaid Cuts, and the Future of Drug Pricing

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.

Episode 13: Kenny White – The Complexities of the US Health Insurance Industry

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.

Episode 12: 2025 Year in Review – Health Policy Highlights and What's Ahead in 2026

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.

Episode 11: CHES 2025 Roundtable – The Health Data Wish List: What Economists Need to Fix US Health Policy

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.