Health Policy Podcast

Layla Bou Harfouch: The Risks of Mandatory Interventions in Child Welfare

Drug policy analyst Layal Bou Harfouch discusses the unintended consequences of New Mexico's SB 42, which allows the state to mandate treatment or remove newborns based on substance exposure. She explores how centralized, one-size-fits-all mandates bypass clinical assessments and create dangerous disincentives for mothers seeking prenatal care.

Dr. Gail C. Christopher: Closing the Gap in Black Maternal Health

Dr. Gail C. Christopher, Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity, discusses the "Momnibus" Act and the multi-decade effort to eliminate racial disparities in maternal health. She shares promising policy shifts, including the expansion of Medicaid coverage for doula services and the bipartisan momentum behind comprehensive birth equity.

National Taxpayers Union's Pete Sepp: Why Medical Bills are High, Unpredictable, and Opaque

Pete Sepp, President of the National Taxpayers Union, joins the show to discuss why healthcare costs remain high, unpredictable, and opaque. Sepp breaks down the perverse incentives across the industry—from site-neutrality issues and "pay and chase" government models to the bureaucratic overhead that consumes up to 30% of expenditures.

Mental Health Reform Advocate Ellen Lubensky: "Ask Questions" on Psychiatric Medications and Informed Consent

On the Health Policy Podcast, attorney and mental health reform advocate Ellen Lubensky discusses her concerns about the use of psychiatric medications and the lack of informed consent in mental health care. Drawing from personal experience, she argues that patients are often prescribed medications during brief appointments without a full understanding of potential risks, including dependency and withdrawal effects. Lubensky calls for greater transparency from physicians, longer consultation times, and systemic changes in funding that would prioritize therapy and patient education before medication. She also highlights barriers within insurance and disability systems that may discourage alternative treatments. Her core message to listeners is to advocate for themselves, ask questions, and seek providers who take the time to explain treatment options thoroughly.

Sleep as Policy: Amy Sapola on Why Teen Sleep Deprivation Is a National Health Crisis

In this episode of the Health Policy Podcast, clinical pharmacist and MAHA Report contributor Amy Sapola discusses the growing recognition of sleep deprivation among adolescents as a structural public health issue. She explains how early school start times conflict with teenage circadian rhythms, contributing to widespread sleep deficits that impact academic performance, mental health, immune function, and even traffic safety. Sapola outlines research showing that modest delays in school start times can significantly improve outcomes, while also addressing the downstream effects of poor sleep, including increased reliance on caffeine and energy drinks. The conversation explores the balance between policy solutions and personal responsibility, highlighting practical steps families can take around screen use, nutrition, and activity. Sapola argues that sleep should be treated as a foundational pillar of health policy, with growing attention at the national level through initiatives like the MAHA Commission.