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

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.

Health insurance veteran Mike Smith says ACA gains at risk as subsidies expire and costs climb

In a wide-ranging discussion on the Health Policy Podcast, Mike Smith, President Emeritus at The Brokerage Inc., outlines how the Affordable Care Act expanded coverage to millions of previously uninsured Americans but failed to deliver on long-term affordability. Smith explains that while subsidies helped drive enrollment and improve access to care, rising base premiums and the expiration of enhanced tax credits in late 2025 have led many consumers to drop coverage. He describes a market now marked by instability, limited private-sector solutions, and growing reliance on government funding, warning that current trends could push the U.S. closer to a national healthcare system if sustainable reforms are not found