In this timely episode, The Health Advocates break down the recent Senate hearings for HHS nominee Robert Kennedy Jr.. They discuss the critical role of the HHS Secretary in shaping public health policy and managing key agencies like the FDA and CDC. The hearings exposed Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines, concerns over scientific integrity, and notable missteps in understanding health policies.

Tune in to hear what this means for patients and what happens next in the confirmation process.

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, our hosts break down the executive actions taken during the early days of President Trump's second administration. They discuss the wave of executive orders impacting health care, including changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), prescription drug pricing, and federal health agency communications. Our hosts also explore what these changes mean for patients and what to expect in the coming months.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:49: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, notes that 23 executive orders have been signed so far, with a significant number impacting health care policy

01:27: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, explains the difference between executive orders, general statements, and legislation, clarifying what executive orders can and cannot do in shaping policy

02:08: Steven defines executive orders, explaining that they carry the force of law but cannot override congressional legislation or violate the Constitution

03:54: Zoe discusses the rescinding of a Biden-era executive order aimed at lowering prescription drug costs, highlighting the uncertainty about future drug pricing policies

05:10: Zoe reassures that key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), such as the $35 insulin cap and Medicare drug price negotiations, remain in effect

06:20: Steven explains how Trump’s reversal of Biden-era Affordable Care Act (ACA)-related executive orders removes provisions that expanded eligibility, particularly for families

07:09: Zoe highlights that expanded ACA enrollment under Biden led to 24 million sign-ups, and that reversing these policies could impact future enrollment

08:38: Steven discusses the administration’s directive to pause external communications from federal health agencies, including the CDC, FDA, and NIH

09:06: Zoe explains that such pauses aren’t unprecedented during government transitions

10:21: Steven questions the rationale behind pausing all health-related communications rather than maintaining continuity while reassessing policies

11:47: Steven addresses the removal of federal guidance on diversity in clinical trials, which could impact efforts to ensure equitable research representation

12:41: Zoe highlights how removing diversity-focused resources could discourage participation from historically marginalized groups in medical research

13:18: Steven explains the importance of diversity in clinical trials beyond symbolism, emphasizing its role in ensuring effective treatments for all populations

14:04: Zoe notes that additional resources, such as Spanish-language content and LGBTQ+ health materials, have also been removed from federal websites

14:27: Steven signals that there are more major health care policy changes ahead, including the U.S. withdrawing from the World Health Organization

15:11: Zoe encourages listeners to get involved in advocacy efforts through GHLF’s 50-State Network

Join GHLF’s 50 State Network, share your story, and get involved in advocacy to make a difference, email us at advocacy@ghlf.org

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of searching for answers and enduring pain, veteran Joel Aguilar was finally diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. In this episode, he shares his long road to diagnosis, the challenges of navigating the health care system, and how he found life-changing treatment. Joel also discusses how fitness has become a crucial part of managing his condition and offers valuable advice for veterans seeking care through the VA system.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, self-advocacy, and taking control of your health.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:06: Joel shares how his symptoms began in his early 20s while serving in the Navy

01:21: Joel describes his long and frustrating diagnostic journey, including years of misdiagnoses, pain management attempts, and self-paid treatments

04:13: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, reacts to Joel’s story, emphasizing how important it is to receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment

05:18: Joel recalls the moment he was diagnosed within minutes by a rheumatologist and the immediate impact of starting treatment

06:15: Joel explains his initial hesitation to start injections and how he ultimately weighed the risks and benefits of treatment

06:58: Joel discusses the crucial role fitness plays in his psoriatic arthritis management, describing his rigorous workout routines

08:17: Zoe notes how counterintuitive exercise might seem for arthritis but explains why movement is essential for managing symptoms

10:02: Joel highlights how staying physically active has transformed his life and enabled him to do things he never thought possible

11:16: Joel shares how he discovered he was eligible for full VA health care benefits and how that drastically improved his access to care

12:46: Joel details the VA’s Community Care program, which allows veterans to access private health care providers if VA facilities are too far or have long wait times

13:53: Zoe encourages listeners to explore their VA benefits, noting how perceptions of long wait times might not reflect the current state of VA health care services

15:01: Joel advises other veterans and chronic illness patients not to give up in their search for a diagnosis and proper care

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.