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.

As we transition into a new administration, our hosts reflect on President Biden’s legacy in healthcare policy, focusing on three major areas that impacted patients: the COVID-19 response, the opioid crisis, and the Inflation Reduction Act. They discuss key achievements such as vaccine rollouts, reduced overdose deaths, and efforts to lower prescription drug costs, while also examining ongoing challenges and concerns. With the health policy landscape set to shift in 2025, this episode breaks down what patients need to know and how to stay engaged in advocacy for better care.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:40: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, outlines three key areas where the Biden administration made a significant impact in health care: COVID-19 response, the opioid crisis, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

01:28: Steven highlights the Biden administration’s mass vaccination campaign, which saved an estimated 3.2 million American lives, according to the Commonwealth Fund

01:49: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, gives credit to Operation Warp Speed under Trump for fast-tracking vaccine development but emphasizes that the bulk of vaccinations happened under Biden

02:43: Zoe reflects on how the pandemic's threat level has changed, largely due to vaccines and continued booster developments

02:58: Steven shifts the discussion to the opioid crisis, explaining that overdose deaths were rising at 31% per year when Biden took office

03:35: Steven discusses how the administration's overdose prevention efforts led to a 14.5% decrease in overdose deaths — the largest reduction in U.S. history

04:17: Zoe explains how removing barriers to Naloxone access reduces response time during an overdose emergency

04:50: Steven discusses how Biden removed an outdated waiver requirement that expanded opioid treatment access by 15 times

06:11: Steven shifts focus to the IRA, explaining that it was one of Biden’s most significant health care policies

06:27: Zoe highlights a major win: capping Medicare Part D out-of-pocket prescription costs at $2,000 per year, down from $3,500

07:29: Steven explains why this is life-changing for seniors and people with disabilities, as many rely on multiple expensive medications

08:48: Zoe discusses the $35 monthly cap on insulin prices for Medicare patients, ensuring those with diabetes have affordable access to life-saving medication

09:11: Steven explains the potential downside of IRA’s Medicare drug price negotiations, which could reduce incentives for drug companies to develop new treatments

10:32: Zoe reminds listeners that with the upcoming presidential transition, health policies could change significantly, and GHLF will continue advocating for patient needs

11:01: Steven encourages listeners to join GHLF’s 50-State Network, stay informed, and share their stories to help shape health policies.

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.

In this season premiere of The Health Advocates, our hosts welcome Nitika Chopra, the Founder and CEO of Chronicon. Nitika shares her personal journey of living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and how her experiences inspired her to create Chronicon, a platform and community aimed at empowering people living with chronic illnesses. Together, they discuss the importance of amplifying marginalized voices, making accessibility a priority, and building a supportive network for those with chronic conditions.

Tune in to hear Nitika’s inspiring story and her vision for fostering change and connection in 2025.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:40: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, introduces Nitika Chopra, highlighting her journey with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and her work as the founder of Chronicon

01:30: Nitika shares her background, her experience of living with chronic illness for over 30 years and her motivation for starting Chronicon

02:04: Nitika recounts her diagnosis journey, starting with psoriasis at age 10 and later psoriatic arthritis at 19, and how growing up without a community left her feeling isolated

03:53: Nitika shares a memory of her first connection with another chronic illness patient — her grandmother, who had myasthenia gravis — and how their experiences differed but inspired her advocacy

05:32: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, asks Nitika to elaborate on the evolution of Chronicon, from an in-person conference in 2019 to an online community and event tours post-pandemic

08:16: Nitika shares a rewarding moment from her journey — the overwhelming response to Chronicon’s first conference and the connections it fostered among attendees

10:47: Nitika shares the inspiration behind Chronicon, crediting a transformative experience at another conference that sparked the idea of creating an inclusive and empowering space for those with chronic illness

13:46: Nitika discusses the importance of uplifting marginalized voices in the chronic illness community and her commitment to ensuring diversity in every panel at Chronicon events

16:19: Nitika highlights where listeners can follow Chronicon on Instagram (@chroniconofficial) and stay updated on upcoming events, including her 2025 spring and fall tours

16:41: Zoe and Steven emphasize the importance of making accessibility and inclusivity integral parts of advocacy efforts

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 special season finale of The Health Advocates, our hosts look back on a year of legislative wins, advocacy milestones, and patient-driven successes in 2024. From step therapy reforms to copay accumulator bans, they highlight progress at both state and federal levels. Steven and Zoe also share their advocacy priorities for 2025, including the Safe Step Act, Help Copays Act, and continued vaccine advocacy. Join us as we celebrate the power of patient stories, look ahead to a critical year in health policy, and thank the advocates who made this progress possible.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:37: Our hosts kick off the final episode of 2024 by thanking listeners and celebrating this year’s achievements in advocacy and health policy

01:20: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, highlights legislative victories: Oregon, Vermont, and Puerto Rico passed laws banning copay accumulator adjusters, while the Help Copays Act gains momentum federally

02:33: Our hosts discuss step therapy reforms, with Illinois, Vermont, and Wyoming joining 25 other states in passing protections. Steven shares progress on the Safe Step Act at the federal level

03:00: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, explains the importance of non-medical switching reforms, with Iowa achieving key wins alongside advances in biomarker testing legislation in several states

03:33: Steven introduces the work on Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDABs), where GHLF actively engaged in Colorado, Oregon, and Maryland to amplify patient voices

05:31: Zoe and Steven outlines priorities for 2025 at the state level, including copay accumulator bans, Share the Savings initiatives in New York, and continued focus on vaccines and drug affordability

If you want to get involved with any of the issues mentioned above email us at advocacy@ghlf.org

To learn more about the 50-State Network’s Advocating for Vaccines Training, visit: https://ghlf.org/vaccine-training-page/

06:40: Our hosts set the stage for federal advocacy in 2025, emphasizing key legislation like the Safe Step Act, Help Copays Act, and Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA)

08:12: Steven and Zoe reflect on the potential impacts of the Trump administration, including key nominations like RFK Jr. for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Dr. Oz for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

11:10: Our hosts discuss the complexities of the U.S. health care system, the burden on chronic disease patients, and the role of advocacy in improving access and affordability

15:16: Steven explains the importance of balancing public and private health care options to ensure fairness and equity for all patients

16:53: Zoe wraps up with a call to action for 2025

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

17:47: Steven and Zoe exchange heartfelt reflections on the season, expressing gratitude to listeners and excitement for what’s to come in 2025

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.

This Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week we’re joined by Keyla Caba, who lives with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and is the Founder of the nonprofit Connecting Pieces. Keyla shares her patient journey, talks about the common misconceptions people have about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and why awareness and community is important.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:58: Keyla shares about her journey of living with IBD for over 12 years, her delayed diagnosis, and her experience as a caregiver to her child with ulcerative colitis

02:32: Keyla explains the challenges of living with an invisible illness and the importance of raising awareness for IBD

03:35: Keyla reflects on the progress in IBD treatments and the vital need for increased visibility and resources for patients

05:09: Keyla describes her early days as a newly diagnosed patient, highlighting the importance of tracking symptoms, finding community support, and effective communication with health care providers

06:11: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, asks Keyla about common misconceptions regarding Crohn’s disease and ostomies, sparking a discussion about stigma and myths

07:39: Keyla describes what a good day looks like versus a bad day, emphasizing her gratitude for even small victories

09:33: Keyla dives into how her relationship with food has evolved, including the challenges of managing an ostomy and adapting her diet through trial and error

11:45: Keyla discusses how she stays positive during flare-ups and the role of self-care, journaling, and social media in managing her mental health

13:16: Keyla shares how her personal experiences led her to advocate for better health care access and improved insurance policies for IBD patients

14:46: Keyla details her advocacy work, including lobbying legislators to improve insurance coverage for ostomy supplies and raising awareness through state and federal initiatives

17:17: Keyla introduces her nonprofit, Connecting Pieces, and its services, including free ostomy supplies and virtual support programs for patients and caregivers. To learn more about Connecting Pieces, visit: https://www.connectingpcs.org/

18:11: Keyla’s message of hope encourages listeners to reach out to the IBD community and embrace available support

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 year’s Thanksgiving special of The Health Advocates, Steven and Zoe delve into an important topic — weight bias — and how it impacts the chronic illness community. They explore the misconceptions surrounding weight and health, share strategies for fostering compassionate care, and encourage listeners to use the holiday as an opportunity to educate and advocate with loved ones. Join them for an inspiring conversation filled with practical advice, personal reflections, and gratitude for the patient advocacy community.

Among the highlights in this episode:

03:17: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, highlights the importance of policy advocacy, mentioning federal legislation like TROA (Treat and Reduce Obesity Act), and how GHLF’s 50-State Network supports such initiatives

Join GHLF’s advocacy efforts and sign up for the 50-State Network to get involved

More information via this link: https://www.50statenetwork.org/become-a-50-state-network-advocate/

04:03: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, explains how tackling weight bias can create a supportive environment, enabling people to pursue health without fear of stigma

04:21: Zoe points to research showing that unbiased, compassionate care leads to better health outcomes for patients

05:17: Steven and Zoe share their Thanksgiving traditions, from watching the Macy’s parade to relaxing with family and reflecting on the year

06:21: Zoe reminds listeners to be thankful for their own resilience and growth over the past year, encouraging them to rest and recharge

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.