In this season premiere of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc are joined by Dr. Wayne Winegarden, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Medical Economics and Innovation at the Pacific Research Institute, to discuss a new economic study revealing the true cost of influenza in America.

The study finds that influenza imposed a $29 billion economic burden during the 2023-24 season; $16 billion in direct medical costs and $13 billion in lost productivity. Using 14 seasons of CDC data, the research demonstrates that higher adult vaccination rates are significantly associated with lower hospitalizations and mortality, particularly among adults aged 50 and older.

The conversation explores why adult vaccination rates have declined, what drives the real economic impact of flu season, and why employers, especially small businesses, should view vaccination as a critical workplace investment. Dr. Popovian and Dr. Winegarden break down the data and discuss actionable solutions for healthcare systems, employers, and policymakers to close the gap between what we know works and what's actually happening.

To access the full study and white paper, click here.

Contact Our Hosts

Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: rpopovian@ghlf.org

Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, our hosts unpack the evolving conversation around drug pricing reform—focusing on a new proposal often referred to as “TrumpRx.” Drawing from Robert’s recent co-authored article The Promise of TrumpRx, they explore how direct-to-consumer purchasing, pricing transparency, and reforming the rebate-driven PBM system could reshape what patients actually pay at the pharmacy counter.

Robert breaks down how PBMs influence list prices, why rebate contracting misaligns incentives, and how deductibles and co-insurance calculations leave many patients, especially those with chronic illnesses, paying more than they should. The conversation also outlines four key policy changes that would be necessary for any TrumpRx-style model to meaningfully benefit patients, including allowing cash prices to count toward deductibles and extending transparency to both employers and consumers.

The conversation explores how upcoming policy shifts, including changes tied to the IRA, may influence drug affordability and how clearer pricing information could help patients make more informed decisions about their care.

You can read Robert’s full article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/promise-trumprx-robert-popovian-vskne/

To watch all the interviews we captured at ACR, visit: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf0iG26PiXMtANSCb4wklzYdqPueqUNdx&si=5TK2MbGJNcyGv9GC

You can find all Informed Immunity episodes here: https://ghlf.org/informed-immunity/

Contact Our Hosts

Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: rpopovian@ghlf.org

Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc unpack key findings from the recent Global Healthy Living Foundation’s national survey on access to COVID-19 oral antivirals.

As federal emergency support phases out, how are high-risk patients navigating access to these lifesaving treatments? Dr. Popovian highlights persistent knowledge gaps, reimbursement hurdles, and policy inconsistencies that continue to disrupt real-world uptake. From provider barriers to state-by-state disparities, he explores what’s standing in the way — and offers actionable solutions to help ensure these therapies reach the patients who need them most.

To access and download the full report (PDF) click here.

Contact Our Hosts

Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: rpopovian@ghlf.org

Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.