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This week on the FLATLINING Podcast, Ron and Matthew discuss several healthcare news items from California, including Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to sever the state’s ties with Walgreens ($WBA ), California branded generic insulin, the court cases surrounding the COVID-19 misinformation law, and Sutter Health’s full residency program. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, TuneIn, and Audible. Articles mentioned in this program: California to end Walgreens contract after abortion dispute - The Associated Press California picks generic drug company Civica to produce low-cost insulin - The Daily Democrat California's COVID misinformation law is entangled in lawsuits, conflicting rulings - Desert Sun Sutter Health Welcomes Record Number of Residents for Upcoming Year - Global Newswire Sutter fills 100% of residency openings in record match year - Becker’s Hospital Review This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

This week on the FLATLINING Podcast, Matthew and Ron discuss the new weight loss drug by Novo Nordisk ($NVO ) called Wegovy and how it and similar drugs could change America’s public health. Plus, they talk about why insurance companies aren’t covering it and how and when that could change. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, TuneIn, and Audible. Articles mentioned in this program: Ozempic Can Cause Major Weight Loss. What Happens if You Stop Taking It? - The New York Times What to Know About Ozempic, Wegovy and the New Weight-Loss Market - CNET Covering new weight loss drugs could strain Medicare, policy experts warn - STAT News This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

This week on the FLATLINING Podcast, Matthew and Ron briefly discuss the closures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. What do the closures say about the rest of the economy? Then they talk about the deal reached in North Carolina to expand Medicaid and reform the Certificate of Need laws. How soon can a group open an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) or operate and MRI machine? Will this help bring down costs for patients? Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, TuneIn, and Audible. Articles mentioned in this program: How to get an MRI - Dr. Glaucomflecken via YouTube Bank run scene from It’s a Wonderful Life - YouTube NC House and Senate Republicans reach milestone Medicaid expansion deal, but Democratic governor questions the timeline - NC Health News This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

In this episode of the FLATLINING Podcast, Matthew and Ron discuss two news items. First, they talk about new data that shows more physicians died during the COVID-19 pandemic than previously expected, fueling the already-created physician shortage. What happens if there aren’t enough physicians? Then, they discuss a new bill in the state of Indiana that claims to help regulate some of the state’s largest hospital systems. Ron explains why this proposal is a bad idea. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, TuneIn, and Audible. Articles mentioned in this program: Hundreds more physicians died than expected amid pandemic - Becker’s Hospital Review Michael Hicks: HB1004 would restrict hospital monopolies - Daily Journal HOUSE BILL No. 1004 - Indiana State Legislature This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

This week, Matthew and Ron continue their discussion on the different ideas for reforming healthcare. In this episode, they focus on some of Senator Bernie Sanders’ priorities as the new chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee in the United States Senate and different proposals to save Medicare from becoming insolvent. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, TuneIn, and Audible. Articles mentioned in this program: ‘We Ain’t Gonna Get It’: Why Bernie Sanders Says His ‘Medicare for All’ Dream Must Wait - Kaiser Health News Yes, Social Security and Medicare still need to be reformed — and soon - Editorial Board at The Washington Post This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

On the FLATLINING Podcast this week, Matthew and Ron begin a short series explaining the different proposals floating around in this Congress to “fix” or reform healthcare. In this episode, they discuss some of the contents of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s Commitment to America and why some states are attempting to pass a public option. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, TuneIn, and Audible. Articles mentioned in this program: The future of health care reform is now - Michael Burgess and Eric Hargan in The Hill States are turning to the public healthcare option. They shouldn't - Sally Pipes in The Washington Examiner This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

This week, Judge Jeremy Kernodle ruled against the Department of Health and Human Services (again) in a lawsuit surrounding the No Surprises Act. The Texas Medical Association and others were plaintiffs in the case and had previously taken the Biden Administration to court over HHS’ creation of the Interim Final Rule. Last year, Judge Kernodle ruled that HHS had not followed proper procedure and effectively tried to re-write the No Surprises Act with their Interim Final Rule. In August 2022, HHS issued a new Final Rule that the Texas Medical Association alleged had the same intent and effect as the original Interim Final Rule. Judge Kernodle agreed. Matthew and Ron break down the lawsuits and explain why this ruling is a win for doctors and providers. Let Matthew and Ron know what you think about the No Surprises Act. Email them at flatlining@substack.com, tweet Matthew (@radioHandley) or Ron (@RonHowrigon), or leave a comment on this post. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, TuneIn, and Audible. Articles mentioned in this program: BREAKING: Providers win in new Texas Medical Association ruling - Ron Howirgon via FLATLINING.net Judge rules on No Surprises Act - Matthew Handley via FLATLINING.net This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

On this FLATLINING Podcast Short, Matthew takes a look back at an episode Ron did in 2020 about then-candidate Joe Biden’s healthcare platform. He focused his healthcare policy on a few things: lowering the Medicare age, adding a public option, drug reform, and surprise billing. Matthew takes a look at how well President Biden has stuck to those campaign platforms ahead of the State of the Union and at the halfway point of President Biden’s first term in office. Let Matthew and Ron know what you think about these policy platforms and how well you think President Biden has done in this regard. Email them at flatlining@substack.com, tweet Matthew (@radioHandley) or Ron (@RonHowrigon), or leave a comment on this post. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, TuneIn, and Audible. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

Last week, the US hit the debt ceiling and now Democrats and Republicans are pointing fingers and arguing about what might happen next. The debt ceiling affects the US government’s ability to pay its bills; one of those big bills is Medicare. So, what happens next? Should providers expect to get paid for Medicare services? What about Medicare Advantage reimbursement? Matthew and Ron break it down for you. Plus: A look back at a ballot initiative mandating nurse proportions in Massachusetts, a bill to end the COVID-19 public health emergency, and American views on the healthcare system. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, TuneIn, and Audible. Articles mentioned in this program: Manchin says it’s a ‘mistake’ for White House to want Democrats to address debt ceiling without GOP - CNN Biden's new tax hammer - Axios What you need to know about Massachusetts ballot Question 1 - Boston.com More nurses: The smart way to save lives, money — and nurses - STAT Guthrie Introduces Bill to End the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency - Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY 2) Americans Sour on U.S. Healthcare Quality - Gallup This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

Have these podcasts delivered to your email inbox each week by subscribing. This week on the FLATLINING Podcast, Ron and Matthew discuss the 2023 Medicare fee schedule. Congress, in the omnibus spending bill last year, averted a 4.5% cut by giving providers a 2.4% increase thus bringing the total cut to 2.1%. (-4.5+2.4=2.1). Ron explains how the math is done and what Medicare looks like for 2024. In UnitedHealth Group’s 2022 financial report ($UNH ), it was disclosed that their pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), Optum, earned more profit than their insurance division, UnitedHealthcare. Ron and Matthew discuss how PBMs make their money and what Congress might do about it in 2023. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, TuneIn, and Audible. Articles mentioned in this program: Omnibus bill halts PAYGO cuts to providers - Healthcare Finance The PBM defense playbook - Axios 🔒 UnitedHealth Group's 2022 Earnings are in, PBM Optum outperforms health insurance division - Wendell Potter via Wendell Potter NOW This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

This week on the FLATLINING Podcast, Ron and Matthew spend the whole show breaking down the saga of Dale Folwell and the North Carolina State Health Plan. Since 2019, State Treasurer Folwell has sought to see and set the provider reimbursement rates for the self-funded health plan for state employees. The plan uses the BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina network. Last week, Treasurer Folwell announced the state health plan would be switching to Aetna. Ron and Matthew break down: * Where this battle began * Why Folwell has a bone to pick with BCBS NC * What the change to Aetna (if it happens) will mean for providers Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, TuneIn, and Audible. Articles mentioned in this program: Aetna picked to operate North Carolina employee health plan - ABC11 (WTVD-TV Raleigh) Rep. Jason Smith Picked to Lead House Ways and Means Committee - The Wall Street Journal 🔒 Congress must listen to working families and overhaul healthcare, minimum wage and education - Sen. Bernie Sanders via The Guardian This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

This week on the FLATLINING Podcast, Matthew and Ron take on the money-related topics of medical debt and orphan drugs. Who does medical debt hurt more: patients or providers? Is Medicare for All or single payor healthcare the solution to medical debt? Drug companies make billions on orphan drugs, meant for a small number of people with very serious illnesses. Is this ethical? What was the purpose of the Orphan Drug Act? How can the drug market be reformed? Ron and Matthew take on all of these topics on this week’s episode of the FLATLINING Podcast. Happy new year everyone! Join the conversation in our chat! Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, and Audible. The FLATLINING Podcast is now available on TuneIn! Articles mentioned in this program: Hundreds of Hospitals Sue Patients or Threaten Their Credit, a KHN Investigation Finds. Does Yours? - Kaiser Health News Life-saving treatments, blockbuster profits - WORLD Magazine Nonprofit healthcare will likely take years to recover, S&P says - Becker’s Hospital Review This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

As we wrap up our best of 2022 programs, we want to thank you again for listening to the FLATLINING Podcast this year. Please remember to like and share it so that more people can find it and we can grow this podcast into something spectacular! If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, be sure to give us five stars! Our second most listened to segment of 2022 was our first episode where Ron and I discussed healthcare economics. Economics has an important role to play in how healthcare is done in the United States and ought to play an important role in how it is reformed. Finally, our most listened to segment of the year was our discussion on Bright Health Group ($BHG ) . How does an insurance company go out of business? And what does that mean for patients and providers? Thanks again for listening to the FLATLINING Podcast and we’ll see you in the new year! Let us know what you think in the comments below, email us at flatlining@substack.com, or tweet Matthew or Ron. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, and Audible. The FLATLINING Podcast is now available on TuneIn! Articles mentioned in this program: Healthcare and the Economy - Ron Howrigon in FLATLINING Cost and Risk - Ron Howrigon in FLATLINING “If only we….” - Ron Howrigon in FLATLINING The End of the Beginning - Ron Howrigon in FLATLINING Bright exits ACA health insurance marketplaces to stay afloat - STAT This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

This week on the FLATLINING Podcast, we begin our retrospective on the most listened-to segments from the year. This episode features our bonus episode on Dr. Joseph Mercola and our discussion on healthcare being a “fact-free zone.” Thank you for your listenership throughout this first year of the FLATLINING Podcast. We are very excited for what Year Two will bring and we’ll have more details after the first of the year. Be sure to share this podcast with your friends and colleagues so they too can become interested in the things that matter most to physicians and healthcare professionals. Let us know what you think in the comments below, email us at flatlining@substack.com, or tweet Matthew or Ron. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, and Audible. The FLATLINING Podcast is now available on TuneIn! Articles mentioned in this program: How the FDA and CDC Are Hiding COVID Jab Dangers - Dr. Joseph Mercola via The Epoch Times In campaign 2022, Healthcare voters will matter more - Paul Keckley, PhD This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

This week on the podcast, Ron and Matthew take an in-depth look at the proposed cuts to Medicare reimbursement in 2023. How will it affect physician practices? How will it affect patients? Can it be avoided? Is this the end of Medicare as we know it? All of that on this special episode of the FLATLINING Podcast. Let us know what you think in the comments below, email us at flatlining@substack.com, or tweet Matthew or Ron. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, and Audible. The FLATLINING Podcast is now available on TuneIn! Articles mentioned in this episode: Put a stop to “Groundhog Day” games on Medicare physician pay - The American Medical Association If you think health care is dysfunctional now, just wait until after January 1 - STAT Medical societies unite in opposition to pending Medicare cuts - The American Medical Association This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

On this edition of the FLATLINING Podcast, Matthew and Ron discuss three analysis pieces about the future of healthcare. They take a look at whether the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) needs to be reformed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, if America is on a slippery slope towards socialized medicine, and whether the direct primary care model works. Let us know what you think in the comments below, email us at flatlining@substack.com, or tweet Matthew or Ron. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, and Audible. The FLATLINING Podcast is now available on Stitcher and Pandora! Follow Matthew (@radioHandley) and Ron (@RonHowrigon) on Twitter. Articles mentioned in this episode: Reform the CDC—Before Another Pandemic Hits - Carl J. Schramm in the City Journal America’s March Toward Socialized Medicine Puts Freedom in the Crosshairs - Jack Kalavritinos and Ryan Ellis in RealClear Policy Health Care Simple as Streaming - Chad Savage, M.D. in RealClear Health Vaccine hesitancy prospectively predicts nocebo side-effects following COVID-19 vaccination - Nature This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

This week on the FLATLINING Podcast, Matthew and Ron discuss some healthcare money news. The State of New York now has a law that prohibits home liens and wage garnishing to recoup medical debt. What does that mean for providers and hospitals? And some conservatives are frustrated about $55 million being spent to reduce smoking. Ron thinks this is actually a good investment and will explain why. Matthew and Ron also take a look at some updates to previous stories they broke down on the FLATLINING Podcast including new numbers about cyber attacks in healthcare and more hospitals charging for MyChart messages. You don’t want to miss this episode of the FLATLINING Podcast. Let us know what you think in the comments below, email us at flatlining@substack.com, or tweet Matthew or Ron. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, and Audible. The FLATLINING Podcast is now available on Stitcher and Pandora! Follow Matthew (@radioHandley) and Ron (@RonHowrigon) on Twitter. Articles mentioned in this episode: More health systems charging for MyChart messages - Becker’s Hospital Review Healthcare Data Breaches Doubled in 3 Years: Here's Why - Bank Info Security Notice of Privacy Incident - Legacy Health Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Protect Patients with Medical Debt - NY.govCDC to Spend $55M on More Tobacco Research - RealClear Policy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

Former Cigna ($CI ) executive Wendell Potter and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL09) wrote in NEWSWEEK that Medicare Advantage plans scam seniors. Ron and Matthew discuss this and you may be surprised by the answer. Plus, what does a divided government mean for healthcare policy? Is there any bipartisan thing that can get done? Also, you won’t want to miss the discussion on the 340B program and how hospitals rake in profits. Let us know what you think in the comments below, email us at flatlining@substack.com, or tweet Matthew or Ron. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, and Audible. The FLATLINING Podcast is now available on Stitcher and Pandora! Follow Matthew (@radioHandley) and Ron (@RonHowrigon) on Twitter. Articles mentioned in this program: NEW STUDY: 340B Providers Reap Big Profits, Should Be Reformed to Ensure At-Risk Patients Receive Affordable Care - Pacific Research Institute What might the new Congress do on healthcare? - Sally Pipes via the Washington Examiner What Divided Government Means for Healthcare - Eric D. Hargan via RealClear Policy Republicans can stand up for patients by lowering out-of-pocket costs - Brian McNicoll via The Washington Times Three Medical Policies that Need Immediate Changing - Pierre Kory via the Brownstone Institute How Medicare Advantage Scams Seniors - Wendell Potter and Rep. Jan Schakowsky via NEWSWEEK CMS to restrict Medicare Advantage TV ads amid high complaints - Fierce Healthcare The cities with the least competitive Medicare Advantage markets - Becker’s Payer Issues This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

In this bonus episode, Matthew and Ron discuss the internet-famous Dr. Joseph Mercola and a recent article of his in the Epoch Times. In this article, he claims the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are covering up data about the COVID-19 vaccines. He’s cried wolf before about things as crazy as bed springs, so is there any veracity to his claims now? Let us know what you think in the comments below, email us at flatlining@substack.com, or tweet Matthew or Ron. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, and Audible. The FLATLINING Podcast is now available on Stitcher and Pandora! Follow Matthew (@radioHandley) and Ron (@RonHowrigon) on Twitter. Articles mentioned in this episode: How the FDA and CDC Are Hiding COVID Jab Dangers - Dr. Joseph Mercola via The Epoch Times This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net

This week, Matthew and Ron talk share their analysis on the 2022 midterms and what it means for healthcare. Will Medicare reimbursement be cut in 2023? Then they discuss Amazon.com’s ($AMZN ) new Amazon Clinic; it is their answer to telehealth. Plus, the Cleveland Clinic is going to start charging for MyChart messages. Let us know what you think in the comments below, email us at flatlining@substack.com, or tweet Matthew or Ron. Subscribe to the FLATLINING Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, and Audible. The FLATLINING Podcast is now available on Stitcher and Pandora! Follow Matthew (@radioHandley) and Ron (@RonHowrigon) on Twitter. Articles mentioned in this program: Cleveland Clinic to bill up to $50 for MyChart messages - Becker’s Health IT Amazon Clinic makes debut: 6 things to know - Becker’s Hospital Review Medicare Plan Finder Likely Won’t Note New $35 Cap on Out-of-Pocket Insulin Costs - Kaiser Health News This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net