Dark money is writing your health care laws

Patients are being cut off from medications they need, doctors are afraid to prescribe, and the reason traces back to political donations most Americans never see. Richard A. Lawhern, health care educator and patient advocate, joins us to explain how lobbying money shapes health care legislation and what patients can do about it. This episode is based on his article "Health care lobbying is destroying the U.S. system," published on KevinMD. You will hear why $4.5 billion was spent influencing the 2024 election, how undisclosed donors block reforms like single payer, and why nearly a quarter of every health care dollar goes to administrative costs that do nothing for patients. Richard explains how the National Campaign to Protect People in Pain trains advocates to reach committee staffers and shift the political calculus. Press play to hear how the system actually works and where ordinary advocates can apply pressure. True team-based care starts with you. At ChenMed, we believe the best way to care for patients is to change the way we practice medicine. When you join our team, you are empowered to lead. We've moved beyond the traditional volume-heavy model to focus on true value-based care. Our model gives you the time and resources to manage complex cases and make a lasting impact on your community. Whether you are applying for a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, or medical director position, you will feel supported by a physician-led culture that understands your challenges. Your dedication doesn't go unnoticed here. You'll be rewarded with a career that offers both professional fulfillment and a better quality of life. Visit ChenMed.com/physicians-KevinMD to learn more. VISIT SPONSOR → https://ChenMed.com/physicians-KevinMD Partner with me on the KevinMD platform. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Let's work together to tell your story. PARTNER WITH KEVINMD → https://kevinmd.com/influencer SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended