S8, Ep 11- The Price of Politics: Healthcare Impacts of Tariffs, Budget Cuts, and Misinformation

In this episode, Steven breaks down a tumultuous week in public health and healthcare policy — from a growing trade war with China and its potential impact on medical imports, to the elimination of a vital pain research office at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He also unpacks the mixed messaging from HHS Secretary RFK Jr. on vaccines, including unchecked claims about measles treatments. Tune in for a timely and important public health update. Among the highlights in this episode: 00:57: Steven unpacks the wave of new tariffs, and how they might impact healthcare costs and access 04:14: Steven explains the implications for patients if pharmaceutical products and medical devices face future tariffs 06:45: Steven discusses the shutdown of the NIH’s Office of Pain Policy and Planning, and how it could stall research and support for people living with chronic pain 08:23: Steven addresses RFK Jr.'s shifting statements on vaccines in response to a second measles-related death in Texas 09:12: Steven raises concern over RFK Jr.’s promotion of unproven treatments for measles, including cod liver oil and vitamin A 10:25: Steven explains why these alternative therapies can be harmful and misleading, especially when used instead of scientifically validated treatments 11:42: Steven gives a shout-out to GHLF’s Healthcare Matters podcast episode featuring former FDA Commissioner Peter Pitts, exploring deeper implications of agency cuts. You can listen to the full episode here: https://ghlf.org/healthcarematters/#episode55 12:10: Steven announces the launch of the new Lupus Help Center at www.lupushelpcenter.org — a go-to resource for people living with lupus Contact Our Host Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, 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 [email protected] Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.