S9, Ep 3- Congress Reaches Rare Bipartisan Health Deal: What’s In It for Patients

In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down a surprising moment of bipartisan agreement in Congress: a new Health and Human Services funding bill that includes meaningful wins for patients and public health. From protecting CDC and NIH funding to extending telehealth flexibilities and hospital-at-home programs, the bill also takes historic steps to reform Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), aiming to make drug pricing more transparent and patient-centered. Steven walks through what’s in the legislation, what was left out, and why PBM reform could have a direct impact on out-of-pocket costs and medication access. Plus, what this deal signals about the power of patient advocacy in shaping policy—even in a divided political climate. Contact Our HostSteven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: [email protected] 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] to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.