POLITICO's Pulse Check

Health Affairs editor Alan Weil on shaping the policy debate

Episode Summary

Health Affairs is one of the most important platforms in health care. No health policy journal gets cited more often — just ask Chief Justice John Roberts, who referenced it when issuing his pivotal Supreme Court ruling on Obamacare. And no journal has done more to chronicle the industry’s transformation, with a steady stream of blog posts, podcasts, and events that supplement its traditional peer-reviewed research. On this episode of PULSE CHECK, editor Alan Weil explains how it all comes together. Weil discusses how his career began as a 30-year-old in charge of a state Medicaid program (starts at the 2:15 mark), the importance of a “continuum of evidence” when making health policy (8:50), how he edits Health Affairs and decides what makes it in (15:45), how Health Affairs has become a bigger platform (28:00), and what he thinks of President Obama and other politicians publishing in academic journals (35:30). Also: Check out the abbreviated lightning round that starts at 38:15. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com.

Episode Notes

Health Affairs is one of the most important platforms in health care. No health policy journal gets cited more often — just ask Chief Justice John Roberts, who referenced it when issuing his pivotal Supreme Court ruling on Obamacare. And no journal has done more to chronicle the industry’s transformation, with a steady stream of blog posts, podcasts, and events that supplement its traditional peer-reviewed research. On this episode of PULSE CHECK, editor Alan Weil explains how it all comes together. Weil discusses how his career began as a 30-year-old in charge of a state Medicaid program (starts at the 2:15 mark), the importance of a “continuum of evidence” when making health policy (8:50), how he edits Health Affairs and decides what makes it in (15:45), how Health Affairs has become a bigger platform (28:00), and what he thinks of President Obama and other politicians publishing in academic journals (35:30). Also: Check out the abbreviated lightning round that starts at 38:15. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com.