POLITICO's Pulse Check

Roundup: Taxes and Mayo Clinic, ACA myths and Uwe

Episode Summary

POLITICO's Paul Demko and Sarah Karlin-Smith discuss the latest developments in the GOP tax fight, HHS nomination and other stories from the week, Dartmouth professor Brendan Nyhan explains his research into lies and myths about the ACA and health care, and Dan Diamond reflects on the passing of Uwe Reinhardt.

Episode Notes

It’s been a busy week in health care, and PULSE CHECK is here to help make sense of it all.

First, POLITICO’s Paul Demko and Sarah Karlin-Smith join Dan Diamond to discuss Republicans’ tax reform plans, Alex Azar’s nomination as HHS secretary, the state of ACA enrollment and Dan’s reporting on the Mayo Clinic. (Starts at the 2:00 mark.)

Then, Dartmouth professor Brendan Nyhan sits down with Dan to discuss his research into myths and lies about the ACA, vaccines and other health care issues, and how to change a person’s mind. (Starts at the 27:15 mark.)

Finally, Dan reflects on Uwe Reinhardt, the giant of health policy who passed away this week. (Starts at the 45:35 mark.)

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Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com.

Stories and work referenced on the podcast:

Sarah and Adam Cancryn's story on Alex Azar, the nominee to lead HHS: https://www.politico.com/story/2017/11/13/alex-azar-hhs-secretary-trump-244837

Paul's story on the early ACA enrollment numbers: https://www.politico.com/story/2017/11/15/obamacare-enrollment-surges-trump-244930

Dan's story on Mayo Clinic's growth and rural patients' anger: www.politico.com/story/2017/11/16/mayo-clinic-rural-health-care-244955

Brendan Nyhan's work on death panel myths: http://www.brendan-nyhan.com/blog/2013/01/new-study-on-difficulty-of-correcting-death-panel-myth.html

The New York Times' obituary of Uwe Reinhardt: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/15/obituaries/uwe-reinhardt-a-listened-to-voice-on-health-care-policy-dies-at-80.html?_r=0