251: Former HHS leaders weigh in on navigating Trump 2.0 (and answer your questions)

5/22 Update: The House early Thursday narrowly passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a budget bill that includes a number of healthcare provisions that could have a significant impact on Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act.

It has been over 100 days since President Donald Trump began his second term. During that time, Radio Advisory has received a steady stream of questions from leaders seeking guidance in an uncertain policy and business environment. With looming funding cuts, the restructure of HHS, the arrival of DOGE and MAHA, and more, leaders are grappling with what to focus on, how to respond, and how to engage productively with the federal government.

To help answer these questions, Radio Advisory turned to policy experts from both parties to address your questions, acknowledge your anxieties, and highlight shared opportunities.

This week, host Rachel (Rae) Woods welcomes Liz Fowler, former director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation under the Biden Administration, and Eric Hargan, former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services during the first Trump term. Together, they discuss how to navigate the shifting policies and priorities of the Trump administration’s second term.

Plus, stay tuned to the end of the episode, where co-host Abby Burns discusses the bill proposed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee that would reduce federal Medicaid spending by more than $600 billion over the next ten years.

Links:

• Tracking the Medicaid Provisions in the 2025 Reconciliation Bill | KFF
• Ep. 244: What’s happened in Washington (so far) and what policy changes we’re bracing for
• Ep. 230: Elections results are in: What healthcare leaders need to know
• Thousands laid off at HHS: What you need to know
• Healthcare policy updates

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A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.