Healthy Politics is a series hosted by Holmes Murphy Compliance Director Nick Karls and Senior Advisor Den Bishop, focusing on healthcare-related topics in politics. The longest government shutdown in U.S. history (43 days) sharpened the spotlight on healthcare affordability and the risk of expiring insurance subsidies. In this episode, we cover:

Employer Pressure: Rising renewal rates and growing cost concerns

Subsidy Debate: With enhanced ACA marketplace tax credits set to expire, millions could face premium increases - in some cases, more than doubling

Paying the Subsidies to Individuals: What are the potential impacts of paying the marketplace subsidies to individuals instead of directly to the health insurers?

Don’t miss this conversation!

Healthy Politics is a series hosted by Holmes Murphy Compliance Director Nick Karls and Senior Advisor Den Bishop, focusing on healthcare-related topics in politics.

In this episode, we unfold the government shutdown and why it’s being messaged as a healthcare-driven debate in Washington.

We also break down the Republican and Democratic stances - and what they could mean for the affordability crunch impacting nearly 20 million Americans.

Bottom line: This is a signal that healthcare is back in the spotlight as both parties prepare for the mid-term elections. Don’t miss this conversation!

Healthy Politics is a series hosted by Holmes Murphy Compliance Director Nick Karls and Senior Advisor Den Bishop, focusing on healthcare-related topics in politics.

In this episode, we break down the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill”, discussing how its provisions are set to shape the future of employer-sponsored healthcare, impose Medicaid work requirements, and reduce federal spending.

We also explore how these changes may pressure hospitals, increase employer healthcare costs, and expand the uninsured population - creating ripple effects throughout the healthcare system.

If we look ahead to the next presidential election, what role could rising uninsured rates shape healthcare policy conversation, and will the market be ready to respond? Don’t miss this conversation!

Healthy Politics is a series hosted by Holmes Murphy Compliance Director Nick Karls and Senior Advisor Den Bishop, focusing on healthcare-related topics in politics.

In this episode, we discuss how the initial framework of the Senate’s spending bill omits the House’s HSA and CHOICE Plan provisions and how the Senate’s “Byrd Rule” may limit the changes to Medicaid in the House’s proposed spending bill.

We also cover a new industry push led by Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. and Dr. Oz to reform prior authorizations and update proposed legislation that would impact association health plans and stop-loss insurance for small self-insured plans. Lastly, we touch on the Milliman Medical Index’s review of increasing healthcare costs, which is now placing the average cost of healthcare for a family of four covered by a typical employer-sponsored health plan at $35,119.

Don't miss this conversation!

Healthy Politics is a series hosted by Holmes Murphy Compliance Director Nick Karls and Senior Advisor Den Bishop, focusing on healthcare-related topics in politics.

In this episode, we cover President Trump’s recent pharmacy executive order aimed at lowering U.S. drug prices. With employers feeling the weight of pharmacy spend—and the U.S. covering the bulk of global pharmaceutical costs— could this move prompt bipartisan legislation that results in lasting change?

We also examine the “Big Beautiful Bill”, which includes Medicaid work requirements, expanded HSA access, and new employer incentives to support individual market coverage. Don’t miss this conversation!

Healthy Politics is a series hosted by Holmes Murphy Compliance Director Nick Karls and Senior Advisor Den Bishop, focusing on healthcare-related topics in politics.

In this episode, we explore a Pew Research study showing that rising healthcare costs have overtaken debt and recession as Americans’ top economic concern. We discuss the factors behind this shift, along with how Medicaid and Medicare contribute to federal debt.

We also cover President Trump’s executive orders on pricing transparency and tariffs and their potential impact on insurance and pharmaceuticals. Don’t miss this conversation!

The first episode of the new year! We’re breaking down Trump’s early healthcare moves and what the future could hold. From executive orders to U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy’s push to prioritize the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reform Act - what’s next?

Plus, insights on the potential removal of medical debt from credit scores and AI’s future role in healthcare. Don’t miss this conversation!