In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian and co-host Angela Degrassi discuss why uncertainty surrounding the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, known as ACIP, matters far beyond Washington, DC.

The conversation explains how ACIP recommendations are connected to the real-world systems that help patients get vaccinated, including pharmacist authority, state scope-of-practice laws, and Medicaid reimbursement. Dr. Popovian explains that adult vaccination is especially vulnerable to disruption because most adults receive vaccines at pharmacies, and in many states, pharmacists’ ability to administer vaccines is tied to ACIP recommendations.

The episode also explores why seasonal vaccines, such as flu and COVID vaccines, are particularly exposed to uncertainty because they require updated authorization and recommendations each year. Robert and Angela discuss what happened when COVID vaccine guidance was delayed, how some states responded with temporary workarounds, and why not every state may be prepared to act quickly if similar uncertainty continues.

The discussion also highlights GHLF’s new integration of Walgreens’ Vaccine Scheduler into GHLF’s vaccine hub, a tool designed to help adult patients better understand and access vaccines at local pharmacies.

The key message: ACIP may sound like an advisory body, but its recommendations can directly affect whether patients can get vaccines, whether pharmacists can provide them, and whether Medicaid will pay for them.

Contact Our Hosts

Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: rpopovian@ghlf.org

Angela Degrassi, Senior Manager, Patient-Centered Research Operations & Engagement: adegrassi@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Amelia Violet Prouse.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian is joined by new co-host Angela Degrassi for a conversation about access to oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19, especially for older adults and people living with chronic disease.

Prompted by a new CDC report and supported by findings from a recent Global Healthy Living Foundation survey, the discussion explores a troubling pattern: awareness of COVID antiviral treatments may be high, but many high-risk patients still do not receive them when they test positive.

Dr. Popovian explains why prescribing appears to rise when COVID is dominating headlines and then fall when public attention fades, even though patient risk has not changed. He and Angela discuss the real-world barriers that can stand in the way of timely treatment, including missed prescribing opportunities, delays in testing, out-of-pocket costs, and uncertainty about eligibility.

This episode highlights a simple but important message: for high-risk patients, timely treatment should be part of the care plan, not an afterthought. It also offers practical guidance for patients and caregivers on what to do immediately after testing positive and why acting quickly can make all the difference.

COVID-19 Antiviral Prescription Receipt Among Outpatients Aged ≥65 Years

COVID-19 Oral Antiviral Treatments Among U.S. Patients with Chronic Conditions

Contact Our Hosts

Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: rpopovian@ghlf.org

Angela Degrassi|, Senior Manager, Patient-Centered Research Operations & Engagement: adegrassi@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Amelia Violet Prouse.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian breaks down the 340B drug pricing program through the lens that matters most: what it means for patients. Prompted by Minnesota’s latest transparency report, he explains how a program originally created to support care for uninsured and underinsured patients has grown into one of the largest and least understood drug programs in the country.

Dr. Popovian unpacks how the program works, why contract pharmacies have become such a major part of it, and what the newest data suggest about who is benefiting most. He also raises a critical question: if hospitals and affiliated entities are receiving deep discounts on medicines, why are so many patients still facing high out-of-pocket costs?

This episode explores whether the 340B program is truly delivering on its original mission and why greater transparency, accountability, and patient benefit should be at the center of the conversation.

Minnesota 340B Covered Entity Report 2025

Minnesota 340B Covered Entity Report 2024

Contact Our Hosts

Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: rpopovian@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Amelia Violet Prouse.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.