Tradeoffs
@tradeoffs.org
Journalism that explores the complicated, costly, and often counterintuitive world of health care.
New podcast episodes every Thursday, hosted by Dan Gorenstein.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: tradeoffs.org/subscribe
New podcast episodes every Thursday, hosted by Dan Gorenstein.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: tradeoffs.org/subscribe
It's a big week for Tradeoffs! 🎉
Our team gathered in NYC to accept a Murrow Award for The Fifth Branch, our three-part series exploring how one community is transforming its response to people experiencing mental health crises.
And this Thursday, our podcast turns six years old.
Our team gathered in NYC to accept a Murrow Award for The Fifth Branch, our three-part series exploring how one community is transforming its response to people experiencing mental health crises.
And this Thursday, our podcast turns six years old.
October 15, 2025 at 6:37 PM
It's a big week for Tradeoffs! 🎉
Our team gathered in NYC to accept a Murrow Award for The Fifth Branch, our three-part series exploring how one community is transforming its response to people experiencing mental health crises.
And this Thursday, our podcast turns six years old.
Our team gathered in NYC to accept a Murrow Award for The Fifth Branch, our three-part series exploring how one community is transforming its response to people experiencing mental health crises.
And this Thursday, our podcast turns six years old.
What if, instead of making decisions about workers' health insurance behind closed doors, companies invited employees to weigh in? That’s the unusual approach taken by one company.
tradeoffs.org/2024/09/05/g...
tradeoffs.org/2024/09/05/g...
August 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM
What if, instead of making decisions about workers' health insurance behind closed doors, companies invited employees to weigh in? That’s the unusual approach taken by one company.
tradeoffs.org/2024/09/05/g...
tradeoffs.org/2024/09/05/g...
President Trump is revisiting one of the signature health policies of his first administration: making health care prices public.
Listen to the episode to hear why this effort to empower consumers with better pricing data has proved so vexing:
tradeoffs.org/2024/12/19/t...
Listen to the episode to hear why this effort to empower consumers with better pricing data has proved so vexing:
tradeoffs.org/2024/12/19/t...
August 25, 2025 at 4:00 PM
President Trump is revisiting one of the signature health policies of his first administration: making health care prices public.
Listen to the episode to hear why this effort to empower consumers with better pricing data has proved so vexing:
tradeoffs.org/2024/12/19/t...
Listen to the episode to hear why this effort to empower consumers with better pricing data has proved so vexing:
tradeoffs.org/2024/12/19/t...
We’re honored to share that Tradeoffs has won a 2025 Edward R. Murrow Award from the @rtdna.bsky.social for The Fifth Branch, our series created in partnership with @themarshallproject.org.
The Murrow Awards honor outstanding achievements in electronic journalism. www.rtdna.org/2025-nationa...
The Murrow Awards honor outstanding achievements in electronic journalism. www.rtdna.org/2025-nationa...
August 14, 2025 at 7:16 PM
We’re honored to share that Tradeoffs has won a 2025 Edward R. Murrow Award from the @rtdna.bsky.social for The Fifth Branch, our series created in partnership with @themarshallproject.org.
The Murrow Awards honor outstanding achievements in electronic journalism. www.rtdna.org/2025-nationa...
The Murrow Awards honor outstanding achievements in electronic journalism. www.rtdna.org/2025-nationa...
More than half of states — from deep blue California to solidly red Louisiana — want to bring Medicaid behind bars in hopes of saving the lives of people as they leave jail and prison.
August 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM
More than half of states — from deep blue California to solidly red Louisiana — want to bring Medicaid behind bars in hopes of saving the lives of people as they leave jail and prison.
Health policy isn’t black and white, and our newsletter helps you navigate the gray.
Each week, we break down one essential story, explaining the tradeoffs, tensions, and real-world stakes behind the headlines.
No jargon. No noise. Just smart context.
Sign up today 👉 tradeoffs.org/subscribe
Each week, we break down one essential story, explaining the tradeoffs, tensions, and real-world stakes behind the headlines.
No jargon. No noise. Just smart context.
Sign up today 👉 tradeoffs.org/subscribe
August 1, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Health policy isn’t black and white, and our newsletter helps you navigate the gray.
Each week, we break down one essential story, explaining the tradeoffs, tensions, and real-world stakes behind the headlines.
No jargon. No noise. Just smart context.
Sign up today 👉 tradeoffs.org/subscribe
Each week, we break down one essential story, explaining the tradeoffs, tensions, and real-world stakes behind the headlines.
No jargon. No noise. Just smart context.
Sign up today 👉 tradeoffs.org/subscribe
With the “Big Beautiful Bill” on its way to President Trump's desk, significant cuts to critical health programs are now virtually assured.
Read the takeaways from our conversation with @pennldi.bsky.social experts, breaking down the health impacts of the bill: tradeoffs.org/2025/06/26/u...
Read the takeaways from our conversation with @pennldi.bsky.social experts, breaking down the health impacts of the bill: tradeoffs.org/2025/06/26/u...
July 3, 2025 at 7:46 PM
With the “Big Beautiful Bill” on its way to President Trump's desk, significant cuts to critical health programs are now virtually assured.
Read the takeaways from our conversation with @pennldi.bsky.social experts, breaking down the health impacts of the bill: tradeoffs.org/2025/06/26/u...
Read the takeaways from our conversation with @pennldi.bsky.social experts, breaking down the health impacts of the bill: tradeoffs.org/2025/06/26/u...
As Congress races to pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” experts warn that the proposed health policies could lead to tens of thousands of preventable deaths each year.
@dgorenstein.bsky.social unpacks the bill's impacts in our latest episode: tradeoffs.org/2025/06/26/u...
@dgorenstein.bsky.social unpacks the bill's impacts in our latest episode: tradeoffs.org/2025/06/26/u...
July 1, 2025 at 5:38 PM
As Congress races to pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” experts warn that the proposed health policies could lead to tens of thousands of preventable deaths each year.
@dgorenstein.bsky.social unpacks the bill's impacts in our latest episode: tradeoffs.org/2025/06/26/u...
@dgorenstein.bsky.social unpacks the bill's impacts in our latest episode: tradeoffs.org/2025/06/26/u...
A 2024 study found that cognitive behavioral therapy–based programs can significantly reduce arrests among high-risk teens, a bright spot in the research on what actually works to prevent violence.
Learn more about how it's being implemented in Chicago: tradeoffs.org/2025/06/05/t...
Learn more about how it's being implemented in Chicago: tradeoffs.org/2025/06/05/t...
June 9, 2025 at 2:47 PM
A 2024 study found that cognitive behavioral therapy–based programs can significantly reduce arrests among high-risk teens, a bright spot in the research on what actually works to prevent violence.
Learn more about how it's being implemented in Chicago: tradeoffs.org/2025/06/05/t...
Learn more about how it's being implemented in Chicago: tradeoffs.org/2025/06/05/t...
As Congressional Republicans consider deep cuts to Medicaid — the lifeline for 15M Americans with disabilities — Harvard researcher Ari Ne’eman told us he still holds onto hope.
Read more: tradeoffs.org/2025/05/01/w...
Read more: tradeoffs.org/2025/05/01/w...
May 1, 2025 at 5:05 PM
As Congressional Republicans consider deep cuts to Medicaid — the lifeline for 15M Americans with disabilities — Harvard researcher Ari Ne’eman told us he still holds onto hope.
Read more: tradeoffs.org/2025/05/01/w...
Read more: tradeoffs.org/2025/05/01/w...
The first 100 days of the Trump administration’s second term have brought sweeping changes to health policy, and we’ve been there every step of the way.
If our reporting has helped you understand what’s happening and what’s at stake, donate today to keep this work going: tradeoffs.org/donate
If our reporting has helped you understand what’s happening and what’s at stake, donate today to keep this work going: tradeoffs.org/donate
April 30, 2025 at 8:29 PM
The first 100 days of the Trump administration’s second term have brought sweeping changes to health policy, and we’ve been there every step of the way.
If our reporting has helped you understand what’s happening and what’s at stake, donate today to keep this work going: tradeoffs.org/donate
If our reporting has helped you understand what’s happening and what’s at stake, donate today to keep this work going: tradeoffs.org/donate
Health policy isn’t black and white, and our newsletter helps you navigate the gray.
Each week, we break down one essential story, explaining the tradeoffs, tensions, and real-world stakes behind the headlines.
No jargon. No noise. Just smart context.
Sign up today 👉 tradeoffs.org/subscribe
Each week, we break down one essential story, explaining the tradeoffs, tensions, and real-world stakes behind the headlines.
No jargon. No noise. Just smart context.
Sign up today 👉 tradeoffs.org/subscribe
April 28, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Health policy isn’t black and white, and our newsletter helps you navigate the gray.
Each week, we break down one essential story, explaining the tradeoffs, tensions, and real-world stakes behind the headlines.
No jargon. No noise. Just smart context.
Sign up today 👉 tradeoffs.org/subscribe
Each week, we break down one essential story, explaining the tradeoffs, tensions, and real-world stakes behind the headlines.
No jargon. No noise. Just smart context.
Sign up today 👉 tradeoffs.org/subscribe
State and local public health officials say RFK Jr.’s cuts to funding and the federal workforce are already weakening the country’s ability to respond to disease outbreaks.
We talked to @chrissiejuliano.bsky.social of @bigcitieshealth.org to find out more.
🎙️: tradeoffs.org/2025/04/10/h...
We talked to @chrissiejuliano.bsky.social of @bigcitieshealth.org to find out more.
🎙️: tradeoffs.org/2025/04/10/h...
April 23, 2025 at 4:31 PM
State and local public health officials say RFK Jr.’s cuts to funding and the federal workforce are already weakening the country’s ability to respond to disease outbreaks.
We talked to @chrissiejuliano.bsky.social of @bigcitieshealth.org to find out more.
🎙️: tradeoffs.org/2025/04/10/h...
We talked to @chrissiejuliano.bsky.social of @bigcitieshealth.org to find out more.
🎙️: tradeoffs.org/2025/04/10/h...
Learn more about the case and its implications: tradeoffs.org/2025/04/17/o... (6/6)
April 18, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Learn more about the case and its implications: tradeoffs.org/2025/04/17/o... (6/6)
The Trump administration is backing the Biden administration’s view that the HHS secretary has ultimate authority over the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a position that could significantly expand the secretary’s power to shape or dismiss preventive care recommendations. (5/6)
April 18, 2025 at 3:22 PM
The Trump administration is backing the Biden administration’s view that the HHS secretary has ultimate authority over the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a position that could significantly expand the secretary’s power to shape or dismiss preventive care recommendations. (5/6)
"The ruling is basically, look this entity, the Preventive Services Task Force, they’re experts. That’s good. But they’re not officers. And so they don’t have the authority to make that kind of call about what insurance has to cover or not." - UMich Law Professor @nbagley.bsky.social (4/6)
April 18, 2025 at 3:22 PM
"The ruling is basically, look this entity, the Preventive Services Task Force, they’re experts. That’s good. But they’re not officers. And so they don’t have the authority to make that kind of call about what insurance has to cover or not." - UMich Law Professor @nbagley.bsky.social (4/6)
Come Monday, it will again be up to the Supreme Court to determine whether 180 million Americans retain access to free preventive services. (3/6)
April 18, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Come Monday, it will again be up to the Supreme Court to determine whether 180 million Americans retain access to free preventive services. (3/6)
The case, Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, Inc., involves a popular provision in the law that requires insurers to cover preventive care — like cancer screenings and medications to prevent HIV — for free. (2/6)
April 18, 2025 at 3:22 PM
The case, Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, Inc., involves a popular provision in the law that requires insurers to cover preventive care — like cancer screenings and medications to prevent HIV — for free. (2/6)
The Affordable Care Act will be back in front of the nation’s highest court for a fourth time next week, on Monday, April 21. (1/6)
April 18, 2025 at 3:22 PM
The Affordable Care Act will be back in front of the nation’s highest court for a fourth time next week, on Monday, April 21. (1/6)
NIH funding is suddenly in flux. Delayed grants, canceled studies, and ongoing lawsuits have researchers worried about cures, clinical trials—and the future of science itself.
Hear two scientists talk it through: tradeoffs.org/2025/03/13/c...
Hear two scientists talk it through: tradeoffs.org/2025/03/13/c...
April 16, 2025 at 2:13 PM
NIH funding is suddenly in flux. Delayed grants, canceled studies, and ongoing lawsuits have researchers worried about cures, clinical trials—and the future of science itself.
Hear two scientists talk it through: tradeoffs.org/2025/03/13/c...
Hear two scientists talk it through: tradeoffs.org/2025/03/13/c...
We talked with @julierovner.bsky.social of @kffhealthnews.org to unpack the sweeping cuts and reorganization at HHS.
Her take: "I really do feel like the purpose here is not to make things better. It’s to break it."
Listen to the full conversation: tradeoffs.org/2025/04/03/m...
Her take: "I really do feel like the purpose here is not to make things better. It’s to break it."
Listen to the full conversation: tradeoffs.org/2025/04/03/m...
April 4, 2025 at 5:30 PM
We talked with @julierovner.bsky.social of @kffhealthnews.org to unpack the sweeping cuts and reorganization at HHS.
Her take: "I really do feel like the purpose here is not to make things better. It’s to break it."
Listen to the full conversation: tradeoffs.org/2025/04/03/m...
Her take: "I really do feel like the purpose here is not to make things better. It’s to break it."
Listen to the full conversation: tradeoffs.org/2025/04/03/m...
The Trump admin plans big cuts to HHS, impacting the FDA, CMS, NIH & more. Several agencies, including SAMHSA, will merge into a new Administration for a Healthy America.
What does this mean for health policy? We’re asking @julierovner.bsky.social next week—drop your questions below! ⬇️
What does this mean for health policy? We’re asking @julierovner.bsky.social next week—drop your questions below! ⬇️
March 28, 2025 at 2:20 PM
The Trump admin plans big cuts to HHS, impacting the FDA, CMS, NIH & more. Several agencies, including SAMHSA, will merge into a new Administration for a Healthy America.
What does this mean for health policy? We’re asking @julierovner.bsky.social next week—drop your questions below! ⬇️
What does this mean for health policy? We’re asking @julierovner.bsky.social next week—drop your questions below! ⬇️
As a bonus, if we get 100 new donors, we’ll unlock a special match. Whether it’s $5 a month...or $500 your money goes further with this special challenge.
Donate today: bit.ly/3CO64aQ
Donate today: bit.ly/3CO64aQ
December 3, 2024 at 2:45 PM
As a bonus, if we get 100 new donors, we’ll unlock a special match. Whether it’s $5 a month...or $500 your money goes further with this special challenge.
Donate today: bit.ly/3CO64aQ
Donate today: bit.ly/3CO64aQ
Major shifts in health policy could be on the horizon, and helping people navigate them is at the heart of our work.
Want to help? Donate $5 today to support our journalism now and in the months to come.
bit.ly/3CO64aQ
Want to help? Donate $5 today to support our journalism now and in the months to come.
bit.ly/3CO64aQ
November 25, 2024 at 5:20 PM
Major shifts in health policy could be on the horizon, and helping people navigate them is at the heart of our work.
Want to help? Donate $5 today to support our journalism now and in the months to come.
bit.ly/3CO64aQ
Want to help? Donate $5 today to support our journalism now and in the months to come.
bit.ly/3CO64aQ