Today’s podcast is focused on healthcare and the trends that will be shaping the conversation this year. First, there are five big things that you will be hearing about, among them are the battle between Big Pharma and Washington, the Affordable Care Act in legal trouble again, and the ongoing opioid crisis. Sam Baker, healthcare editor for Axios, joins us for what is poised to be a wild year for healthcare.

Next, telemedicine is a growing market that is expected to reach revenues of over $13 billion by 2023. And with a growing shortage of mental- health professionals for children and teens, more healthcare providers are turning to technology to help pediatricians fill the gap and provide services to those that need it. My producer Miranda joins us to talk about telemedicine and her experience seeing a digital doctor.

Finally, treating your pets for illnesses can be very pricey and some people are going into debt over trying to keep your best friend in good health. Expenses can pile up very quickly and before you know it, you are thousands of dollars into treatment and tests and more may be on the way. We spoke to Elizabeth Ann Entenman, who wrote about her experience for Buzzfeed News, about going into debt because of her dog and why she doesn’t regret it.

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