Accessibility links
Health Policy Is Economic Policy : The Indicator from Planet Money U.S. policymakers are taking steps to limit the spread and impact of coronavirus. But they're not helped by American health policy, which could use an overhaul if it's to limit the spread of viral outbreaks.

The Indicator from Planet Money

Health Policy Is Economic Policy

Health Policy Is Economic Policy

Listen · 9:50
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/812678741/812694817" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
A sign advising out-of-stock sanitizer, facial masks and rubbing alcohol is seen at a store following warnings about COVID-19 in Kirkland, Washington on March 5, 2020.
Enlarge this image
JASON REDMOND/AFP via Getty Images
A sign advising out-of-stock sanitizer, facial masks and rubbing alcohol is seen at a store following warnings about COVID-19 in Kirkland, Washington on March 5, 2020.
JASON REDMOND/AFP via Getty Images

As U.S. policymakers work to limit the extent of the coronavirus outbreak and its damage to the economy, the spread of the virus has exposed cracks in the nation's public health infrastructure - from delays in testing to nonsensical healthcare pricing.

Today on the show, epidemiologist Dr. Maria Sundaram offers three public health policies that could help the U.S. fight off coronavirus and better prepare for future outbreaks.

Music by Drop Electric. Find us: Twitter / Facebook / Newsletter.

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, PocketCasts and NPR One.