National Taxpayer Union President Pete Sepp on the Urgent Need for Medicare Reforms and Taxpayer Advocacy — Health Policy Podcast

Published March 24, 2026 · Featuring Pete Sepp of National Taxpayers Union

Pete Sepp, President of the National Taxpayers Union, discusses urgent Medicare reforms and taxpayer advocacy in the latest Health Policy Podcast episode.

Pete Sepp, President of the National Taxpayers Union, discusses the urgent need for Medicare reform and taxpayer advocacy in the latest episode of the Health Policy Podcast. Key topics include Medicare reform, taxpayer advocacy, healthcare costs, and healthcare regulation.

WASHINGTON — May 25, 2026 — In a recent episode of the Health Policy Podcast, Pete Sepp, President of the National Taxpayers Union, addressed critical issues surrounding Medicare reform and the implications for taxpayers. The discussion highlighted the impending financial challenges facing Medicare and other federal healthcare programs.

Sepp emphasized the looming crisis in Medicare Part A, which is projected to go bankrupt by 2033. He stated, "Medicare Part A is projected to go broke in 2033, which will necessitate an immediate 11% payment cut in Medicare Part A benefits." This potential cut poses significant risks for seniors who rely on these benefits, as well as for taxpayers who may face increased payroll taxes to cover the shortfall.

The episode also explored the broader implications of healthcare costs on federal expenditures. Sepp noted, "The hidden problem here is that healthcare systems face an even bigger crisis at the federal and state levels in their financing." He called for immediate reforms, including the bipartisan No UP Code Act, which aims to address issues of upcoding in Medicare Advantage plans. This legislation could save taxpayers approximately $40 billion annually and improve the quality of patient care.

The National Taxpayers Union is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 1969 that advocates for lower, fairer taxes and reduced government spending. The organization focuses on promoting economic freedom and accountability in government.

About the Health Policy Podcast

The Health Policy Podcast provides insights on healthcare policy, energy, infrastructure, and economic growth. The show features discussions with experts and policymakers to inform listeners about critical issues affecting health policy and the economy.

About National Taxpayers Union

The National Taxpayers Union is a taxpayer advocacy organization focused on promoting lower taxes, limited government, fiscal responsibility, and free-market economic policies through research, education, and legislative advocacy.

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About the Guest

Pete Sepp — President

As NTU President, Pete Sepp leads the non-profit, non-partisan National Taxpayers Union’s (NTU’s) government affairs, public relations, and development activities. Pete also oversees strategic planning for NTU and its staff, and supervises the research and educational operations of the National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF). Since beginning his service with NTU in 1988, Pete has written and edited numerous policy papers, informational publications, and activist manuals, as well as studies on topics such as Congressional perquisites, citizen-initiated tax revolts, antitrust and competition regulation, and Pentagon spending. He has testified before Congress on matters ranging from Government-Sponsored Enterprises in lending to Medicare and federal pension reforms, from underground infrastructure to small business taxpayer concerns. He has lectured in the U.S. and abroad on issues such as tax administration reform, and has lobbied on numerous legislative matters including the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act and successor proposals, the Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment, and the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act. Pete has appeared on every major television network, and regularly provides interviews and commentaries to cable channels such as CNN, CNBC, and the Fox Business. He is a frequent guest on radio programs from coast-to-coast, and has been widely featured in print media, including The New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, U.S. News & World Report, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Forbes, and Money Magazine. Pete graduated cum laude from Webster University in St. Louis, MO with a degree in History and Political Science. Before coming to NTU, Sepp served with the St. Louis County Board of Elections and with a U.S. Senate campaign.

About the Health Policy Podcast

The Health Policy Podcast hosts conversations on energy, infrastructure, policy and economic growth — interviewing the operators, regulators, and innovators powering America's grid, gas, nuclear, and industrial future. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.