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“The cuts to Medicaid and food programs reflect a value system that is antithetical to what advocates for guaranteed health care believe. We believe that kindness and decency matter, and those who are cutting health care have values that are morally repugnant to us.” —Michael Lighty
Medicaid on the Chopping Block:
What’s at Stake?
Featuring Michael Lighty
President, Healthy California Now
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Breaking News in Healthcare Reform
“…whether this bill would cut taxes on Social Security — or throw millions off their health care or batter rural hospitals — is ultimately immaterial to the president. All that matters is he has a piece of paper to sign that cuts taxes for him and his wealthy friends and donors.”
The Real Reason Republicans Are Rushing to Pass the Trump Megabill
MSNBC | James Downie | June 30, 2025
“Under the budget deal, California will stop enrolling new adult patients without legal status in its state-funded health care program for low-income people starting 2026. The state will also implement a $30 monthly premium July 2027 for immigrants….”
California Closes $12B Deficit by Cutting Back Immigrants’ Access to Health Care
Associated Press | Trân Nguyễn | June 27, 2025
“The Supreme Court has preserved the provision of the Affordable Care Act that requires insurance companies to cover preventive health services like colonoscopies and HIV prevention drugs at no cost to patients.”
Supreme Court Preserves Obamacare Coverage of Preventive Health Care
Politico | Alice Miranda Ollstein, Josh Gerstein, Lauren Gardner | June 27, 2025
“Studies by the Urban Institute and KFF show that, among working-age enrollees who do not receive federal disability benefits, more than 90% already work or are looking for work, or have a disability, go to school, or care for a family member and are unable to work.”
Too Sick To Work, Some Americans Worry Trump’s Bill Will Strip Their Health Insurance
KFF Health News | Phil Galewitz, Stephanie Armour | June 27, 2025
“With immigration raids on the rise, many in need of health care are choosing to remain at home.”
A Fear Pandemic Grips Safety Net Hospitals and Their Patients
Capital & Main | Mark Kreidler | June 26, 2025
“Collectively, the seven biggest for-profit insurers reported $70 billion in profits last year…. One way they make that kind of dough … is by using prior authorization to avoid paying for patients’ medically necessary care.”
Health Insurance Industry Promises Reforms After $476 Million PR and Lobbying Campaign
HEALTH CARE un-covered | Wendell Potter | June 25, 2025
“The CMS estimates between 725,000 and 1.8 million people could lose coverage in 2026 as a result of the policies, which significantly raise the burden of verification for financial assistance and shorten enrollment windows for ACA plans.”
CMS Slashes ACA Sign-Up Periods, Tightens Eligibility in Final Rule
Healthcare Dive | Rebecca Pifer | June 23, 2025
“Overall, medical debt would increase by $50 billion as a result of the budget bill changes — a 15% rise over today’s $340 billion in unpaid debts….”
Health-Care Cuts in GOP’s Budget Bill May Add Up to $22,800 in Medical Debt for Some Families: Report
CNBC | Lorie Konish | June 23, 2025
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Shining a light on ongoing inequities in health care
and the impact they have on vulnerable individuals and communities.
Our podcast Code WACK! brings to life the failures of America’s healthcare system with stories, commentary and analysis.
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