Podcast

Amy's podcast discusses Medicaid eligibility and the need for reform. The federal government's desire to cut costs has resulted in the removal of 1.5 million Medicaid recipients annually, which is disheartening. Various models have been implemented to enhance the value of care for beneficiaries, but they are failing those who need it the most. Having a unified model could prevent wasteful spending and ensure coverage for recipients. It is concerning that full-time minimum wage in the U.S. falls below the poverty line, leaving individuals without healthcare. Overall, Amy's podcast provides valuable insights on the topic. Last night, I had the pleasure of tuning in to Amy's podcast discussing Medicaid eligibility. With her pragmatic approach to OKBUC, I found her perspective on Medicaid cuts quite enjoyable. Amy analyzed the work that has been done for Medicaid, but recognizes that reform must be implemented. As a healthcare professional myself, I was intrigued by Amy's refreshing take on the recent policy implementations regarding Medicaid. Speaking directly with Medicaid recipients, it's disheartening to hear that the federal government is so eager to cut costs that they're willing to remove 1.5 million Medicaid recipients annually, hoping to save $109 billion. While this statistic, as shared by Madeline DeGroote, is alarming, it's unfortunately not surprising. A recent study by CAP-20 revealed that Medicare has experienced with numerous models aimed at enhancing the value of care for beneficiaries, both through CMMI and its pre-ACA authority. These models vary in approach from accountable care organizations and patient-centered medical homes that aim to coordinate care, to bundled payment models that focus on discouraging unnecessary care. Discouraging unnecessary care is one thing, but eliminating the opportunity to have it is another. All these models share the common goal of revolutionizing care, delivery, and payment. But unfortunately, these payment models are failing the ones who need it the most. While this argument is compelling, I believe that having a unified model could prevent wasteful spending and enable recipients to maintain their health care without fear of losing coverage. Losing health care has profound implications on every aspect of an individual's life. One particularly striking point from the podcast was when Amy highlighted that full-time minimum wage in the U.S. falls well below the poverty line, a truly sobering statistic. Imagine, you are left without health care simply because you have a job that you were assumed to be making a fair wage, and then it's taken right from under your feet. I would not like to be in that position ever, nor would any of you. I'd like to conclude by thanking Amy for her insightful perspective and acknowledging the excellent quality of her podcast.