Mind The Gap!

I'm on a Fjord, but very distracted.

I wish I didn’t have to advocate so hard right now. Especially on vacation.

Greetings from Alaska intrepid RDG Readers,

I wanted to drop a short message because these Medicaid cuts deeply trouble me. Personally and politically. And while we are up here with Zach while he plays music, my mind worries as I watch the news.

My goal is to help people save their own lives. And Medicaid saves lives. Medicaid came to my rescue in November when I needed emergency surgery and between stable work.

According to The NY Times, “The most extensive research on Medicaid coverage to date found that it reduced risk of death by 21 percent.” And that low-income adults who gained Medicaid coverage after the Affordable Care Act expanded access were less likely to die during a given year than those not enrolled.

Researchers also found Medicaid costs to save a life were around $179k, less than the combined public and private spending on interventions for safety for car inspections and asbestos removal.

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Medicaid Communication Gap

Medicaid is a lifeline for about 70 million Americans, but millions may have no idea they benefit from this coverage.

In 23 states, it’s rebranded under a different name or it may be run by private insurance - like for me, I carry a Blue Cross Blue Shield card with big insurer branding without any words like “Medicaid” at all.

According to Healthcare Uncovered this is no accident, “For-profit insurance companies have quietly taken over state Medicaid programs through "managed care" contracts. Today, about three-quarters of all Medicaid enrollees are in these private plans. Companies like UnitedHealth Group, Centene and others are reaping billions of taxpayer dollars each year — while millions of Americans have no idea that Medicaid-designated tax dollars are the engine behind their health care. This has real consequences. First, it lets politicians slash Medicaid funding without facing the same kind of public backlash they would if more people knew their health care was on the chopping block. Second, it shields insurers from public scrutiny, even as they profit handsomely off programs meant for low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities.”

Healthcare Uncovered provided an amazing full list of state by state branding.

Like in Alaska, where I’m visiting, it’s branded as DenaliCare.

Here’s a few. Maybe this is your healthcare, and if so, sorry to break it to you if you were unaware, but it’s Medicaid.

Alaska: DenaliCare

Arizona: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

California: Medi-Cal

Colorado: Health First Colorado

Connecticut: HUSKY Health (HUSKY A, B, C, and D are Medicaid/CHIP programs)

Hawaii: Med-QUEST

Indiana: Hoosier Healthwise (for children and pregnant women) and Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) (for adults)

Iowa: IA Health Link

Kansas: KanCare

Louisiana: Healthy Louisiana

Maine: MaineCare

Massachusetts: MassHealth

Minnesota: Medical Assistance

Missouri: MO HealthNet

New Jersey: NJ FamilyCare

New Mexico: Centennial Care

Oklahoma: SoonerCare

Oregon: Oregon Health Plan

South Carolina: Healthy Connections

Tennessee: TennCare

Vermont: Green Mountain Care

Washington: Apple Health

For full list click here.

SO please share. Please tell your friends and family. Medicaid was crucial for my family when I was laid off and had to pay for expensive care.

In a time of AI, unstable economy, and layoffs, we need these systems.

These cuts are not necessary. They are cruel. Half of all new mothers get healthcare via Medicaid. A significant portion of America’s children depend on Medicaid.

Don’t let them hurt America’s most vulnerable.

We can’t go backward. Let’s take care of each other.

Click here to find your representative.

Question- do you like video content? Should I do more?

Have you ever had a question for me? Maybe a burning curiosity or advice on a situation? Click on Ask Rare Disease Girl, ask an anonymous question, and I’ll respond to in a post.

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Are we friends on Instagram ?? Come find me there for more fun.

COMMENT OF THE WEEK

“Relate to this so much. So much yearning, but definitely like it can steal my joy. Really appreciated the thought ‘let it be my batteries.’’ Alisha

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If you’re new here and wondering, “what happened to this lady?” read:

I started writing this when I was on dialysis. It’s intended to be both memoir and a practical tool to help folks who might be going through something similar or those caregivers and family supporting someone with a challenging diagnosis. NOTE: This is not intended to replace actual medical guidance. Please consult your doctors on your individual challenges and situations. Please talk to your clinicians before adjusting any of your care protocols. Also names have been changed for most of my medical staff.

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