In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down two urgent public health threats: a Senate proposal that would deeply cut Medicaid funding and an extreme heat wave affecting more than 265 million Americans. Steven explains how the Senate bill could gut essential health services for millions, all to fund tax cuts—and how this could impact everyone, not just Medicaid enrollees. He then turns to the record-breaking heat, sharing crucial safety tips and resources. Finally, Steven discusses a new COVID-19 variant known for its painful “razor blade throat” symptom.

Tune in to stay informed and take action.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:15: Steven outlines the Senate bill’s key provisions, including stricter work requirements, caps on funding, and efforts to undermine state Medicaid expansions

02:30: Steven explains the motivation behind the cuts: funding extensions for Trump-era tax breaks and limiting government support

03:13: Why Medicaid is more efficient than private insurance and how the cuts could increase mortality and reduce care access

04:29: A real-world example of how the cuts could harm families caring for medically complex children

05:29: Steven warns that the broader fallout will impact hospitals, insurance premiums, ER costs, and jobs—even for people not on Medicaid

06:03: How to take action: call your Senator, share your Medicaid story, and put public pressure on policymakers

06:18: Steven discusses the brutal U.S. heat wave: who is at risk and why early-season heat can be especially dangerous

07:48: Key symptoms of heat-related illness and advice for hydration, using cooling centers, and checking on vulnerable people

To learn more about NOAA’s new tool, visit: NWS HeatRisk at https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/

08:47: Introduction of the new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, known for causing a severe sore throat—“razor blade throat”

09:55: Final reminders: stay up to date on vaccines, and be vigilant if you get sick

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

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