Healthcare Policy, Budget Reconciliation, and Advocating for Patients

In this episode, I'm speaking with Dr. Monica Federico, Professor of Pediatrics and Pulmonary Medicine and Medical Director of Population Health at the University of Colorado. We review the anticipated effects on pediatric and general health care from the recently passed federal budget reconciliation bill. She breaks down the finances and the anticipated timeline for the rollout of budget cuts, and we discuss various strategies for advocating for patients who will be affected. Below are some resources for those who would like to read more about the bill and its effects, and links to ACEP and AAP resources for advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels.

Kaiser Family Foundation - provides information about healthcare policy and funding. This link is to rural health fund-specific information: https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/a-closer-look-at-the-50-billion-rural-health-fund-in-the-new-reconciliation-law/

ACEP 911 Grassroots Network for weekly policy and advocacy updates:  https://www.acep.org/federal-advocacy/federal-advocacy-overview/advocacy-action-center/acc-article-pages/911-grassroots-network

AAP Advocacy Guides (choose from a variety of issues affecting U.S. children for which the AAP offers advocacy advice and opportunities):  https://www.aap.org/en/advocacy/?srsltid=AfmBOopJKq3IEqS8-MmgWi4c0MKidQP-ksWx02uwZ_6ISHwTba_e2nl_