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Natalie Kean

@nataliekean.bsky.social
2.6K followers 419 following 98 posts

I ❤️ Medicaid, Medicare, the ACA and Obamacare. This and other opinions are my own. Director of Federal Health Advocacy at Justice in Aging justiceinaging.org/cutting-medicaid…

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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Justice in Aging @justiceinaging.org · 03/08/2026
As Medicaid turns 61, it faces a historically devastating slate of cuts that will only force more people into nursing homes, drain families' savings, and deepen the caregiver shortage.
justiceinaging.org
Lawmakers Knew All Along They Were Voting to Cut Medicaid for Older Adults - Justice in Aging
The battle to protect Medicaid for older adults and people with disabilities now moves to state capitals — where care hangs in the balance.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Justice in Aging @justiceinaging.org · 11/08/2026
Justice in Aging's Hagar Dickman spoke with Mother Jones about the Trump administration's unfounded claims of fraud in California's home care programs. "The whole assumption that growth means fraud is absurd.”
motherjones.com
California does Medicaid home care well. They're being punished for it.
Republicans are deferring $850 million from the state because of unfounded fraud claims.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Julia Métraux @juliametraux.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
RFK Jr. and Oz attacked California for its Medicaid home care, citing growth as proof of fraud. For @motherjones.com, I reported on how the growth isn't proof of fraud, and growth of participants is proof the program is more accessible than in other states. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
motherjones.com
California does Medicaid home care well. They're being punished for it.
Republicans are deferring $850 million from the state because of unfounded fraud claims.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Julia Métraux @juliametraux.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Hagar Dickman of @justiceinaging.org told me that disabled people “are entitled to the life that we expect to have of independence, of autonomy, of self-actualization, and agency" through home and community-based services.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Justice in Aging @justiceinaging.org · 31/07/2026
Applying for Medicaid often requires a mountain of paperwork: property deeds, insurance documents, years of bank statements, and more. Gathering it all can take weeks. But applicants might need health care before the paperwork is done.
justiceinaging.org
H.R. 1 Reduces Medicaid Retroactive Eligibility Starting in 2027 - Justice in Aging
Learn how H.R. 1 reduces Medicaid retroactive eligibility starting in 2027, limiting coverage for past medical expenses and increasing risks for older adults.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
NCPSSM @ncpssm.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Coming soon to communities across America: #Medicaid cuts mean vulnerable people losing coverage and rural hospitals closing. Natalie Kean of Justice in #Aging explains why the pain is already starting, even though most cuts don't take effect until 2027. LISTEN HERE: rebrand.ly/nataliekean
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Justice in Aging @justiceinaging.org · 17/07/2026
Many Americans who qualify for exemptions from Medicaid work requirements may still lose their coverage because the paperwork needed to prove exemptions is so complex. Older adults with patchy work histories, chronic conditions, or caregiving responsibilities are particularly at risk.
to.justiceinaging.org
Mitigating the Harms of Medicaid Work Requirements for Older Adults: Tools for State Advocates - Justice in Aging
States can help people keep their Medicaid coverage by reducing paperwork and allowing them to self-report health conditions and caregiving responsibilities as exemptions from work requirements.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Bat 🦇 Borus @matthewborus.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Great piece here by Tracey Gronniger. The Social Security Trustees Report doesn't mean doom--it means that it's time for Congress to shore up its funding. And simply making the wealthy pay the same percentage of their income as everyone else would go a LONG way toward that that.
justiceinaging.org
Let’s Not be Defeatist. Congress Can Act to Fix the Social Security Trust Fund. - Justice in Aging
Fortunately, Americans are united about what Congress should do. Strong majorities oppose benefit cuts and support revenue solutions. One of the most popular
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Justice in Aging @justiceinaging.org · 22/04/2026
Imagine a sudden illness lands you in the hospital. You can't afford the medical bills that pile up and aren't enrolled in Medicaid. Retroactive Medicaid was designed for exactly these moments. But a new federal rule will cut retroactive coverage from 3 to 2 months for most enrollees.
justiceinaging.org
H.R. 1 Reduces Medicaid Retroactive Eligibility Starting in 2027 - Justice in Aging
Learn how H.R. 1 reduces Medicaid retroactive eligibility starting in 2027, limiting coverage for past medical expenses and increasing risks for older adults.
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Natalie Kean @nataliekean.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
🚨This week, Congress could vote to extend TPS for Haitians. Over 350,000 people are at risk of family separation. Families belong together. Tell Congress: Protect Haitian TPS Holders👇 act.domesticworkers.org/a/tell-congr... #ProtectTPS #FamiliesBelongTogether
act.domesticworkers.org
Tell Congress: Protect Haitian TPS Holders | National Domestic Workers Alliance
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Natalie Kean @nataliekean.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Older adults need and deserve affordable health care to meet their basic needs. However, many face increased barriers to access as they age. #Medicaid is key to accessing care for millions of older adults who also have Medicare. action.momsrising.org/survey/medic... #HealthCareNotTrumpsWar
Quote on blue background from D. in Monroeville, PA about the impact of losing Medicaid at age 65
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Justice in Aging @justiceinaging.org · 27/03/2026
"We’ve been fighting to expand access to these services over decades and decades. It hasn’t been easy, but there has been bipartisan support for expanding these programs and services. To be constantly trying to defend what we have is exhausting." — @nataliekean.bsky.social
statnews.com
As Trump administration cracks down on health care fraud, people with disabilities feel singled out
As the Trump administration goes after fraud in health care, advocates say the disability community feels singled out.
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Natalie Kean @nataliekean.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
As we have been warning for years, no one is spared from the harm of work requirements: “Groups at higher risk of losing Medicaid include people who are self-employed, ages 50 to 64, with a health condition affecting their ability to work, students, or caregivers for disabled family members.”
urban.org
Projected Reductions in Medicaid Expansion Enrollment Under OBBBA’s Work Requirements and Six-Month Redeterminations
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) established new work requirements and increased the frequency of eligibility redeterminations for adults covered by th…
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Justice in Aging @justiceinaging.org · 23/03/2026
Americans on Affordable Care Act plans—of whom half are 50–64 years old—are paying as much as double their previous premiums after a Biden-era subsidy expired at the end of 2025. “It's forcing people to make impossible choices,” @nataliekean.bsky.social stressed.
kffhealthnews.org
Rising Health Costs Push Some Middle-Aged Adults To Skip the Doc Until Medicare - KFF Health News
Adults ages 50 through 64 faced some of the steepest increases in out-of-pocket costs for Obamacare plans after a set of federal subsidies expired at the end of December. Some say they are putting off...
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Since 1994, immigrants have paid more in taxes than they receive in benefits every year. Do not believe the lies you hear about immigrants. They are good for society and the economy.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities @centeronbudget.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
CBPP's @wesleytharpe.bsky.social, Clara Wilson, & @joannalefebvre.bsky.social sit down w/ Thomson Reuters on the double threat states are facing from federal cuts & their own policy choices threatening vital programs. The solution? Protecting & raising revenues tax.thomsonreuters.com/news/policy-...
tax.thomsonreuters.com
Policy Analysts Say OBBB Leaves State Budgeteers to Fend for Themselves
A new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) finds that state and local policymakers face a "one-two punch" of new federal costs and self-imposed fiscal pressures that threaten ...
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
HealthBegins @healthbegins.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
We continue to see policies that will harm those with disabilities. As Trump administration cracks down on health care fraud, people with disabilities feel singled out www.statnews.com/2026/03/18/t... by @rosebroderick.bsky.social via @statnews.com CC: @nataliekean.bsky.social @abarkoff.bsky.social
statnews.com
As Trump administration cracks down on health care fraud, people with disabilities feel singled out
As the Trump administration goes after fraud in health care, advocates say the disability community feels singled out.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Little Lobbyists @littlelobbyists.com · 17/03/2026
NOW: We are joining our friends at @caringacross.org, @seiu.org, @popdemocaction.bsky.social, and more at today's House Committee on Energy & Commerce hearing Our message is clear: NO CUTS TO #MEDICAID TUNE IN —> www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiK_...
A packed audience fills the public seating in a U.S. House committee hearing room, with several attendees wearing purple SEIU 775 shirts. The committee dais sits empty ahead of the session. A screen at the front reads "Energy & Commerce Will Begin Shortly." Portrait paintings hang on the beige and navy walls.
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Natalie Kean @nataliekean.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
“Disability doesn’t wait. And that’s why care can’t wait!”@mariatown.bsky.social National Summit on the Caregiving Crisis hosted by Congressional Dads Caucus and @gomez.house.gov
Panel of speakers sitting in front of mural at Library of Congress
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Natalie Kean @nataliekean.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
"When enforcement tools destabilize essential services rather than isolate wrongdoing, they cease to be instruments of integrity & instead become catalysts for harm." Get the facts--growth of Medicaid aging & disability care at home is both intentional & good! www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/f...
healthaffairs.org
Health Affairs Journal
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Natalie Kean @nataliekean.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
“The real deception is lawmakers promising protection while stripping away the care people depend on.”https://justiceinaging.org/lawmakers-knew-all-along-they-were-voting-to-cut-medicaid-for-older-adults/
justiceinaging.org
Lawmakers Knew All Along They Were Voting to Cut Medicaid for Older Adults - Justice in Aging
The battle to protect Medicaid for older adults and people with disabilities now moves to state capitals — where care hangs in the balance.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Justice in Aging @justiceinaging.org · 27/02/2026
Later this year, a new law will end Medicare eligibility for hundreds of thousands of lawfully present older immigrants, including some refugees and asylees. Here's what advocates need to know:
justiceinaging.org
Understanding the Impact of H.R.1 on Older Immigrants’ Access to Health Care - Justice in Aging
H.R. 1 limits older immigrants’ access to Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA tax credits, leaving many uninsured and unable to afford care.
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Natalie Kean @nataliekean.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
As this story shows, Medicaid work requirements take aim at older adults, particularly older women who provide care for their spouses, parents, and children—sometimes all at the same time. Check out @justiceinaging.org’s advocacy toolkit to mitigate the harm justiceinaging.org/mitigating-h...
justiceinaging.org
Mitigating the Harms of Medicaid Work Requirements for Older Adults: Tools for State Advocates - Justice in Aging
States can help people keep their Medicaid coverage by reducing paperwork and allowing them to self-report health conditions and caregiving responsibilities as exemptions from work requirements.
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Natalie Kean @nataliekean.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
“Family” then and now functions as survival infrastructure, an improvised system of mutual care created when the state fails to support certain families and communities.“ open.substack.com/pub/careactu...
open.substack.com
Family Has Never Been Neutral
Family has long served as survival infrastructure for people excluded by law—and still shapes how we’re allowed to care for one another.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
National Immigration Law Center @nilc.org · 17/02/2026
As Congress debates new funds for DHS, it's critical that we keep the pressure on our elected representatives to hold firm: STOP DHS' ATTACKS ON OUR COMMUNITIES. NO FUNDS FOR ICE & CBP. Save this post to help w/ calls & messages. Share widely. Together we keep each other safe. www.nilc.org/stopdhs
STOP DHS’ VIOLENCE: ACTION PLAN FOR THE SHUTDOWN WHAT’S HAPPENING: Congress is debating new funds for DHS now. This is our chance to rein in ICE & CBP through the power of the purse. 

Our leaders must HOLD FIRM during the 
DHS shutdown. Congress needs to hear from us: No funds for ICE & CBP!*Updated* Daily Routine:Send a Message: Contact your members of Congress at the link in our caption or www.nilc.org/StopDHS Make the Call: Call the switchboard 
(202) 224-3121 and connect with your Senators and House Reps. Ask that your call is tallied & leave a VM if needed. Tell Everyone: Share this widely!Repeat.Hi, my name is [X] and I am a constituent. My zip code is [X]. 
I am calling to urge [NAME] to hold firm during the shutdown and block funds for ICE & CBP. 
I support taking back DHS’ existing budget and using my tax dollars for programs that improve people’s lives.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Justice in Aging @justiceinaging.org · 25/10/2025
“It’s dual-pronged. Not only are you contributing to increased homelessness, but you’re also preventing individuals from being able to escape poverty by maintaining that critical asset,” Diamond said. “You’re also punishing people for being poor.”
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Justice in Aging @justiceinaging.org · 25/09/2025
New Census data reveals rising poverty among older adults—over 9 million seniors (15%) live in poverty, with rates higher in communities of color. These aren’t just stats; they’re our parents, grandparents, neighbors, and keepers of our culture, all deserving to age with dignity.
usatoday.com
Seniors are the only age group with growing poverty. It could get worse
Seniors are the only age group that saw a rise in poverty in 2024, Census Bureau data show. Without government help, it could get worse, experts say.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Justice in Aging @justiceinaging.org · 15/09/2025
When a Medicaid enrollee who received long-term care dies, states attempt to collect the costs of care from the enrollee's remaining property or savings. Here's how advocates can explain why this policy is harmful:
justiceinaging.org
Communicating the Harm of Medicaid Estate Recovery - Justice in Aging
This messaging guide provides recommendations to help advocates explain the harms of Medicaid estate recovery to policymakers and the public.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Ali Bers @alicebers.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
We filed a FOIA request along with @justiceinaging.org, @nilc.org, and @rcusa.bsky.social seeking transparency as the “Big Beautiful Bill” strips thousands of lawfully present immigrants of Medicare, regardless of how long they worked and paid Medicare taxes.
medicareadvocacy.org
Coalition Seeks Transparency as 100,000 Lawfully Present Immigrants Face Loss of Medicare Coverage - Center for Medicare Advocacy
Washington, DC – A coalition of national advocacy organizations has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ...
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Justice in Aging @justiceinaging.org · 13/09/2025
Join us on Tuesday, 9/16, for a deep dive into recent federal and state policy changes that will impact older Californians' access to Medi-Cal, Medicare, and other vital health care programs. Register: to.justiceinaging.org/K9rgqgC
to.justiceinaging.org
Webinar | H.R.1 and State Budget Impacts: Updates for Aging and Disability Advocates
This webinar will cover federal and state policy changes related to Medi-Cal, Medicare, and other health care programs serving older adults in California.
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Natalie Kean @nataliekean.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
🙏
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
ALXnow @alxnow.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
Mayor Gaskins calls for federal, state audits to assess impact of new federal mandates www.alxnow.com/2025/08/14/m...
alxnow.com
Mayor Gaskins calls for federal, state audits to assess impact of new federal mandates | ALXnow
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins is urging state and federal leaders to conduct expedited audits of Virginia's readiness to implement new federal requirements affecting Medicaid and food assistance programs....
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Natalie Kean @nataliekean.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
Check out our new HR 1 explainer and implementation timeline on the law’s changes to Medicaid, Medicare, and the ACA impacting older adults justiceinaging.org/budget-recon...
Screenshot of HR 1 implementation timeline
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Amber Christ @amberchrist.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
Join @nataliekean.bsky.social & Gelila Selassie on August 13th to discuss the impact of Medicaid cuts on older adults as a result of the passage of the budget reconciliation bill. Register here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
us06web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Medicaid Cuts in H.R.1 - Updates for Aging Advocates. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
In early July, President Trump signed H.R.1 also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” after narrowly passing both the House and the Senate. The bill cuts over a trillion dollars from Medicaid, Me...
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
SLU Law Center for Health Law Studies @sluhealthlaw.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Wed 8/13 @ Noon, @slulaw.bsky.social alum Natalie Kean @nataliekean.bsky.social, Director of Federal Health Advocacy at @justiceinaging.org, joins the webinar Medicaid Cuts in H.R.1 – Updates for Aging Advocates to break down changes to Medicaid & Medicare. Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
us06web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Medicaid Cuts in H.R.1 - Updates for Aging Advocates. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
In early July, President Trump signed H.R.1 also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” after narrowly passing both the House and the Senate. The bill cuts over a trillion dollars from Medicaid, Me...
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Natalie Kean @nataliekean.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
The #ADA was won by people with disabilities who demanded justice and refused to be ignored. #ADA35 @sanders.senate.gov
Senator Bernie Sanders speaking to disability advocates on a stage outdoors on a sunny day.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Ben D’Avanzo @bendavanzo.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Want the know the numerous ways that OBBBA terrorizes immigrants? -Taking away health care and food aid -Unaffordable fees -Unprecedented funding for ICE and detention camps -Raising taxes We have it all in our new explainer
nilc.org
The Anti-Immigrant Policies in Trump’s Final “Big Beautiful Bill,” Explained
Learn how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act slashes access to health care, nutrition, and tax credits, expands immigration enforcement, and harms low-income and immigrant communities—putting the U.S. eco...
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Senator Mark Warner @markwarner.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Reminder: This GOP tax bill is selling out the American people to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.
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Dom Kelly @thetattooedjew.com · 04/07/2025
It doesn’t have to be like this. We don’t have to die at the hands of corrupt politicians, billionaires, and wealthy corporations. We can build a different world. While we do that, we have to care for each other and help each other survive this. We’ve done it before. @newdisabledsouth.org
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Justice in Aging @justiceinaging.org · 03/07/2025
"Cutting Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP is morally indefensible under any circumstance, but this budget bill is particularly cruel," said @kevinprindiville.bsky.social. It endangers not only the lives of today’s older adults but future generations as well. Read Justice in Aging's full statement:
justiceinaging.org
Justice in Aging's Statement on Final Passage of Budget Bill - Justice in Aging
The bill sets a dangerous precedent that Congress will use Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP as a piggy bank for billionaires.
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Natalie Kean @nataliekean.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Let’s stop this bill before it: Takes healthcare from 17 million low-income people Cuts #Medicaid that enables older adults & disabled people to live in their own homes Shutters nursing facilities Penalizes people who lose their jobs by taking away their healthcare Call now! AAPD.com/Medicaid
aapd.com
AAPD Medicaid Defense Hub - AAPD
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Annette Yancey Allgood @ayallgood.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Please. RIGHT. NOW.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Senior and Disability Action @sdaction.org · 01/07/2025
The horrible budget bill is now making its way to the House for final approval, and will likely be on the President's desk by the end of the week. Now is our last chance to speak out against this bill! Call your representatives at 202-224-3121!
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Natalie Kean @nataliekean.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Call your representative and tell them to vote no. 202-224-3121 Tell everyone you know to do the same.
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Reposted by Natalie Kean
Elena Hung (she/her) @elenahung.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Two years ago today, Xiomara received a kidney from a generous donor and underwent a successful life-saving transplant surgery. She has survived and thrived because of Medicaid. Today, every U.S. senator has the power to #VoteNo to #ProtectMedicaid for medically complex disabled kids like mine.
photo of my 10yo daughter Xiomara at dinner tonight with a plate of fried ice cream, holding her braided pigtails (one in each hand), smiling a big smile, and looking cute AF
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Center on Budget and Policy Priorities @centeronbudget.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
The latest episode @lastweektonight.com dives into the Senate reconciliation bill’s impact on health care and food assistance, including work requirements and red tape featuring CBPP analysis: youtu.be/vjFL-cBcjKc?...
youtu.be
Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
YouTube video by LastWeekTonight
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Senator Tammy Baldwin @baldwin.senate.gov · 30/06/2025
I'm on the Capitol steps with ‪Senator Klobuchar‬ and families who are speaking out against the bill that Republicans are trying to jam through that would take away health care from 17 million Americans.  We are not giving up in this fight.
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Jason Resendez @jason4care.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Nearly 1/2 of states are on the brink of a caregiving crisis yet policymakers from those very states are about to vote to gut #Medicaid to give massive tax breaks to the ultra rich... who are these people serving?
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Edwin Park @edwincpark.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
The reason that states have already capped existing 1915(c) #Medicaid HCBS waivers is due to cost. Now states will face massive financing cuts especially because of provider tax restrictions, new administrative burdens to implement work requirements & other cost-shifts like in SNAP (5/x)
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Timothy McBride @mcbridetd.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Reverse Robin Hood The Big Bill is designed as a huge tax cut for the rich funded by spending cuts to safety net programs for the poor.
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