The $625 Billion Cut That Could Break America's Healthcare System

Pantsuits and Lawsuits with Attorneys General Kris Mayes and Dana Nessel

The fight for America's health and wellbeing takes center stage as we tackle the most alarming proposals coming from Washington. Attorneys General Dana Nessel and Kris Mayes break down their ongoing legal battles against unconstitutional actions by the Trump administration – revealing why they've each filed over 15 lawsuits (and won most of them).
Our candid conversation explores the real-world consequences of federal budget cuts already taking effect across America. From overflowing toilets at the Grand Canyon to park facility closures at Sleeping Bear Dunes, national treasures are deteriorating before our eyes. Meanwhile, vital nonprofit organizations that feed vulnerable populations face extinction as funding disappears.
The heart of our episode features Georgetown University's Joan Alker, who delivers a masterclass on Medicaid's essential role in American healthcare. As Republicans propose slashing at least $625 billion from Medicaid – the largest cuts in history – Alker explains who stands to lose the most. Did you know Medicaid covers 40% of all births nationally and nearly half of all births in rural communities? Or that it's the primary funder of long-term care for seniors and covers almost half of all children?
We examine how these proposed cuts would devastate rural healthcare systems already struggling with provider shortages and hospital closures. Alker also dissects the problematic "work requirements" some states have tried implementing – revealing shocking statistics about how they've increased bureaucracy while causing thousands to lose coverage.
What makes this episode particularly powerful is the bipartisan concern emerging around these issues. As Nessel notes, people across the political spectrum are showing up at town halls worried about these changes. The message becomes clear: speaking up works, whether through contacting representatives, writing op-eds, or joining local meetings.
Join us for this urgent conversation about protecting the programs that make America healthy. The time to make your voice heard is now.

Chapters

1. The $625 Billion Cut That Could Break America's Healthcare System (00:00:00)

2. Suing the Trump Administration (00:00:05)

3. National Parks and Nonprofit Funding Crisis (00:02:39)

4. Medicaid Cuts and Healthcare Impact (00:07:30)

5. Interview with Medicaid Expert Joan Alker (00:11:29)

6. Medicaid's Role in Rural Communities (00:17:55)

7. Work Requirements and Unintended Consequences (00:22:17)

8. Healthcare Industry Impact and Timeline (00:29:38)