Episode Details
Back to Episodes#467 - Navigating the Future of Pediatric Healthcare Funding
Description
Ben sits down with Dr. Shetal Shah and AAP federal advocacy director Stephanie Glier to unpack HR1, the sweeping reconciliation bill that could cut $1.15 trillion in federal Medicaid spending over the next decade. With 40% of US births and up to 65% of NICU graduates covered by Medicaid, the stakes for neonatology are enormous. Shetal and Stephanie break down state directed payments, provider taxes, shortened retroactive coverage windows, and new work requirements, explaining how administrative friction alone could push families out of coverage. They also offer a clear playbook: connect with your AAP state chapter, share bedside stories with policymakers, and don't be more intimidated by a congressional office than by a resuscitation.
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AAP Advocacy page: https://www.aap.org/en/advocacy/?srsltid=AfmBOoqcnlKDsPZkpNg6z6U7OlOuBqUiuCtWHrUPmRGzfqDiQEl-vf7s
Myers CN, Beck AF. H.R. 1’s Medicaid cuts threaten children’s health. Health Affairs Forefront. January 20, 2026. Accessed August 28, 2026. https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/h-r-1-s-medicaid-cuts-threaten-children-s-health
Little J, Kohler A. How H.R. 1 cuts and changes to Medicaid played out in 2026 state legislative sessions (Part 2). Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. July 2, 2026. Accessed August 28, 2026. https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2026/07/02/how-h-r-1-cuts-and-changes-to-medicaid-played-out-in-2026-state-legislative-sessions-part-2/
Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy. Implications of H.R. 1 – the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy. 2026. Accessed August 28, 2026. https://www.amcp.org/H.R.1
Park E. New CMS guidance on H.R. 1's restrictions of state directed payments. Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. February 4, 2026. Accessed August 28, 2026. https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2026/02/04/new-cms-guidance-on-h-r-1s-restrictions-of-state-directed-payments/
Mudumala A, Mohamed M, Tolbert J, Burns A. The impact of H.R. 1 on two Medicaid eligibility rules. KFF. September 22, 2025. Accessed August 28, 2026. https://www.kff.org/medicaid/the-impact-of-h-r-1-on-two-medicaid-eligibility-rules/
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Enjoy!