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Joseph Betancourt

@jbetancourtpr.bsky.social

140 followers 83 following 53 posts

President, @CommonwealthFund.org Primary Care Doctor. Equitable, high quality care for all. Made in NYC, Boston, Puerto Rico.

Public Health 37%

Medicine 21%

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Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · Jul 10

@commonwealthfund.org has always stood for a health system that works for all, and we’re not going to stop now.

Over the coming months, we will be sharing the Fund’s new direction while doubling down and prioritizing efforts in the short term that help us pursue our mission.

Full thoughts here ⤵️

Together, We Can Still Shape the Future | Joseph Betancourt

Together, We Can Still Shape the Future For over a century, The Commonwealth Fund’s mission has been simple: Affordable, quality health care. For everyone. Last week, Congress passed, and the pres...

www.linkedin.com

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · Jul 10

Last week, Congress passed, and the president signed, legislation that will cut #Medicaid and alter how coverage is accessed through the #healthinsurance marketplaces.

This is a turning point—not the end of the story.

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · Jun 6

Sincerest thanks to @thepcc.org for your leadership and all my fellow #primarycare providers trying to make a difference every day. Committed to improving the health of all Americans at @commonwealthfund.org.

Primary Care Collaborative @thepcc.org · Jun 5

A huge thank you to @commonwealthfund.org President @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social for delivering closing remarks for the #PCC2025 Conference.

As his words drive inspiration for the work ahead, we’re thankful for his leadership in forwarding the promise of primary care.

Reposted by Joseph R. Betancourt

Primary Care Collaborative @thepcc.org · Jun 5

A huge thank you to @commonwealthfund.org President @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social for delivering closing remarks for the #PCC2025 Conference.

As his words drive inspiration for the work ahead, we’re thankful for his leadership in forwarding the promise of primary care.

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · May 30

Robert Gordon tried to make #WorkRequirements work in Michigan.

His message today?
Don’t repeat the mistake.

#Medicaid work requirements may sound simple in theory, but in practice, they mean red tape, wasted resources, and lost coverage.

More Than 100,000 Michigan Residents Nearly Lost Medicaid Coverage Under Work Requirements

Proposed rule changes to ACA marketplace plans from the Trump administration would increase costs and reduce the financial protection plans offer.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · May 28

Medicaid isn’t just health coverage — it’s an economic engine.
It supports jobs, strengthens state budgets, and lifts families out of poverty. Cuts to the program wouldn’t just hurt health — they’d harm state economies, too.

How Does Medicaid Benefit States?

Medicaid provides critical health care to Americans with low income and generates a powerful return on investment for all states.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · May 25

Navigating health care is hard for everyone, and we know red tape doesn’t treat chronic illness. Adding red tape to Medicaid is likely to cost more eligible people their coverage than it is to root out fraud.
Don’t confuse oversight with obstacles.
I’ve seen what happens when patients lose care.

Here's what's in the GOP megabill that's just passed the House

At the center of the sweeping bill is trillions in tax cuts, which Republicans aim to partially offset through changes to safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP.

Reposted by Joseph R. Betancourt

The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · May 22

The impact of the potential federal Medicaid cuts wouldn’t stop at #Medicaid patients—it would ripple across whole communities.

📉 15.9M people would lose Medicaid
💸 $33.7B in hospital revenue would vanish
🚑 Uncompensated care would rise 64%
🏥 Hospital operating income could drop 20% overall

⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Federal Cuts to Medicaid Could End Medicaid Expansion and Affect Hospitals in Nearly Every State

In states that choose to end expanded Medicaid eligibility, fewer covered beneficiaries mean hospitals will see less revenue and lower operating margins.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · May 21

Punitive work requirements can’t compete with real opportunity.

#Medicaid helps people stay well enough to work. In states that invested in employment support, enrollees saw wage increases, job gains—and better health.

How Does Medicaid Benefit States?

Medicaid provides critical health care to Americans with low income and generates a powerful return on investment for all states.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · May 20

If we’re serious about improving health, we should listen to the people who’ve done the work. Robert Gordon implemented #Medicaid work requirements in Michigan.

Now he’s warning us not to go down that road again.

More Than 100,000 Michigan Residents Nearly Lost Medicaid Coverage Under Work Requirements

Proposed rule changes to ACA marketplace plans from the Trump administration would increase costs and reduce the financial protection plans offer.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · May 19

We’ve made real progress on #maternalhealth, chronic disease, and equity — because we had the data to guide us. The data tells us who’s thriving, who’s suffering, and where we must act.

When that data vanishes, so does our ability to make health care more fair.

“Data Silence” Holds High Stakes for People’s Health

On The Dose podcast, Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith discusses the public health risks of disappearing federal data systems that track maternal health and chronic disease.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · May 16

Medicaid isn’t just a coverage program — it’s a lifeline for people living with #MentalHealth or substance use challenges. To cut funding or restrict access is to risk leaving millions of people without care.

This explainer lays out the stakes for all of us.

Medicaid’s Role in Mental Health and Substance Use Care

Policy changes that reduce access to Medicaid, restrict eligibility, or cut funding could undermine people’s ability to get mental health and substance use care.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · May 13

If there is one thing to know this week, it’s this: The combined impact of proposed #Medicaid changes, reduced premium tax credits, and the establishing of new enrollment barriers would erode ACA coverage gains to the tune of 13.7 million more Americans being uninsured by 2034.

Larry Levitt @larrylevitt.bsky.social · May 12

Many of the Medicaid proposals from House Republicans are technical and wonky, and will be difficult for the public to absorb.

What won’t be difficult to absorb: CBO’s estimate that the changes will increase the number of people without health insurance by at least 8.6 million.

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · May 13

Excited to be part of this year’s amerphysiciangrps.bsky.social Spring Conference. We’ll be talking about the importance of whole person health, and how the evidence is clear that one’s life circumstances are clearly connected to quality and health outcomes. #APGSC25

APG Spring Conference 2025

apg.cventevents.com

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · May 12

Having seen patients who live with chronic illness and poverty, I can tell you that every barrier to care poses an unnecessary risk.
This new brief outlines policy options for bringing dignity and efficiency to how we serve dual-eligible adults.

Integrating Medicare and Medicaid: Policy Priorities to Improve Access and Care for Beneficiaries Under Age 65

To address the needs of dual-eligible people under 65, policymakers could focus on promoting better data collection and soliciting feedback from beneficiaries.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Reposted by Joseph R. Betancourt

Larry Levitt @larrylevitt.bsky.social · May 12

Many of the Medicaid proposals from House Republicans are technical and wonky, and will be difficult for the public to absorb.

What won’t be difficult to absorb: CBO’s estimate that the changes will increase the number of people without health insurance by at least 8.6 million.

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · May 8

Investing in what works is a smart investment. #CommunityHealth Centers are proven to lower costs, deliver better outcomes, and establish deeper trust.

That’s a good bet. Let’s not walk away from it. #CHCs

Community Health Centers Provide Care to Millions, but Cuts Could Put Them in Jeopardy

As health care spending climbs in the U.S., evidence shows that greater investment in CHCs can lead to cost-effective solutions to improving care outcomes.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · May 6

We need to fix what’s broken, not break what works.
People juggling jobs and caregiving shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get coverage.
Especially when it’s what helps them stay healthy — and stay working.

A New Rule to Limit ACA Enrollment Periods May Deter Sign-Ups and Worsen Risk Pools

By continuing on our website, you agree to our use of the cookie for statistical and personalization purpose. Learn More

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · May 5

The @milkeninstitute.org Global Conference reminds us: better outcomes come from bold ideas and collective action. Honored to join changemakers pushing for progress. #MIGlobal

Global Conference 2025 | Milken Institute

The 28th annual Global Conference will unite our diverse, forward-thinking community to tackle these critical issues and explore solutions that pave the way for

milkeninstitute.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · Apr 30

We should be strengthening these lifelines, not starving them.
In some towns and neighborhoods, #communityhealth centers are the only place people can get care. #CHCs

Community Health Centers Provide Care to Millions, but Cuts Could Put Them in Jeopardy

As health care spending climbs in the U.S., evidence shows that greater investment in CHCs can lead to cost-effective solutions to improving care outcomes.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · Apr 29

We owe it to those with the greatest need to get this right.

Better coordination across #Medicare and #Medicaid could mean fewer denials, fewer delays, and fewer people falling through the cracks.

Integrating Medicare and Medicaid: Policy Priorities to Improve Access and Care for Beneficiaries Under Age 65

To address the needs of dual-eligible people under 65, policymakers could focus on promoting better data collection and soliciting feedback from beneficiaries.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · Apr 28

This isn’t trimming fat. It’s cutting deep.

Health coverage is a basic need — not a luxury. A proposed federal rule could strip coverage away from 2 million people by 2026, many of them children, seniors, and working families.
Details below ⤵️

A New Rule to Limit ACA Enrollment Periods May Deter Sign-Ups and Worsen Risk Pools

By continuing on our website, you agree to our use of the cookie for statistical and personalization purpose. Learn More

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · Apr 22

The health of our planet is tied to the health of our people. This #EarthDay, take a moment to read this feature on Providence’s WE ACT scorecard to see how hospitals can care for both the people and the planet.

Measuring and Minimizing Health Care’s Environmental Impact

Providence’s WE ACT scorecard helps employees in its 51 hospitals see how their actions affect greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · Apr 17

Fixing drug affordability requires more than finger-pointing. It means understanding the system — and changing what no longer serves people. Bipartisan momentum is building on PBM practices. With smart policy, we can lower costs and protect patients.

What Pharmacy Benefit Managers Do, and How They Contribute to Drug Spending

Policymakers at the federal and state level have considered a number of reforms, many of which have bipartisan support, to regulate pharmacy benefit managers.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · Apr 10

A program that touches half of all births and millions of lives should be understood, not politicized. Find out how #Medicaid is financed — and why it matters to EVERYONE, here:

How Do We Pay for Medicaid?

This explainer looks at how Medicaid is funded jointly by the federal government and the states, the program’s spending, and its administrative costs.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · Apr 8

The potential cuts to #Medicaid and SNAP aren't just a #healthcare issue.

They're a jobs issue,
a household issue, and
an economic stability issue.

This is about ALL of us.

How Potential Federal Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP Could Trigger the Loss of a Million-Plus Jobs, Reduced Economic Activity, and Less State Revenue

Combined losses from proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP would reach $1.1 trillion over a decade, including a $95 billion loss of federal funding in 2026 alone.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · Apr 5

As someone who has spent my career in health care, I know what’s at stake when we dismantle systems that protect people’s lives. The recent HHS layoffs risk undoing years of progress.
Find my full thoughts over on the @commonwealthfund.org blog.

Making America Healthy

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · Apr 4

Job-based health insurance is the norm in the U.S.—but for many families, it’s becoming unaffordable. Premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs are eating into paychecks. This analysis helps show where workers are hit hardest—and how policy can make a difference.

How Affordable Is Job-Based Health Coverage for Workers?

The costs of job-based insurance paid by employees can pose a considerable financial burden, particularly for households with low and moderate incomes.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · Apr 3

Most of us don’t know what a PBM is — but their decisions can shape your pharmacy experience and out-of-pocket costs. See here for what you need to know about PBMs and how state and federal policymakers can improve transparency and accountability around their work.

What Pharmacy Benefit Managers Do, and How They Contribute to Drug Spending

Policymakers at the federal and state level have considered a number of reforms, many of which have bipartisan support, to regulate pharmacy benefit managers.

www.commonwealthfund.org

Joseph Betancourt @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social · Apr 1

Medicaid is vital — and it's complex. This explainer breaks down how dollars flow from federal and state governments to care delivery. If you’ve ever wondered how #Medicaid actually works, this is for you, because it matters to EVERYONE.

How Do We Pay for Medicaid?

This explainer looks at how Medicaid is funded jointly by the federal government and the states, the program’s spending, and its administrative costs.

www.commonwealthfund.org