Author | Lightnews

Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Aug 21

There may not be one single “right” answer for our health system, but there are many more wrong answers than right. We already know what would help—so why isn’t it being done? Why aren’t we rallying behind those pushing for change?

#publichealth #healthreform #reform #healthpolicy

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Aug 21

If they can do the things they’re doing now, they can also do the right things. Don’t let anyone tell you they can’t.

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Aug 21

Take the #MAHA movement. Performative. Misguided—intentionally. Bandaid fixes for bleed-out problems. Placing a #bandaid on a #stroke patient doesn’t fix the issue. It might look good to someone who doesn’t understand, but it’s not real help.

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Aug 21

They’ve had to be creative due to *ahem* restructuring at higher levels. But as I step into my own light, with the education I’ve worked hard for, I see how little is actually done #politically for the good of our health—or really, anything.

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Aug 21

Not all officials are hiding behind that façade. I’ve seen more promising policy #writers, #analysts, and #leaders recently—people stepping forward into our current darkness to shine light on issues critical to our survival.

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Aug 21

I grew up believing #policy officials always had our best interests in mind. They’d stand in front of cameras saying, “We’re doing everything we can…” — but often it was performative, misguided, or a distraction from the real problem.

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Aug 18

Let’s talk about the surprises you’ll probably encounter when looking into long-term care facilities. Did you know Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living or long-term nursing home care?

✨ Link below
#publichealth #longtermcare #LTC #nursinghome #assistedliving

The Cost of Aging

What Family Should Know: Costs, coverage, and capacity explained

open.substack.com

Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Aug 14

We like to think public health protects everyone, but time after time, disabled people get left out of the planning process. So, I’ll say it louder: accessibility isn’t just “ramps.” The bar could not be lower.
#inclusion #publichealth #disabilityjustice

Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Aug 14

When natural disasters strike, thousands of people rush to shelters. But for those who use a wheelchair or other mobility aid, or rely on electricity, many shelters are not accessible... and many more do not have backup power for medical equipment. #disability #health #leadership #accessibility

It’s Not Just Ramps: Real Inclusion in Public Health Planning

"There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more." - Robert M. Hensel

open.substack.com

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Aug 11

In my latest newsletter:
– Why extreme weather hits some communities harder
– The impossible choices millions face
– Solutions that can save lives

Read here: open.substack.com/pub/caroline...

#HealthEquity #ClimateChange

Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Aug 11

From 115°F heat in Arizona to -14°F nights in Alaska, climate change is a year-round health crisis.

For some, it’s life or death.
💡 Heating or eating
💊 Medicine or cooling
🏚 Shelter rules or survival outside

…

#PublicHealth #ClimateResilience

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Aug 7

Representation creates a bridge. It shortens the emotional distance, and it makes healing possible.

Our patients don’t have to explain themselves when the other person in the room already understands. Representation matters.

#healthcare #healthjustice #equality #equity #disabilityjustice #disabled

Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Aug 7

🤰🏾A Black mother navigating a pregnancy after systemic mistreatment.

🩼A disabled patient whose symptoms have been dismissed for years.

🏳️‍🌈A queer teen afraid to share their truth in the exam room.

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Aug 7

Veterans, for example, often seek care from providers who understand military culture. It’s not just the values—it’s the language, the unspoken grief, the things that only other veterans could understand.

The same is true for so many others:

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Aug 7

Let’s talk about the importance of representation in healthcare 👇🏼

Efforts to increase representation should not be about “checking boxes.” These efforts should be fundamental to the missions of our health facilities and about reflecting the identities we serve in our communities…

#healthequity

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Jul 31

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Below, I explain what’s happening, what’s at stake, and what we can do to protect prevention. 👇🏼🔗

📨 open.substack.com/pub/caroline...

#USPSTF #HealthPolicy #PreventiveCare

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Jul 31

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Most people have never heard of the USPSTF, but this independent task force quietly protects access to free preventive care for millions of Americans.

Now it’s under serious threat.

#PublicHealth #ACA #HealthEquity

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Jul 21

Let’s talk about #Medicaid #Fraud-
- what it is
- what it’s not
- the harm we cause by perpetuating misleading headlines
- the actual Medicaid improper payment rates versus proper payment rates

Read my newsletter below 🗞️🔗

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Jul 18

Just published: How to Keep Up with Medications Without Insurance
💊 GoodRx, $4 lists, patient assistance
🏥 FQHC & 340B discounts
🚗 Solutions for rural & offline communities

📬 Full guide 👇🏼
#HealthcareAccess #MedicationHelp #HealthEquity #RuralHealth #DisabilitySupport #MutualAid #PrescriptionAccess

Keeping Up With Medications Without Insurance

Your guide to pharmacy discounts, patient assistance programs, and keeping prescriptions affordable—no matter what’s happening with coverage.

open.substack.com

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Jul 14

New post: When CHIP Is Cut: How to Keep Your Kids Insured

🧒 Your child may still qualify.
🏥 Free and sliding-scale care exists.
💬 Scripts + resources for navigating coverage loss.

Full guide:
#CHIP #HealthEquity #HealthcareForKids #DisabilitySupport #MedicaidCuts

Keeping Your Kids Insured When CHIP Coverage Is at Risk

A resource guide and letter of support for parents, caregivers, and guardians.

open.substack.com

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Jul 10

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Jul 10

Food is a human right. And even as federal support disappears, community care hasn’t.
🥫 Pantries, fridges, mutual aid 🍎 WIC + school meals 🚗 Help for seniors & folks without internet
📬 Full guide here!
#SNAP #MutualAid #HealthEquity #DisabilitySupport #RuralHealth #FoodInsecurity

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Jul 7

"When Medicaid Shrinks: How to Still Find Healthcare in Your Community."

💡Where to go when you lose coverage
 🏥 How to access clinics, even offline
 🚐 Transportation and disability supports

Read the full resource guide ⤵
#Medicaid #HealthEquity #RuralHealth #CommunityCare #DisabilityAccess

Losing Your Medicaid? Let’s Look at Your Options

When Medicaid Shrinks, Community Steps Up To the Plate.

open.substack.com

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Caroline Waltzman, MHA @carolinewaltzman.bsky.social · Jul 6

I need help. Intro Project Lift. ☀️

I’m creating a state-by-state resource to help uninsured, food-insecure, unhoused, and vulnerable individuals across the U.S. access help.

✨Know of an org, clinic, food bank, shelter, service, or support group in your state? Please add it below.

#publichealth

Project Lift Resource Sheet

This spreadsheet was created in anticipation of resource loss through the OBBBA for low-income and at-risk populations. The answers to this form will be added to a Resource Master Spreadsheet. The res...

docs.google.com

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