A Healthier Democracy
@ahdemocracy.bsky.social
Building platforms for collaboration and community organizing at the intersection of health and civic engagement to maximize collective impact. https://linktr.ee/ahealthierdemocracy
🩸Kanuszewski v. Michigan Department of Health & Human Services asked if using anonymized newborn blood samples for research violates privacy. The court said no, calling them essential for public health while still protecting confidentiality. Science & privacy do not have to be at odds #PublicHealth
December 2, 2025 at 4:06 PM
🩸Kanuszewski v. Michigan Department of Health & Human Services asked if using anonymized newborn blood samples for research violates privacy. The court said no, calling them essential for public health while still protecting confidentiality. Science & privacy do not have to be at odds #PublicHealth
Insurance systems sometimes feel like obstacle courses disguised as “coverage.” Long phone calls. Confusing plan details. Endless paperwork. Denials that make no sense & patients aren’t the only ones stuck; providers spend hours fighting the same maze.
This is why understanding health policy matters
This is why understanding health policy matters
December 1, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Insurance systems sometimes feel like obstacle courses disguised as “coverage.” Long phone calls. Confusing plan details. Endless paperwork. Denials that make no sense & patients aren’t the only ones stuck; providers spend hours fighting the same maze.
This is why understanding health policy matters
This is why understanding health policy matters
Prior Authorization was designed to reduce unnecessary care but in practice, it often delays urgent treatment and exhausts both patients and providers.
You’ve likely experienced it if:
📌 Your prescription was denied, even though your doctor approved it
📌 Your MRI got postponed for “review”
You’ve likely experienced it if:
📌 Your prescription was denied, even though your doctor approved it
📌 Your MRI got postponed for “review”
November 28, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Prior Authorization was designed to reduce unnecessary care but in practice, it often delays urgent treatment and exhausts both patients and providers.
You’ve likely experienced it if:
📌 Your prescription was denied, even though your doctor approved it
📌 Your MRI got postponed for “review”
You’ve likely experienced it if:
📌 Your prescription was denied, even though your doctor approved it
📌 Your MRI got postponed for “review”
This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for everyone who believes in building a healthier democracy, one rooted in care, connection, and participation. Grateful for our partners, volunteers, and communities who make it happen every day.
November 27, 2025 at 2:46 PM
This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for everyone who believes in building a healthier democracy, one rooted in care, connection, and participation. Grateful for our partners, volunteers, and communities who make it happen every day.
Dreaming of systemic change? 🌱 The Ashoka Fellowship supports visionary changemakers with personalized stipends (up to 3 years if needed), strategic guidance, and a global community of social innovators.
Nominate someone, or yourself, who’s ready to transform the world.
Nominate someone, or yourself, who’s ready to transform the world.
November 26, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Dreaming of systemic change? 🌱 The Ashoka Fellowship supports visionary changemakers with personalized stipends (up to 3 years if needed), strategic guidance, and a global community of social innovators.
Nominate someone, or yourself, who’s ready to transform the world.
Nominate someone, or yourself, who’s ready to transform the world.
We’re just one week away from #GivingTuesday ! 🫱🏾🫲🏽
This year, your support helps us strengthen the connection between healthcare and democracy, bringing voter access and health resources directly into clinics and communities across the country.️ Donate early: voter.kindful.com?campaign=122...
This year, your support helps us strengthen the connection between healthcare and democracy, bringing voter access and health resources directly into clinics and communities across the country.️ Donate early: voter.kindful.com?campaign=122...
November 25, 2025 at 2:02 PM
We’re just one week away from #GivingTuesday ! 🫱🏾🫲🏽
This year, your support helps us strengthen the connection between healthcare and democracy, bringing voter access and health resources directly into clinics and communities across the country.️ Donate early: voter.kindful.com?campaign=122...
This year, your support helps us strengthen the connection between healthcare and democracy, bringing voter access and health resources directly into clinics and communities across the country.️ Donate early: voter.kindful.com?campaign=122...
Medicare’s COVID-era telehealth flexibilities expired on Sept 30, 2025 creating confusion and new barriers to care.
That means:
🚫 Patients with chronic illnesses may need to drive hours for appointments.
💻 Small rural clinics could lose funding without telehealth visits.
That means:
🚫 Patients with chronic illnesses may need to drive hours for appointments.
💻 Small rural clinics could lose funding without telehealth visits.
November 24, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Medicare’s COVID-era telehealth flexibilities expired on Sept 30, 2025 creating confusion and new barriers to care.
That means:
🚫 Patients with chronic illnesses may need to drive hours for appointments.
💻 Small rural clinics could lose funding without telehealth visits.
That means:
🚫 Patients with chronic illnesses may need to drive hours for appointments.
💻 Small rural clinics could lose funding without telehealth visits.
🐼💸 This panda just found out why his patient didn’t come in sooner, they were already $8,000 in medical debt. Medical debt is the #1 cause of bankruptcy in America. Families skip care, delay treatment, and live in fear of the next bill.
But there’s hope.
But there’s hope.
November 21, 2025 at 2:04 PM
🐼💸 This panda just found out why his patient didn’t come in sooner, they were already $8,000 in medical debt. Medical debt is the #1 cause of bankruptcy in America. Families skip care, delay treatment, and live in fear of the next bill.
But there’s hope.
But there’s hope.
Exciting news! 🩺 HHS has announced the removal of black box warning from HRT. This is a winning decision for menopause care! 👩⚕️ This doesn't change clinical practice, but it helps remove the taboo and keep the conversation going on women's health. ❤️ #hrt #menopause #perimenopause #womenshealth #hhs
November 20, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Exciting news! 🩺 HHS has announced the removal of black box warning from HRT. This is a winning decision for menopause care! 👩⚕️ This doesn't change clinical practice, but it helps remove the taboo and keep the conversation going on women's health. ❤️ #hrt #menopause #perimenopause #womenshealth #hhs
When your rep finally votes to protect ACA subsidies this is a dream come true 😭
The enhanced tax credits under the Affordable Care Act are set to expire at year’s end unless Congress acts. These subsidies have helped millions keep health insurance affordable.
The enhanced tax credits under the Affordable Care Act are set to expire at year’s end unless Congress acts. These subsidies have helped millions keep health insurance affordable.
November 19, 2025 at 4:23 PM
When your rep finally votes to protect ACA subsidies this is a dream come true 😭
The enhanced tax credits under the Affordable Care Act are set to expire at year’s end unless Congress acts. These subsidies have helped millions keep health insurance affordable.
The enhanced tax credits under the Affordable Care Act are set to expire at year’s end unless Congress acts. These subsidies have helped millions keep health insurance affordable.
🚨 The longest U.S. government shutdown is now over! But what does that mean? 💵 The VA, FDA/Dept of Agriculture, and the operations of the legislative branch are funded for the whole year. Everyone else? Until January 30th. 🗓️ Healthcare subsidies don't expire until the end of this year,
November 18, 2025 at 2:50 PM
🚨 The longest U.S. government shutdown is now over! But what does that mean? 💵 The VA, FDA/Dept of Agriculture, and the operations of the legislative branch are funded for the whole year. Everyone else? Until January 30th. 🗓️ Healthcare subsidies don't expire until the end of this year,
When coverage is cut, childhood gets put on pause. One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA): is estimated to reduce federal health care outlays, including cuts to Medicaid and CHIP, over the next decade.
CHIP and Medicaid keep nearly half of U.S. kids healthy giving them access to checkups, prescriptions,
CHIP and Medicaid keep nearly half of U.S. kids healthy giving them access to checkups, prescriptions,
November 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM
When coverage is cut, childhood gets put on pause. One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA): is estimated to reduce federal health care outlays, including cuts to Medicaid and CHIP, over the next decade.
CHIP and Medicaid keep nearly half of U.S. kids healthy giving them access to checkups, prescriptions,
CHIP and Medicaid keep nearly half of U.S. kids healthy giving them access to checkups, prescriptions,
Policy Issues in Healthcare Education: Why Are So Many Med Students Drowning in Debt? The Big Beautiful Bill would cap medical student loan debt at $200k , far below the $264k average debt today.
“Medical school debt isn’t just personal. It’s policy and as a future med student, that’s terrifying”
“Medical school debt isn’t just personal. It’s policy and as a future med student, that’s terrifying”
November 14, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Policy Issues in Healthcare Education: Why Are So Many Med Students Drowning in Debt? The Big Beautiful Bill would cap medical student loan debt at $200k , far below the $264k average debt today.
“Medical school debt isn’t just personal. It’s policy and as a future med student, that’s terrifying”
“Medical school debt isn’t just personal. It’s policy and as a future med student, that’s terrifying”
My wallet after hearing “ACA subsidies might expire”?
💸 Screaming in deductible.
Healthcare shouldn’t be a budgeting horror story.
Without these subsidies, millions could see their premiums skyrocket.
🗣️ Tell your reps: Keep coverage affordable.
#ACA #HealthcareCosts #SubsidiesMatter #HealthPolicy
💸 Screaming in deductible.
Healthcare shouldn’t be a budgeting horror story.
Without these subsidies, millions could see their premiums skyrocket.
🗣️ Tell your reps: Keep coverage affordable.
#ACA #HealthcareCosts #SubsidiesMatter #HealthPolicy
November 13, 2025 at 3:24 PM
My wallet after hearing “ACA subsidies might expire”?
💸 Screaming in deductible.
Healthcare shouldn’t be a budgeting horror story.
Without these subsidies, millions could see their premiums skyrocket.
🗣️ Tell your reps: Keep coverage affordable.
#ACA #HealthcareCosts #SubsidiesMatter #HealthPolicy
💸 Screaming in deductible.
Healthcare shouldn’t be a budgeting horror story.
Without these subsidies, millions could see their premiums skyrocket.
🗣️ Tell your reps: Keep coverage affordable.
#ACA #HealthcareCosts #SubsidiesMatter #HealthPolicy
⚖️ Express Scripts v. Arkansas: Local pharmacy protection vs. national healthcare access. At stake: 600 jobs, 700K prescriptions, constitutional commerce questions, and rural healthcare. Both sides have compelling arguments about competition and patient access.
November 12, 2025 at 8:00 PM
⚖️ Express Scripts v. Arkansas: Local pharmacy protection vs. national healthcare access. At stake: 600 jobs, 700K prescriptions, constitutional commerce questions, and rural healthcare. Both sides have compelling arguments about competition and patient access.
Veterans Day reminds us that service comes in many forms, from protecting our country abroad to strengthening our communities here at home.
Whether it's defending democracy, expanding access to healthcare, or supporting civic participation, veterans continue to lead in powerful ways.
Whether it's defending democracy, expanding access to healthcare, or supporting civic participation, veterans continue to lead in powerful ways.
November 11, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Veterans Day reminds us that service comes in many forms, from protecting our country abroad to strengthening our communities here at home.
Whether it's defending democracy, expanding access to healthcare, or supporting civic participation, veterans continue to lead in powerful ways.
Whether it's defending democracy, expanding access to healthcare, or supporting civic participation, veterans continue to lead in powerful ways.
🚨 All 50 states have now applied for a share of the $50B Rural Health Transformation Fund, created to offset major Medicaid cuts.
The fund promises to support workforce development, telehealth, and access to care in rural communities, but many fear the money won’t reach the clinics that need it most
The fund promises to support workforce development, telehealth, and access to care in rural communities, but many fear the money won’t reach the clinics that need it most
November 10, 2025 at 4:49 PM
🚨 All 50 states have now applied for a share of the $50B Rural Health Transformation Fund, created to offset major Medicaid cuts.
The fund promises to support workforce development, telehealth, and access to care in rural communities, but many fear the money won’t reach the clinics that need it most
The fund promises to support workforce development, telehealth, and access to care in rural communities, but many fear the money won’t reach the clinics that need it most
When mental health funding is cut and “resilience” becomes the only official plan 🫠
Slashing budgets for community mental health services doesn’t make the need disappear, it just pushes it further out of reach.
Policy choices shape access. And right now, millions are being told to cope without care.
Slashing budgets for community mental health services doesn’t make the need disappear, it just pushes it further out of reach.
Policy choices shape access. And right now, millions are being told to cope without care.
November 7, 2025 at 2:03 PM
When mental health funding is cut and “resilience” becomes the only official plan 🫠
Slashing budgets for community mental health services doesn’t make the need disappear, it just pushes it further out of reach.
Policy choices shape access. And right now, millions are being told to cope without care.
Slashing budgets for community mental health services doesn’t make the need disappear, it just pushes it further out of reach.
Policy choices shape access. And right now, millions are being told to cope without care.
Nonprofits, this is your moment! The Centene Foundation’s Fall Grant Cycle is open from Sept 1 – Nov 30. Partner with Centene to advance health, social services, and education in your community. Apply now at www.centene.com/who-we-are/c... 💡 #HealthEquity #CommunityImpact #GrantOpportunity
November 6, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Nonprofits, this is your moment! The Centene Foundation’s Fall Grant Cycle is open from Sept 1 – Nov 30. Partner with Centene to advance health, social services, and education in your community. Apply now at www.centene.com/who-we-are/c... 💡 #HealthEquity #CommunityImpact #GrantOpportunity
When the safety net starts ghosting us… who you gonna call?
Your elected reps. ☎️
From Medicaid to WIC to telehealth, vital programs are hanging by a thread.
If the system’s disappearing when you need it most, it’s time to speak up.
📢 Call. Write. Vote. The safety net isn’t self-repairing.
Your elected reps. ☎️
From Medicaid to WIC to telehealth, vital programs are hanging by a thread.
If the system’s disappearing when you need it most, it’s time to speak up.
📢 Call. Write. Vote. The safety net isn’t self-repairing.
November 5, 2025 at 6:29 PM
When the safety net starts ghosting us… who you gonna call?
Your elected reps. ☎️
From Medicaid to WIC to telehealth, vital programs are hanging by a thread.
If the system’s disappearing when you need it most, it’s time to speak up.
📢 Call. Write. Vote. The safety net isn’t self-repairing.
Your elected reps. ☎️
From Medicaid to WIC to telehealth, vital programs are hanging by a thread.
If the system’s disappearing when you need it most, it’s time to speak up.
📢 Call. Write. Vote. The safety net isn’t self-repairing.
Elevate Prize GET LOUD Award
Grassroots leaders, this is for you! 💙 $25,000 awarded each month to two bold organizations from anywhere in the world driving change. Check out their instagram and nominate your fav org 👉🏻 elevateprize.org/get-loud-awa...
Grassroots leaders, this is for you! 💙 $25,000 awarded each month to two bold organizations from anywhere in the world driving change. Check out their instagram and nominate your fav org 👉🏻 elevateprize.org/get-loud-awa...
November 4, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Elevate Prize GET LOUD Award
Grassroots leaders, this is for you! 💙 $25,000 awarded each month to two bold organizations from anywhere in the world driving change. Check out their instagram and nominate your fav org 👉🏻 elevateprize.org/get-loud-awa...
Grassroots leaders, this is for you! 💙 $25,000 awarded each month to two bold organizations from anywhere in the world driving change. Check out their instagram and nominate your fav org 👉🏻 elevateprize.org/get-loud-awa...
Prior Authorization sounds harmless — until it delays the care you need 🩺
It’s a policy that requires doctors to get permission from insurance companies before prescribing certain treatments, scans, or medications. On paper, it’s meant to control costs and prevent unnecessary care.
It’s a policy that requires doctors to get permission from insurance companies before prescribing certain treatments, scans, or medications. On paper, it’s meant to control costs and prevent unnecessary care.
November 3, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Prior Authorization sounds harmless — until it delays the care you need 🩺
It’s a policy that requires doctors to get permission from insurance companies before prescribing certain treatments, scans, or medications. On paper, it’s meant to control costs and prevent unnecessary care.
It’s a policy that requires doctors to get permission from insurance companies before prescribing certain treatments, scans, or medications. On paper, it’s meant to control costs and prevent unnecessary care.
When you remember voting every couple years is kinda… the point 😬
October 30, 2025 at 3:33 PM
When you remember voting every couple years is kinda… the point 😬
Just because a post sounds confident doesn’t mean it’s true.
Source bias is real and the loudest voice isn’t always the most accurate.
Here’s how I double-check medical headlines, viral claims, and healthcare stats before I share:
📌 Look for multiple sources
📌 See who funds or publishes the info
Source bias is real and the loudest voice isn’t always the most accurate.
Here’s how I double-check medical headlines, viral claims, and healthcare stats before I share:
📌 Look for multiple sources
📌 See who funds or publishes the info
October 29, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Just because a post sounds confident doesn’t mean it’s true.
Source bias is real and the loudest voice isn’t always the most accurate.
Here’s how I double-check medical headlines, viral claims, and healthcare stats before I share:
📌 Look for multiple sources
📌 See who funds or publishes the info
Source bias is real and the loudest voice isn’t always the most accurate.
Here’s how I double-check medical headlines, viral claims, and healthcare stats before I share:
📌 Look for multiple sources
📌 See who funds or publishes the info
✨ Ready to turn bold ideas into lasting impact?
The Henry Luce Foundation is inviting nonprofits and institutions to apply for grants that advance knowledge, leadership, and public discourse across the U.S. and globally. 🌍
Whether you’re driving innovation in education, policy, or the arts—
The Henry Luce Foundation is inviting nonprofits and institutions to apply for grants that advance knowledge, leadership, and public discourse across the U.S. and globally. 🌍
Whether you’re driving innovation in education, policy, or the arts—
October 28, 2025 at 4:39 PM
✨ Ready to turn bold ideas into lasting impact?
The Henry Luce Foundation is inviting nonprofits and institutions to apply for grants that advance knowledge, leadership, and public discourse across the U.S. and globally. 🌍
Whether you’re driving innovation in education, policy, or the arts—
The Henry Luce Foundation is inviting nonprofits and institutions to apply for grants that advance knowledge, leadership, and public discourse across the U.S. and globally. 🌍
Whether you’re driving innovation in education, policy, or the arts—