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Health & Fitness Podcast · Updated Biweekly · The Dose is the Commonwealth Fund’s podcast that presents fresh ideas, new perspectives, and compelling conversations about where health care is headed. J...

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The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · 19h

“My hope is that as you listen, you'll feel not only informed, but inspired. That you'll see yourself as part of this ongoing journey to reimagine what health care can be."

Dr. @joelbervell.bsky.social returns for a new season of The Dose, this Friday.

Subscribe today! ⤵️

The Dose

podcasts.apple.com

The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · 1d

The more than 20 million people who rely on marketplace coverage will soon learn they must pay significantly higher premiums to keep their coverage next year.

New Federal Policies Spur Higher Health Insurance Premiums in 2026

Insurers cite increasing health care costs and expiration of enhanced premium tax credits as drivers of widespread, substantial proposed rate increases for 2026.

New Policies Weaken Health Insurance Marketplace for Consumers

The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · 2d

Millions of workers may be directed to buy ACA marketplace coverage through employer-funded accounts.

But new federal policy changes are making that market harder to navigate and more costly.
bit.ly/4gTlVos

Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) depend on a stable insurance market, now under threat.

Work Requirements for Medicaid Enrollees

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The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · 5d

The majority of people with Medicaid who can work are already working.

However, in 2027, #Medicaid will add national work requirements for the first time.

When Arkansas added work requirements in 2018, more than 18,000 people lost coverage.

See our explainer to learn more about work requirements.

Explore Medicaid work requirements, current federal and state updates, and their impact on enrollees in this explainer.

How States Can Help Curb the Rising Medical Debt Related to Federal Coverage Cuts

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The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · 7d

Recent federal policy changes have created significant gaps in the #healthcare safety net.

States, on their own, will not have the resources to fix them.

Here, researchers outline several policy options that could help mitigate the risks and burdens faced by patients and hospitals.

States can protect patients from debt and reduce administrative burdens on hospitals by streamlining financial assistance processes and curbing predatory practices.

The Cruelest Kind of Heartbreak

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Reposted by The Commonwealth Fund

Akeiisa Coleman @acinthedc.bsky.social · 7d

“This is terrifying. I’m looking at a government that’s looking me in the face and they’re saying ‘your life does not matter,’” Jerrod says. “And Baby, I know my life has value.” wordinblack.com/2025/09/the-... #Medicaid #healthpolicy #healthequity

Trump's tax cuts will make getting a heart transplant even harder for Black patients who already struggle to maintain Medicaid coverage.

wordinblack.com

Commonwealth Fund State Scorecard on Climate, Health, and Health Care

The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · 13d

🌪️🌫️ Extreme weather and air pollution are straining hospitals and putting patients at risk.
Our new Scorecard is the first to compare all 50 states + DC on climate risks and explore the policies that can address them.

This scorecard evaluates states for vulnerability to and contribution to environmental factors affecting health care systems and highlights ways to reduce impacts.

The Impact of Proposed Federal Medicaid Work Requirements on Hospital Revenues and Financial Margins

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The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · 14d

Introducing federal Medicaid work requirements for enrollees in the ACA’s Medicaid expansion will lead to coverage losses that will reduce hospital revenues, increase uncompensated care costs, and lower operating margins.

Work requirements for ACA Medicaid expansion enrollees will lead to coverage losses that will reduce hospital revenues and increase uncompensated care costs.

Dr. Betancourt on The Commonwealth Fund's Vision

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The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · 15d

The Commonwealth Fund was founded to improve the health of all Americans, especially those most in need. President Joe Betancourt reflects on that legacy and what’s needed now.

“Despite incredible advancements in science and technology, we fail the basic test of assuring that all people across our nation can get the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can…

How States Can Help Curb the Rising Medical Debt Related to Federal Coverage Cuts

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The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · 16d

The new federal tax law will strip 10 million Americans of their health insurance at a time when a large share of the country is already struggling with #medicaldebt.

States can protect patients from debt and reduce administrative burdens on hospitals by streamlining financial assistance processes and curbing predatory practices.

Webinar: From Theory to Practice - Addressing Race and Racism in Quantitative Reproductive Health Research | AcademyHealth

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Reposted by The Commonwealth Fund

AcademyHealth @academyhealth.bsky.social · 19d

Want to reduce inequities in reproductive health research? This webinar explores strategies, best practices, and common pitfalls in applying equity-focused methods. Supported by @commonwealthfund.org

buff.ly

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The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · 19d

The president’s domestic policy law and new regulations will impose a host of administrative barriers to marketplace enrollment, causing millions of people to lose their health coverage.

Congress and the Administration Are Using Paperwork to Discourage Enrollment in Marketplace Insurance

Millions will lose health insurance because of new regulations, with losses driven by intentional inefficiencies, additional steps, and administrative burdens.

The Impact of Proposed Federal Medicaid Work Requirements on Hospital Revenues and Financial Margins

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Reposted by The Commonwealth Fund

Akeiisa Coleman @acinthedc.bsky.social · 19d

New report estimates the impact of #Medicaid work requirements on hospital finances, with tables showing safety net and rural hospital impacts by state www.commonwealthfund.org/publications... #healthpolicy

Work requirements for ACA Medicaid expansion enrollees will lead to coverage losses that will reduce hospital revenues and increase uncompensated care costs.

A Focused Direction for the Future

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The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · 20d

Commonwealth Fund President @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social, lays out the Fund’s priorities and announces two new initiatives launching in 2026.

Commonwealth Fund President Joseph R. Betancourt, M.D., lays out the Fund’s priorities and announces two new initiatives launching in 2026.

Improving Payments for Primary Care Physicians

The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · 21d

ICYMI: #PrimaryCare is the backbone of the health system, yet physicians in this field are paid far less than specialists. This pay gap makes it harder to recruit new doctors and contributes to growing shortages.

Payment reforms could help close the gap and improve access to care. Details below ⤵️

The Relative Value Scale Update Committee’s role in determining reimbursement rates has come under scrutiny for its underrepresentation of primary care physicians.

4 U.S. journalists selected for AHCJ German Health Care Study Group

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Reposted by The Commonwealth Fund

Association of Health Care Journalists @healthjournalism.org · 26d

🎉 Congrats to the 4 U.S. journalists selected for AHCJ’s German Health Care Study Group in Berlin this October! Read more about their projects ➡️ healthjournalism.org/blog/2025/09...

AHCJ is pleased to announce the four U.S.-based journalists chosen for the Association's inaugural German Health Care Study Group.

healthjournalism.org

How States Can Help Curb the Rising Medical Debt Related to Federal Coverage Cuts

Reposted by The Commonwealth Fund

Association of Health Care Journalists @healthjournalism.org · 23d

The U.S. spends more on health care than any other country—yet outcomes lag. Why?
Dig into this big question with AHCJ’s U.S. Health System Reporting Fellowship.
Funding, mentoring + resources to support your project.
Apply here: healthjournalism.org/fellowships/...

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The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · 27d

The new federal tax law is poised to exacerbate the #medicaldebt crisis by stripping millions of their health insurance. Find out what states can do to protect patients.

www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2025/ho...

States can protect patients from debt and reduce administrative burdens on hospitals by streamlining financial assistance processes and curbing predatory practices.

How Spain Safeguards People’s Health, Even During a Housing Crisis

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Reposted by The Commonwealth Fund

Primary Care Collaborative @thepcc.org · 28d

In a March webinar co-hosted by the PCC and @usofcare.bsky.social, @commonwealthfund.org's Corinne Lewis spoke on the critical role comprehensive primary care plays in improving health.

However, access challenges threaten its efficacy.

Check out more highlights here ⬇️
thepcc.pub/betterprimar...

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Reposted by The Commonwealth Fund

Gerontological Society of America @geronsociety.bsky.social · 28d

GSA welcomes 13 reporters for the newest class of the Journalists in Aging Fellows Program, supported by Silver Century Foundation, The John A. Hartford Foundation, @commonwealthfund.org, and @nihcm.bsky.social. www.geron.org/News-Events/...

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The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · 29d

In the U.S., losing your housing can mean losing your health insurance, too. In Spain, universal #healthcare acts as a buffer, even during a housing crisis, protecting people from spiraling health problems and financial stress.

Find out what we can learn from Spain’s model, here ⤵️

A high quality of life can, in policy terms, be understood as the product of some key interconnected components. People tend to live longer and healthier lives when they have health care, access to na...

www.linkedin.com

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Reposted by The Commonwealth Fund

Health Care Without Harm U.S. & Canada @us.noharm.org · Sep 4

When federal funding shrinks, innovation grows.

3 hospitals prove energy efficiency isn't just good for the planet – it's essential for keeping doors open and serving communities.

Their blueprint is an inspiration for healthcare facilities everywhere.

Full story → us.noharm.org/news/hospita...

Across the country, charitable giving brings help to where it’s needed most. Churches feed families. Veteran groups help heal and honor heroes in need. Disaster relief groups help families pick up…

The Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · Sep 4

With support from The Commonwealth Fund, Epicenter-NYC was able to expand its local health reporting to deliver trusted health reporting to more than 30,000 readers across all five boroughs.

Trusted, community-led journalism--that’s what charitable giving can deliver. #GivingIsHereForGood

Giving is Here for Good

GivingIsHereForGood.org