Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Health Access California @healthaccess.bsky.social · 6h

We're proud to support #Prop50, the Election Rigging Response Act. CA has led the way in expanding & advocating for health care access. But we’ve seen what 2 votes in Congress can do to dismantle care for millions. Vote #YesOn50 to protect our health care. health-access.org/health-acces...

Health Access is YES on Proposition 50

As ballots are mailed throughout California and voting centers open, Health Access California, the statewide health care consumer advocacy coalition, announces its endorsement of Proposition 50, the E...

health-access.org

1 1

Reposted by Health Access California

CalMatters @calmatters.org · 1d

Commentary:

Black women have heard stories about celebrities like Serena Williams nearly dying after childbirth because her concerns weren’t taken seriously. We wonder: If they didn’t listen to her, why would they listen to me? https://cal.news/3KBdClj

📝 Erica Moore-Smith

Opinion | ‘Carrying fear’ while carrying a baby: Pregnant Californians deserve more maternity options

Pregnant Black people often internalize fear and face racial bias in health care. A bill would make more midwives and doulas accessible.

cal.news

6 13

Reposted by Health Access California

Caring Across Generations @caringacross.org · 2d

Nearly 80 million people rely on Medicaid for their health, independence, and peace of mind. But behind every number, there’s a real family, a personal story, and a community counting on access to care.

Swipe through to understand how much Medicaid matters. #ProtectMedicaid

Image features the United States Capitol at night with a quote: 'Medicaid is the reason my family gets to call home our safe place.' - Analicia from California. The text 'PROTECT MEDICAID' is prominently displayed.

Promotional image featuring a quote about Medicaid's importance for health benefits from Dawnell from Washington, set against a muted background of the United States Capitol building at night. Text reads: 'Protect Medicaid.'"

Promotional image for Protect Medicaid campaign featuring a quote about the importance of Medicaid for caregivers, with the United States Capitol building faintly visible in the background.

An advocacy poster featuring the United States Capitol building at night with a quote from Michelle in California saying, 'Medicaid helps pay for my parents' care.' The text 'PROTECT MEDICAID' is prominently displayed.

5 5

Reposted by Health Access California

California Pan-Ethnic Health Network @cpehn.bsky.social · 1d

This month we celebrate Latine by bringing light to the vital role of community health workers, promoatoras, and representatives. California Health Care Foundation explains the vital role of CHW/P/R's in ensuring all Californians can access the care we need to be healthy. https://bit.ly/3KFg8qC

This Week: Essential Role of Promotores | Data Exchange Momentum | Understanding Complex Needs

bit.ly

1

Reposted by Health Access California

Courage California @courageca.bsky.social · 5d

🗓️Tomorrow, Friday, October 3rd #ShametheShutdown:
📍Valadao’s Bakersfield office (2700 M st. Suite 250B)
⏰11:00am - 12:00pm

#governmentshutdown #Medicaid #ACA #CoveredCA #DavidValadao #Healthcare4All #Bakersfield #Delano #Lindsay #Tulare #Corcoran #KernCounty #TulareCounty #KingsCounty

2 2

Reposted by Health Access California

California Pan-Ethnic Health Network @cpehn.bsky.social · 2d

AB 1312, the Patient Debt Prevention Act, is on @gavinnewsom.bsky.social 's desk and more important than ever as federal cuts jeopardize our health coverage. You can make a difference for patients struggling to afford care - make your voice heard NOW. https://bit.ly/436U4eT

Tell Governor Newsom: Sign the Patient Debt Prevention Act (AB 1312)! - California Pan-Ethnic Health Network

Our year-long effort to help patients prevent crushing medical debt is close to the finish line: AB 1312, the Patient Debt Prevention Act, is on Governor Newsom’s desk! The bill […]

www.cpehn.org

1

Health Access California @healthaccess.bsky.social · 2d

In the debate over H.R. 1, Republicans tried to frame the bill as kicking off the 26-y/o living in their mother’s basement, but in reality, H.R. 1 is a “de facto repeal of the ACA expansion,” @thewallner.bsky.social said at @ucstudentpolicy.bsky.social & @capitolweekly.bsky.social 's conference.

Capitol Weekly @capitolweekly.bsky.social · 5d

On Wednesday Capitol Weekly & the UC Student and Policy Center presented Health Care in California, which tackled President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” & its impact on patients, medical research, hospitals & overall access to healthcare across the state
capitolweekly.net/health-care-...

Health care in crisis: Capitol Weekly conference recap - Capitol Weekly

On Wednesday Capitol Weekly and The University of California Student and Policy Center presented the Health Care in California Conference, which tackled President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,”...

capitolweekly.net

1

Reposted by Health Access California

Capitol Weekly @capitolweekly.bsky.social · 5d

On Wednesday Capitol Weekly & the UC Student and Policy Center presented Health Care in California, which tackled President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” & its impact on patients, medical research, hospitals & overall access to healthcare across the state
capitolweekly.net/health-care-...

Health care in crisis: Capitol Weekly conference recap - Capitol Weekly

On Wednesday Capitol Weekly and The University of California Student and Policy Center presented the Health Care in California Conference, which tackled President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,”...

capitolweekly.net

1 1

Health Access California @healthaccess.bsky.social · 5d

The health of millions of people will suffer if the enhanced #ACA subsidies expire at the end of the year. Congressional Republicans refuse to extend the financial support, forcing working people like Lisa to downgrade their health plans, delay care, or forego coverage completely

Shutdown Risks Leaving Millions With Costlier Health Insurance

By John Tozzi and Rachel Cohrs Zhang

October 2, 2025 at 7:00 AM PDT

In late September, Lisa Kaczmarczyk, 64, got a notice from Covered California, the state insurance marketplace, alerting her that higher premiums were coming unless Congress prolonged the subsidies. Her total monthly premium for a Blue Shield of California plan is $1,259, but tax credits reduce her share to $501. The value of her tax credit is set to shrink by $107 next year, according to the notice, and the total premium is likely to rise as well.

“They’re just saying, ‘Be prepared, everything’s going to go way up,’” she said.

Kaczmarczyk works as a consultant for researchers seeking federal grants, a business that’s been rocked by the Trump administration’s cuts to science funding. Beyond her premiums, Kaczmarczyk spends thousands of dollars each year on co-pays and deductibles, and for dental and vision care that isn’t covered by her insurance. She’s preparing to downgrade to a cheaper plan and delaying care until she qualifies for Medicare next year.

Health Access California @healthaccess.bsky.social · 6d

The #Health4All campaign has ensured coverage to over a million more Californians. Last week, our Steering Committee leaders met to discuss the challenges now facing our progress, and how to protect health care for our immigrant communities. We will keep fighting for #Health4All!

A diverse group of people representing the Health4All Campaign's steering committee stand in front of an indoor mural that says "Protect the ones you LOVE" hand painted on a blue background.

2 2

Reposted by Health Access California

KFF @kff.org · 7d

Congress boosted the premium tax credits available to ACA Marketplace enrollees in 2021, making coverage more affordable for most enrollees.

Our calculator illustrates how costs would rise if those enhanced tax credits were to go away: https://on.kff.org/4fX4Fxc

How Much More Would People Pay in Premiums if the ACA's Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire? | KFF

The ACA's enhanced premium tax credits arre set to expire at the end of 2025. This calculator estimates how much out-of-pocket premiums would increase for families if Congress does not extend the credits. The projected premium increases are estimated ba...

on.kff.org

10 11

Health Access California @healthaccess.bsky.social · 7d

“There are only bad options confronting our state leaders on how to prevent these cuts to our care. But the worst option is doing nothing” -
@thewallner.bsky.social @capitolweekly.bsky.social

Amanda McAllister Wallner holding a microphone and talking, seated at a panel in the front of the room with blue and yellow backdrops

Health Access California @healthaccess.bsky.social · 7d

We’re at the annual Health Care conference hosted by @capitolweekly.bsky.social. Our @thewallner.bsky.social joined @jodihicks.bsky.social of @ppactionca.bsky.social, @mirandadz.bsky.social of @ucblaborcenter.bsky.social, & more to discuss the devastating impact of H.R. 1 on our health care access.

6 white women in suits on a panel with a blue and yellow UC step and repeat background

4 1

Health Access California @healthaccess.bsky.social · 7d

Over 20 million people qualify for tax credits to make their health insurance affordable under the #AffordableCareAct: but the GOP wants to take those tax credits away.

1 1

Health Access California @healthaccess.bsky.social · 8d

“I don’t know what we’re going to do [when premium spikes hit],” Ms. Morringello, 58, said. Her insurance also covers her 14 y/o daughter, & forgoing a plan altogether isn’t an option because Ms. Morringello has a history of cancer & needs continuing care. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/h...

Why Obamacare Bills May Double Next Year

www.nytimes.com

Health Access California @healthaccess.bsky.social · 8d

The looming #FederalShutdown is about #healthcare. The GOP Congress has spent months increasing costs and cutting coverage. It’s time to fight back.

1

Health Access California @healthaccess.bsky.social · 8d

It was too soon for the Madden sisters to know how H.R. 1 would affect them in CA, but they tried to stay positive, thinking up ways to cover the cost of their beloved in-home caregivers as federal Medicaid cuts loomed. They knew how to subsist on next to nothing. They’d done it before.

SEIU Local 2015 @seiu2015.bsky.social · 9d

Medicaid cuts aren’t abstract, they’re a direct threat to families like Carrie & Kristy Madden, who depend on IHSS to live at home. Slashing $1T means forcing millions into institutions against their will. We must fully fund home care. #CareIsEssential

The Madden Sisters Don’t Want to Be Institutionalized

Medicaid pays for most of the in-home care that lets disabled Americans live independently. Will coming cuts put that care in jeopardy?

www.nytimes.com

Reposted by Health Access California

SEIU Local 2015 @seiu2015.bsky.social · 9d

Medicaid cuts aren’t abstract, they’re a direct threat to families like Carrie & Kristy Madden, who depend on IHSS to live at home. Slashing $1T means forcing millions into institutions against their will. We must fully fund home care. #CareIsEssential

The Madden Sisters Don’t Want to Be Institutionalized

Medicaid pays for most of the in-home care that lets disabled Americans live independently. Will coming cuts put that care in jeopardy?

www.nytimes.com

1 1

Health Access California @healthaccess.bsky.social · 9d

La implementación del #PresupuestoCA y federal HR 1 traerá muchos cambios para inmigrantes californianos. La coalición de #Health4All está luchando, pero es importante aprender sobre los cambios por venir. @caimmigrant.bsky.social

Cambios a Políticas de Salud Próximos

Edición

#Health4All

Política Federal Exclusión de beneficiarios de DACA en elegibilidad de Covered CA - Efectuada 1 de septiembre, 2025; Política Estatal Congelamiento de inscripción para adultos inmigrantes - 1 de enero, 2026; Política Estatal Eliminación de cobertura completa dental para inscritos indocumentados. - 1 de julio, 2026; Política Federal Exclusión de la mayoría de adultos inmigrantes de Medi-Cal - 1 de octubre, 2026; Política Federal Reducción de atribución federal de fondos para servicios de emergencia basados en estatus migratorio - 1 de octubre, 2026; Política Federal Elimina elegibilidad de Medicare para personas con estatus protegido temporal, refugiados, y aquellos buscando asilo - Más tardar 4 de enero, 2027; Política Estatal Inicio de Prima mensual de $30 para beneficiarios de Medi-Cal indocumentados - 1 de julio, 2027

1 1

Health Access California @healthaccess.bsky.social · 9d

The latest #CABudget & implementation of the federal H.R. 1, will mean many changes for CA immigrants. The #Health4All coalition is fighting back, but it’s important to learn about these upcoming changes. @caimmigrant.bsky.social

UPCOMING HEALTH
POLICY CHANGES

#Health4All

Edition

Health Policy Changes for Immigrants in California; Federal Policy Exclusion of DACA recipients from Covered CA eligibility - September 1, 2025; State Policy Enrollment freeze for undocumented adults in Medi-Cal - Jan 1, 2026; State Policy Elimination of adult dental coverage for undocumented and UIS Medi-Cal enrollees - July 1, 2026; Federal Policy Exclusion of most lawful immigrant adults from Medi-Cal - October 1, 2026; Federal Policy Reduction of federal funding match for emergency services based on immigration status October 1, 2026; Federal Policy Eliminates Medicare eligibility for people with temporary protected status, refugees & asylum seekers - No later than January 4, 2027; State Policy Instatement of $30 monthly premium for undocumented Medi-Cal enrollees - July 1, 2027;

1 2

Health Access California @healthaccess.bsky.social · 13d

"We really want to know the history of the private equity owner that is engaging in this merger, and the specifics of what is being proposed, and the potential impact for consumers and communities," our Senior Legislative and Policy Advocate Katie Van Deynze added.

Health Access California @healthaccess.bsky.social · 13d

40% of cancer patients skip or delay treatment due to high costs or medical debt.

Adam Zarrin of #BloodCancerUnited said that #AB1415 (@asmmiabonta.bsky.social) helps address underlying cost drivers in the health-care system by giving policymakers better insight into private equity deals.

Bill on transparency in health care mergers heads to CA governor’s desk

Advocates are pressing Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a bill to increase transparency in health care mergers involving private equity firms or hedge funds. Assembly Bill 1415 would allow the

app.publicnewsservice.org

1

Reposted by Health Access California

Health Care Voices @healthcarevoices.org · 14d

Health care cuts from the big budget bill threaten homegrown solutions to rural doctor shortages. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...

Health Care Cuts Threaten Homegrown Solutions to Rural Doctor Shortages - KFF Health News

In a rural, largely Republican region of California, homegrown efforts to bolster the medical workforce face an uphill battle, in part because of federal health care cuts approved by the GOP Congress and signed by President Donald Trump in July, as well as a state budget deficit.

kffhealthnews.org

5 14

Reposted by Health Access California

Caring Across Generations @caringacross.org · 14d

Medicaid helps keep parents and children healthy and well. #ProtectMedicaid

Promotional image stating 'Medicaid covers 4 in every 10 births across the country' with a backdrop featuring a butterfly and illuminated light, created by Caring Across Generations.

Promotional image for Caring Across Generations featuring a butterfly near a bright light, with text advocating for Medicaid access for disabled children to remain at home with their families.

7 14

Reposted by Health Access California

The TransLatin@ Coalition @translatinacoalition.org · 13d

✨ It’s never too late, and it’s never too early, your transition is yours, and every step you take is powerful, valid, and worth celebrating. 💜 Whether you’re just beginning, in the middle, or years into your journey, you are loved and valued exactly as you are. 🏳️‍⚧️💫

4 12 78