Strengthen, Not Destroy: Medicaid & the Safety Net

#MedicalDebt #HealthAdvocacy #MovementForChange #CommunityPower Safety net programs like Medicaid were built through decades of advocacy, policy, and persistence. They’ve evolved to serve and support millions of Americans. Advocates for social movements, like the People’s Action Institute, are using community organizing and collective action to preserve and strengthen these services that mitigate medical debt and improve equitable access to housing, healthcare, and more. Research shows one in six people under the age of 65 were enrolled in Affordable Care Act Marketplaces and Medicaid expansion as of 2024. Aija Nemer-Aanerud, healthcare campaign director and community organizer, discusses the impact of power building on societal change and transforming systems to uphold economic justice and health equity as vital services are defunded. The People’s Action Institute leverages community organizing and power building to protect democracy. The Institute aims to defeat authoritarianism and fight for societal change in healthcare, housing, and the environment through grassroots networks and social movements. Disclaimer: The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The foundation does not support lobbying efforts including any activities, examples, or communications referenced during this video. Stay connected with The Intersection: Convenings: https://meetattheintersection.org/convenings/ Podcast: https://meetattheintersection.org/podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rwjf-the-intersection/ Website: https://meetattheintersection.org/ About The Intersection The Intersection is a place to convene, learn, share resources, and discuss what community leaders, practitioners, researchers, and organizations are doing to build anti-racist health systems. It highlights resources, case studies, and perspectives from changemakers within the health equity movement. The Intersection is convened by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a leading national philanthropy dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime.