The FDA just made a surprising move that could reshape COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S. going forward, and the House passed a major budget bill with proposed cuts to Medicaid. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down the changes, debates, and potential impacts on people living with chronic conditions.

Tune in to understand what these updates mean and what steps advocates can take to make their voices heard.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:08: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, opens the episode by introducing two major health policy developments: the FDA’s shift in COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and the House’s proposed changes to Medicaid

00:50: Steven explains the new FDA policy: COVID-19 vaccines will now only be recommended for adults 65+ or those with at least one chronic condition

01:27: He breaks down the reasoning behind the FDA’s decision, including population-level immunity and a desire for stricter trial standards for boosters

02:38: Steven details critics’ concerns about the lack of transparency and the ethical issues surrounding placebo-controlled vaccine trials

04:10: He highlights the risk that this decision could undermine CDC efforts and lead to public confusion or lower vaccine uptake

04:52: Steven shifts to the second major story: the House’s fiscal year 2026 budget resolution, which includes dramatic proposed cuts to Medicaid

05:13: He outlines three major proposed changes: capped federal funding, work requirements for Medicaid, and restrictions on Medicaid expansion

05:58: Steven emphasizes who this could affect—over 80 million people, including those with chronic conditions, disabilities, or long COVID

06:23: He encourages listeners to take action by contacting their senators and participating in public hearings, reminding them that advocacy matters

Join GHLF’s 50 State Network, share your story, and get involved in advocacy to make a difference, email us at advocacy@ghlf.org

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

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