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.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark is joined by Rob Long, Executive Director of Uplifting Athletes. Rob shares his journey from All-American punter at Syracuse University to rare brain cancer survivor and patient advocate. Diagnosed during his senior season, Rob’s football career was cut short, but his passion for teamwork and purpose found new life in advocacy. Through his leadership at Uplifting Athletes, Rob helps amplify rare disease awareness, fund groundbreaking research, and connect patients to uplifting experiences across the country.

Join us for a conversation about resilience, purpose, and how sports can unite and empower the rare disease community.

Among the highlights in this episode:

02:25: Rob shares how he started playing football, got recruited by Syracuse, and committed after being offered a full scholarship

04:05: Rob describes the symptoms leading up to his diagnosis and the moment he learned he had a large brain tumor

06:30: Rob recalls undergoing emergency surgery and being told he likely wouldn’t live more than 36 months — a moment that shifted his entire life’s trajectory

07:45: Rob explains how seeing his teammates at an important game post-surgery gave him the sense of normalcy and emotional support he desperately needed

09:24: Rob offers advice to friends and families supporting loved ones through serious illness: show up, and stay consistent

10:33: Rob shares how his teammates started the Syracuse chapter of Uplifting Athletes in his honor and how that led him to join the organization

12:42: Rob discusses connecting with patients around the country and the shared experience of living with a rare disease

14:21: Rob explains how people can support Uplifting Athletes by donating, liking and sharing content, and helping increase visibility for the rare disease community

To learn more about Uplifting Athletes go to: www.upliftingathletes.org

15:34: Steven wraps the episode by reflecting on the inspiration of his story and continued advocacy

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.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down the potential $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid currently under debate in Congress. Steven walks through what’s at stake, who could be affected, and why this moment matters. He explains the proposed changes to work requirements, federal matching cuts, and Medicaid expansion support — and outlines what patients, caregivers, and advocates can do to stay protected and make their voices heard.

Tune in to better understand the real-life impact of these proposed cuts and how you can take action.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:32: Steven explains what Medicaid is, who it covers, and why it’s the largest insurer in the country

01:18: Steven outlines the proposed $880 billion in budget cuts over 10 years and what that means in context

02:12: Steven discusses the potential reduction in federal matching funds and its consequences for states

03:00: Steven highlights who would be most affected by cuts: low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, and those with chronic illnesses

03:35: Steven explores the ripple effects of cuts, from delayed care to increased provider strain

04:05: Steven offers a look at the legislative timeline: proposals are expected over spring and summer, with votes likely in fall

04:28: Steven provides actionable tips for listeners

05:20: Steven closes with a reminder that Medicaid is more than a budget issue — it’s a health lifeline for millions

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.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.