#176 - NOURISH YOUR FLOURISH NUGGET | At the Edge of Care: What Dismantling Medicaid Means for Women (PHYSICAL WELL-BEING)

Episode Summary

What happens when Medicare is slowly dismantled? In this episode, we unpack the ripple effects of recent federal budget and tax policies—especially the One Big Beautiful Bill—on women’s health, insurance costs, and the overall provision of care.

From older women losing long-term supports, to mothers pushed out of Medicaid after giving birth, to rural hospitals shutting down, the cuts aren’t just numbers on a page. They are lived realities for millions of women across every stage of life.

We’ll explore:

• How $500B in Medicare cuts will impact access to doctors, hospitals, and prescription drugs
• Why women—especially low-income women, women of color, and older women—bear the greatest burden
• The domino effect on insurance premiums, hospital closures, and family finances
• Real-world stories of women navigating gaps in coverage
• What policy fixes and grassroots actions are still possible

Key Takeaways

• Dismantling Medicare isn’t repeal—it’s stealth budget cuts that reduce reimbursements, shrink benefits, and limit eligibility.
• Women are disproportionately impacted at every stage of life: from family planning to maternal care to aging.
• Insurance costs will rise—with projected 2026 increases of 11% for Part B and 6% for Part D.
• Hospital closures and provider shortages will deepen care deserts, especially in rural areas.
• Advocacy matters—from calling legislators to supporting community clinics and advocacy groups.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Washington Post – What the GOP's tax bill means for your health care
  
  
• MarketWatch – $500 billion in Medicare cuts could result from Republican tax bill
  
  
• Investopedia – 10 Big Medicare Changes in 2026