The Pursuit of Health Podcast

The Pursuit of Health is a weekly podcast dedicated to a thorough exploration of the American Healthcare System at a critical time in our nation’s history. The podcast’s creator and host, Dr. Eric Fethke, is a pediatric cardiologist and educator trained at Columbia University, with over 25 years of experience practicing medicine. Students, professionals, and everyday people alike are invited to learn from guest experts who are pursuing groundbreaking work to improve America's health. Join us on our journey towards a better healthcare!

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The Pursuit of Health Podcast

Ep69: The Devastating Impact of Proposed Medicaid Cuts - What You Need to Know Now! w/ Doctors For America

March 27, 2025 • Dr. Eric Fethke

This episode is a collaboration with Doctors for America.

"This issue has been affecting my sleep. I'm not sleeping and I'm a pretty good sleeper, so this must be bothering me."

In this powerful special episode of the Pursuit of Health podcast, Dr. Eric Fethke collaborates with Doctors for America to sound the alarm about the proposed $880 billion in Medicaid cuts over ten years - a cut larger than the program's entire annual budget.

Using the fictional Smith family as a case study, Dr. Fethke illustrates how Medicaid is essential for everyday Americans: from a farm manager with a green card, to a mother pursuing nursing education, a son in addiction recovery, a pregnant wife with diabetes, and a grandmother with early Alzheimer's.

Dr. Fethke explains that Medicaid serves as a crucial lifeline, supporting rural hospitals, covering 1 in 4 children, and providing essential care for the elderly, disabled, and those with chronic conditions. The episode features insights from Dr. Don Berwick, former head of CMS, who warns against "blaming the poor" for healthcare system issues.

"Medicaid is the largest single health insurance provider in the country. It's bigger than Medicare, and most people don't know that. Even doctors... 26% of all Americans receive health care through Medicaid."

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As a special thank-you to our listeners, DFA is offering 35% off your first year of membership! Just use the code PURSUIT at checkout to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

To learn more about DFA and how you can get involved, visit www.doctorsforamerica.org. You’ll also find all the details and links in our show notes.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O1ApRxGzx2cxvxWFI_kMXP6GOvUfcJngmSZHS4IkqL0/edit?usp=sharing

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