Black women in rural communities are increasingly at risk as obstetric services decline due to hospital closures and reduced Medicaid funding. Limited access to specialists, long travel distances and policy changes are worsening maternal health outcomes, with Black mothers already facing disproportionately high mortality rates. Lawmakers are proposing legislation to expand Medicaid support, while doulas and community-based care providers are stepping in to help fill critical gaps.
Tag: Medicaid
Posted inWord In Black
‘Ghost’ Medicaid doctors leave patients in the waiting room
By Jennifer Porter GoreWord in Black Roughly 1 in 3 doctors who are enrolled to treat Medicaid patients didn’t treat a single one between 2019 and 2021, according to new research. At the opposite end of the spectrum, a third of enrolled health care providers saw more than 150 Medicaid patients each year, a workload […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Annual report reveals health insurance denials rarely challenged, but appeals often successful
Maryland Attorney General Brown is proud to announce that the Health Education and Advocacy Unit saved nearly $2.6 million for patients in FY 2025.
Posted inHealth
Bridging the gap in diabetes tech: Dr. Sherita Hill Golden speaks on who benefits—and who’s left behind
Dr. Sherita Hill Golden calls automated insulin delivery systems one of the most exciting advances in diabetes care, offering better control and freedom for patients. Still, she says, not everyone is comfortable—or able—to use the technology.
Posted inMaryland Government
Federal freeze, local response: Gov. Wes Moore declares emergency, mobilizes $10 million to fight food insecurity
SNAP benefits are expected to run out on Nov. 1 due to an extended shutdown of the federal government. Aiming to mediate the impact, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has now declared a state of emergency and issued an executive order which will send $10 million to food banks across the state. Moore hopes the money will help organizations that assist families already facing furloughs, layoffs – and now – the looming threat of not having Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in the month of November.
Posted inHealth
Medicaid cuts in Republicans’ spending bill threaten rural hospitals, disaster preparedness
The 47th president’s spending bill is preparing to slash Medicaid, putting millions of Americans at risk of losing health insurance and threatening the survival of rural hospitals that rely on Medicaid reimbursements. Experts warn that the cuts, combined with reductions to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, could leave rural communities less equipped to handle both everyday emergencies and natural disasters.
Posted inPOLITICS
Corey Jackson endorses Proposition 50 to strengthen democratic processes and protect Black representation in California
By the office of Corey Jackson California State Assembly member Dr. Corey Jackson announced his strong support for Proposition 50, a measure designed to enhance the fairness of the redistricting process in California and oppose Republican efforts to undermine the democratic process. He joins the Legislative Black Caucus, the United Domestic Workers (UDW), the California […]
Posted inU.S. Government
Gridlock in Congress triggers shutdown as Maryland officials work to offset impact
Congress failed to reach a funding agreement, triggering the first federal government shutdown in six years and furloughing hundreds of thousands of workers. Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over health care subsidies and budget priorities, while states like Maryland scramble to support affected employees and contractors.
Posted inOpinion
Coming full circle: How the Arc Baltimore defined who I became
Chrissy M. Thornton serves as president and CEO of Associated Black Charities. This week, she speaks on how her journey in public service started at The Arc Baltimore, which still today supports the community.
Posted inPOLITICS
Sen. Tim Scott is wrong – new tax law fuels inequality, strips healthcare and displaces Black communities
Sen. Tim Scott praised the new federal tax law as a win for American families, but critics argue it overwhelmingly benefits the wealthy while threatening healthcare, housing, and education programs vital to Black communities. Analysts warn the law will worsen inequality, accelerate gentrification through expanded Opportunity Zones, and leave millions—including Black families—more vulnerable as social safety nets are dismantled.
Posted inU.S. Government
GOP Bill Is a Win for Some—But a Crisis for Black People
Senate Republicans passed a spending bill that would provide tax breaks to the wealthy while cutting Medicaid, food assistance, and other social programs, endangering the health and well-being of Black Americans and other vulnerable communities.
Posted inU.S. Government
GOP Medicaid plans would slash health coverage for millions
A new Congressional Budget Office analysis confirms that Republican-led proposals to slash Medicaid could strip health coverage from up to 8.6 million Americans, prompting sharp criticism from Democrats who warn of devastating impacts on low-income families and seniors.