Mandi Spishak-Thomas
@aspishakthomas.com
Research professor @ Rutgers studying Medicaid. Social worker and health policy wonk. Union organizer (AAUP-AFT) and member of Brooklyn CB6. Baseball #LFGM and WNBA🗽enthusiast. Free 🇵🇸. ACAB. Still 😷. she/her.
aspishakthomas.com
aspishakthomas.com
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Mandi Spishak-Thomas
@aspishakthomas.com
· Sep 15
Longstanding evidence shows that insuring children, regardless of immigration status, improves access to preventive care, reduces uncompensated care costs, and enhances long-term health outcomes.
Covering Uninsured Children: State Solutions for Immigrant Children | Milbank Memorial Fund
As of 2023, nearly 3 million children in the United States remained uninsured, largely due to immigration-related exclusions in public insurance programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insura...
www.milbank.org
New blog out today for @milbankfund.bsky.social where we reflect on state-funded solutions to insurance coverage for children, regardless of immigration status. To date, 15 states have a policy covering immigrant children and 7 have gone a step further to include undocumented adults or older adults.
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
This work is so important, especially in the context of how modestly (if at all) outreach efforts improve retention.
Also important: the work requirements that need to be implemented by the end of next year may prove much harder to automate than standard eligibility redeterminations
Also important: the work requirements that need to be implemented by the end of next year may prove much harder to automate than standard eligibility redeterminations
New at Can We Still Govern? New Medicaid work requirements will see an estimated 5 million lose coverage.
Small investments in in-house tech capacity could allow states to start preparing now to expand automatic renewal of clients. Here is the evidence 🧵
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/how-a-van-...
Small investments in in-house tech capacity could allow states to start preparing now to expand automatic renewal of clients. Here is the evidence 🧵
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/how-a-van-...
Lessons from Pandemic Era Medicaid Automation for Work Requirements
Small tech capacity investments offer big returns
donmoynihan.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:08 PM
This work is so important, especially in the context of how modestly (if at all) outreach efforts improve retention.
Also important: the work requirements that need to be implemented by the end of next year may prove much harder to automate than standard eligibility redeterminations
Also important: the work requirements that need to be implemented by the end of next year may prove much harder to automate than standard eligibility redeterminations
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
"We don't want people to go hungry or miss another paycheck. But we *are* okay with them dying a little more slowly, without healthcare."
This is so bleak.
This is so bleak.
November 10, 2025 at 3:15 AM
"We don't want people to go hungry or miss another paycheck. But we *are* okay with them dying a little more slowly, without healthcare."
This is so bleak.
This is so bleak.
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
Incredibly bittersweet to be published in Teen Vogue this weekend after devastating layoffs, including my editor for this piece. It’s about how beauty influencers have fallen into and become part of the alt-right pipeline targeting girls and women
www.teenvogue.com/story/womano...
www.teenvogue.com/story/womano...
The 'Womanosphere' Is Coming for Teen Girls
How beauty and wellness influencers are part of a misinformation ecosystem pushing traditional values on girls.
www.teenvogue.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Incredibly bittersweet to be published in Teen Vogue this weekend after devastating layoffs, including my editor for this piece. It’s about how beauty influencers have fallen into and become part of the alt-right pipeline targeting girls and women
www.teenvogue.com/story/womano...
www.teenvogue.com/story/womano...
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
Leftists really have to prioritize public libraries in budget fights.
November 8, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Leftists really have to prioritize public libraries in budget fights.
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
NEWS — The Oregon Department of Human Services has issued 100% of November SNAP benefits, per an alert on their website. I've received reports that the funds have already hit recipients' EBT accounts.
www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pa...
www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pa...
November 7, 2025 at 3:53 PM
NEWS — The Oregon Department of Human Services has issued 100% of November SNAP benefits, per an alert on their website. I've received reports that the funds have already hit recipients' EBT accounts.
www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pa...
www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pa...
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
It’s been a pleasure working with Lex and everyone in the politics vertical at Teen Vogue. I’m heartbroken that my column, Disability Visibility, is gone. Teen Vogue was one of the few places that published disabled journalists regularly. I just spent the last 2 months working on my next column
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
November 6, 2025 at 5:28 AM
It’s been a pleasure working with Lex and everyone in the politics vertical at Teen Vogue. I’m heartbroken that my column, Disability Visibility, is gone. Teen Vogue was one of the few places that published disabled journalists regularly. I just spent the last 2 months working on my next column
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
just wanted to re-post this messaging that helped win an election
UNTIL IT’S DONE, Ep. 4: Sylvia Rivera
In the 1970s, queer New Yorkers had been pushed to the margins of NYC. Our trans neighbors faced immense cruelty. But in Sylvia Rivera, they found a champion.
As we combat Trump’s politics of darkness, her legacy can light the path forward.
In the 1970s, queer New Yorkers had been pushed to the margins of NYC. Our trans neighbors faced immense cruelty. But in Sylvia Rivera, they found a champion.
As we combat Trump’s politics of darkness, her legacy can light the path forward.
November 5, 2025 at 3:36 AM
just wanted to re-post this messaging that helped win an election
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
let's go mets baby we love da mets
First NYC results are in: That's already 819,165 votes.
Mamdani: 51.5%
Cuomo: 40%
Sliwa: 8%.
(That's roughly 40% of the vote.)
Mamdani: 51.5%
Cuomo: 40%
Sliwa: 8%.
(That's roughly 40% of the vote.)
November 5, 2025 at 2:09 AM
let's go mets baby we love da mets
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
Well now it’s just getting egregious, this truck is endangering both pedestrians by parking in the pedestrian island and cars who can’t see clearly to pull onto Court Street
November 4, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Well now it’s just getting egregious, this truck is endangering both pedestrians by parking in the pedestrian island and cars who can’t see clearly to pull onto Court Street
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
My latest for @thenation.com compares my recent Covid hospitalization with prisons’ lack of testing & treatment and, in some places, outright gaslighting www.thenation.com/article/soci...
We've Entered the Gaslighting Phase of Covid in Prisons
Covid is spreading, but incarcerated people are being told vaccines aren't necessary.
www.thenation.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:06 PM
My latest for @thenation.com compares my recent Covid hospitalization with prisons’ lack of testing & treatment and, in some places, outright gaslighting www.thenation.com/article/soci...
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
Hi if you’re working for justice and striving for a better world you can do one small but hugely impactful thing: WEAR A MASK WHEN YOU GO TO VOTE
You will protect yourself and you will also protect all the vulnerable people around you who are literally risking their lives to make their voices count
You will protect yourself and you will also protect all the vulnerable people around you who are literally risking their lives to make their voices count
November 4, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Hi if you’re working for justice and striving for a better world you can do one small but hugely impactful thing: WEAR A MASK WHEN YOU GO TO VOTE
You will protect yourself and you will also protect all the vulnerable people around you who are literally risking their lives to make their voices count
You will protect yourself and you will also protect all the vulnerable people around you who are literally risking their lives to make their voices count
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
Remember, if your friend texts you today from the voting booth asking their “smart, knowing friend” what to think about the ballot propositions…. there’s only one answer—Hell Gate.
hellgatenyc.com/nyc-housing-...
hellgatenyc.com/nyc-housing-...
A Crash Course in the 3 Controversial Housing Ballot Proposals
Do they represent YIMBY "Abundance" magic or an anti-democratic "power grab"?
hellgatenyc.com
November 4, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Remember, if your friend texts you today from the voting booth asking their “smart, knowing friend” what to think about the ballot propositions…. there’s only one answer—Hell Gate.
hellgatenyc.com/nyc-housing-...
hellgatenyc.com/nyc-housing-...
Happy #ElectionDay New Yorkers, get out there and vote for @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social 🔥
November 4, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Happy #ElectionDay New Yorkers, get out there and vote for @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social 🔥
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
November 3, 2025 at 7:52 PM
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
Yet another example of a truck completely disregarding both the tan paint and flex posts that DOT uses to denote a pedestrian island on Court Street…la la la we need sturdier barriers on Court Street
November 3, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Yet another example of a truck completely disregarding both the tan paint and flex posts that DOT uses to denote a pedestrian island on Court Street…la la la we need sturdier barriers on Court Street
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
Fellow NYC residents, if you haven't yet sent a letter to your City Council member demanding that they support @nycplan.org's call to increase and stabilize NYC public library funding, please do. It will take 30 seconds: actionnetwork.org/letters/city...
City Council, we demand half a percent of the overall city budget for libraries!
In response to the NYC FY2026 Budget, adopted this June, the Brooklyn Public Library, the New York Public Library, and the Queens Public Library released a joint statement thanking City Leaders for in...
actionnetwork.org
November 2, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Fellow NYC residents, if you haven't yet sent a letter to your City Council member demanding that they support @nycplan.org's call to increase and stabilize NYC public library funding, please do. It will take 30 seconds: actionnetwork.org/letters/city...
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
"It’s basically Groundhog Day."
Israel's violations of the Gaza ceasefire are part of a long pattern of the country breaking truce deals as soon as they are signed, says Palestinian analyst Muhammad Shehada.
Israel's violations of the Gaza ceasefire are part of a long pattern of the country breaking truce deals as soon as they are signed, says Palestinian analyst Muhammad Shehada.
“Groundhog Day”: Israel Breaks Ceasefire Again, Kills 104 People in Gaza Including 46 Children
Israel launched major airstrikes on Gaza, killing at least 104 people, including 46 children, in the deadliest attacks since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire was announced. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered “powerful strikes” on Gaza Tuesday ...
www.democracynow.org
November 1, 2025 at 12:28 PM
"It’s basically Groundhog Day."
Israel's violations of the Gaza ceasefire are part of a long pattern of the country breaking truce deals as soon as they are signed, says Palestinian analyst Muhammad Shehada.
Israel's violations of the Gaza ceasefire are part of a long pattern of the country breaking truce deals as soon as they are signed, says Palestinian analyst Muhammad Shehada.
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
In most states open enrollment for Affordable Care Act health insurance starts Nov. 1.
This year 22 million people are about to see their premiums more than double, on average.
At the heart of the government shutdown is the battle to keep these huge costs down.
This year 22 million people are about to see their premiums more than double, on average.
At the heart of the government shutdown is the battle to keep these huge costs down.
October 31, 2025 at 2:19 PM
In most states open enrollment for Affordable Care Act health insurance starts Nov. 1.
This year 22 million people are about to see their premiums more than double, on average.
At the heart of the government shutdown is the battle to keep these huge costs down.
This year 22 million people are about to see their premiums more than double, on average.
At the heart of the government shutdown is the battle to keep these huge costs down.
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
Studies show patients were 4 times more likely to have a heart attack and 5 times more likely to have a stroke in the month after flu.
With COVID-19, the risk was 3 times higher for both conditions in the first few months and remained elevated for up to one year.
www.healthday.com/healthday-tv...
With COVID-19, the risk was 3 times higher for both conditions in the first few months and remained elevated for up to one year.
www.healthday.com/healthday-tv...
COVID, Flu and Other Viral Infections Can Dramatically Raise Heart Attack and Stroke Risk, New Study Finds
New research shows that viruses like the flu, COVID and even shingles can dramatically raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in the weeks follow
www.healthday.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Studies show patients were 4 times more likely to have a heart attack and 5 times more likely to have a stroke in the month after flu.
With COVID-19, the risk was 3 times higher for both conditions in the first few months and remained elevated for up to one year.
www.healthday.com/healthday-tv...
With COVID-19, the risk was 3 times higher for both conditions in the first few months and remained elevated for up to one year.
www.healthday.com/healthday-tv...
Just a friendly reminder why safe streets advocates are always yelling about things like “hard daylighting” 🤬
Without boulders, planters, seating, or more aggressive barriers, cars continue to disregard flex posts, thus disregarding what should be a lovely pedestrian island. #CourtStBikeLane
Without boulders, planters, seating, or more aggressive barriers, cars continue to disregard flex posts, thus disregarding what should be a lovely pedestrian island. #CourtStBikeLane
October 30, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Just a friendly reminder why safe streets advocates are always yelling about things like “hard daylighting” 🤬
Without boulders, planters, seating, or more aggressive barriers, cars continue to disregard flex posts, thus disregarding what should be a lovely pedestrian island. #CourtStBikeLane
Without boulders, planters, seating, or more aggressive barriers, cars continue to disregard flex posts, thus disregarding what should be a lovely pedestrian island. #CourtStBikeLane
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
BREAKING: Israeli strikes overnight in Gaza have killed at least 60 people, including many children, local hospital officials say.
Israeli strikes overnight in Gaza kill at least 60 people, including children, local officials say
Israeli strikes overnight in Gaza have killed at least 60 people, including many children. That's according to local hospital officials on Wednesday.
bit.ly
October 29, 2025 at 6:34 AM
BREAKING: Israeli strikes overnight in Gaza have killed at least 60 people, including many children, local hospital officials say.
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
“A revolutionary is primarily concerned with building. Of course that requires the destruction of what already exists, but if anyone is only talking about destroying, they are not revolutionary” - Kwamé Ture
October 29, 2025 at 2:53 AM
“A revolutionary is primarily concerned with building. Of course that requires the destruction of what already exists, but if anyone is only talking about destroying, they are not revolutionary” - Kwamé Ture
Reposted by Mandi Spishak-Thomas
The median income of a households receiving SNAP benefits is $29,953 and 80% of those households include either children, an elderly person, a person with disabilities or combination of the three.
October 27, 2025 at 12:57 AM
The median income of a households receiving SNAP benefits is $29,953 and 80% of those households include either children, an elderly person, a person with disabilities or combination of the three.