Caroline Waltzman, MHA
@carolinewaltzman.bsky.social
Author of The Health System Navigator on Substack | Master of Health Administration | Health Equity | Health Literacy | Rural Health
It's a #privilege to not care, to be able to turn off the #news, to be emotionally distant from what is happening.
#publichealth #shutdown #government #SNAP #WIC #Medicaid #Medicare #foodinsecurity #gov
open.substack.com/pub/caroline...
#publichealth #shutdown #government #SNAP #WIC #Medicaid #Medicare #foodinsecurity #gov
open.substack.com/pub/caroline...
The Privilege to Not Care
Not an Accusation, but an Invitation. Welcome -
open.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:47 PM
It's a #privilege to not care, to be able to turn off the #news, to be emotionally distant from what is happening.
#publichealth #shutdown #government #SNAP #WIC #Medicaid #Medicare #foodinsecurity #gov
open.substack.com/pub/caroline...
#publichealth #shutdown #government #SNAP #WIC #Medicaid #Medicare #foodinsecurity #gov
open.substack.com/pub/caroline...
I grew up believing #policy officials always had our best interests in mind. They’d stand in front of cameras saying, “We’re doing everything we can…” — but often it was performative, misguided, or a distraction from the real problem.
August 21, 2025 at 6:37 PM
I grew up believing #policy officials always had our best interests in mind. They’d stand in front of cameras saying, “We’re doing everything we can…” — but often it was performative, misguided, or a distraction from the real problem.
Let’s talk about the surprises you’ll probably encounter when looking into long-term care facilities. Did you know Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living or long-term nursing home care?
✨ Link below
#publichealth #longtermcare #LTC #nursinghome #assistedliving
✨ Link below
#publichealth #longtermcare #LTC #nursinghome #assistedliving
The Cost of Aging
What Family Should Know: Costs, coverage, and capacity explained
open.substack.com
August 18, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Let’s talk about the surprises you’ll probably encounter when looking into long-term care facilities. Did you know Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living or long-term nursing home care?
✨ Link below
#publichealth #longtermcare #LTC #nursinghome #assistedliving
✨ Link below
#publichealth #longtermcare #LTC #nursinghome #assistedliving
When natural disasters strike, thousands of people rush to shelters. But for those who use a wheelchair or other mobility aid, or rely on electricity, many shelters are not accessible... and many more do not have backup power for medical equipment. #disability #health #leadership #accessibility
It’s Not Just Ramps: Real Inclusion in Public Health Planning
"There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more." - Robert M. Hensel
open.substack.com
August 14, 2025 at 8:17 PM
When natural disasters strike, thousands of people rush to shelters. But for those who use a wheelchair or other mobility aid, or rely on electricity, many shelters are not accessible... and many more do not have backup power for medical equipment. #disability #health #leadership #accessibility
From 115°F heat in Arizona to -14°F nights in Alaska, climate change is a year-round health crisis.
For some, it’s life or death.
💡 Heating or eating
💊 Medicine or cooling
🏚 Shelter rules or survival outside
…
#PublicHealth #ClimateResilience
For some, it’s life or death.
💡 Heating or eating
💊 Medicine or cooling
🏚 Shelter rules or survival outside
…
#PublicHealth #ClimateResilience
August 11, 2025 at 10:54 PM
From 115°F heat in Arizona to -14°F nights in Alaska, climate change is a year-round health crisis.
For some, it’s life or death.
💡 Heating or eating
💊 Medicine or cooling
🏚 Shelter rules or survival outside
…
#PublicHealth #ClimateResilience
For some, it’s life or death.
💡 Heating or eating
💊 Medicine or cooling
🏚 Shelter rules or survival outside
…
#PublicHealth #ClimateResilience
Let’s talk about the importance of representation in healthcare 👇🏼
Efforts to increase representation should not be about “checking boxes.” These efforts should be fundamental to the missions of our health facilities and about reflecting the identities we serve in our communities…
#healthequity
Efforts to increase representation should not be about “checking boxes.” These efforts should be fundamental to the missions of our health facilities and about reflecting the identities we serve in our communities…
#healthequity
August 7, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Let’s talk about the importance of representation in healthcare 👇🏼
Efforts to increase representation should not be about “checking boxes.” These efforts should be fundamental to the missions of our health facilities and about reflecting the identities we serve in our communities…
#healthequity
Efforts to increase representation should not be about “checking boxes.” These efforts should be fundamental to the missions of our health facilities and about reflecting the identities we serve in our communities…
#healthequity
1/
Most people have never heard of the USPSTF, but this independent task force quietly protects access to free preventive care for millions of Americans.
Now it’s under serious threat.
#PublicHealth #ACA #HealthEquity
Most people have never heard of the USPSTF, but this independent task force quietly protects access to free preventive care for millions of Americans.
Now it’s under serious threat.
#PublicHealth #ACA #HealthEquity
July 31, 2025 at 4:45 PM
1/
Most people have never heard of the USPSTF, but this independent task force quietly protects access to free preventive care for millions of Americans.
Now it’s under serious threat.
#PublicHealth #ACA #HealthEquity
Most people have never heard of the USPSTF, but this independent task force quietly protects access to free preventive care for millions of Americans.
Now it’s under serious threat.
#PublicHealth #ACA #HealthEquity
Just published: How to Keep Up with Medications Without Insurance
💊 GoodRx, $4 lists, patient assistance
🏥 FQHC & 340B discounts
🚗 Solutions for rural & offline communities
📬 Full guide 👇🏼
#HealthcareAccess #MedicationHelp #HealthEquity #RuralHealth #DisabilitySupport #MutualAid #PrescriptionAccess
💊 GoodRx, $4 lists, patient assistance
🏥 FQHC & 340B discounts
🚗 Solutions for rural & offline communities
📬 Full guide 👇🏼
#HealthcareAccess #MedicationHelp #HealthEquity #RuralHealth #DisabilitySupport #MutualAid #PrescriptionAccess
Keeping Up With Medications Without Insurance
Your guide to pharmacy discounts, patient assistance programs, and keeping prescriptions affordable—no matter what’s happening with coverage.
open.substack.com
July 18, 2025 at 6:40 AM
Just published: How to Keep Up with Medications Without Insurance
💊 GoodRx, $4 lists, patient assistance
🏥 FQHC & 340B discounts
🚗 Solutions for rural & offline communities
📬 Full guide 👇🏼
#HealthcareAccess #MedicationHelp #HealthEquity #RuralHealth #DisabilitySupport #MutualAid #PrescriptionAccess
💊 GoodRx, $4 lists, patient assistance
🏥 FQHC & 340B discounts
🚗 Solutions for rural & offline communities
📬 Full guide 👇🏼
#HealthcareAccess #MedicationHelp #HealthEquity #RuralHealth #DisabilitySupport #MutualAid #PrescriptionAccess
New post: When CHIP Is Cut: How to Keep Your Kids Insured
🧒 Your child may still qualify.
🏥 Free and sliding-scale care exists.
💬 Scripts + resources for navigating coverage loss.
Full guide:
#CHIP #HealthEquity #HealthcareForKids #DisabilitySupport #MedicaidCuts
🧒 Your child may still qualify.
🏥 Free and sliding-scale care exists.
💬 Scripts + resources for navigating coverage loss.
Full guide:
#CHIP #HealthEquity #HealthcareForKids #DisabilitySupport #MedicaidCuts
Keeping Your Kids Insured When CHIP Coverage Is at Risk
A resource guide and letter of support for parents, caregivers, and guardians.
open.substack.com
July 14, 2025 at 6:08 PM
New post: When CHIP Is Cut: How to Keep Your Kids Insured
🧒 Your child may still qualify.
🏥 Free and sliding-scale care exists.
💬 Scripts + resources for navigating coverage loss.
Full guide:
#CHIP #HealthEquity #HealthcareForKids #DisabilitySupport #MedicaidCuts
🧒 Your child may still qualify.
🏥 Free and sliding-scale care exists.
💬 Scripts + resources for navigating coverage loss.
Full guide:
#CHIP #HealthEquity #HealthcareForKids #DisabilitySupport #MedicaidCuts
Food is a human right.
And even as federal support disappears, community care hasn’t.
🥫 Pantries, fridges, mutual aid 🍎 WIC + school meals 🚗 Help for seniors & folks without internet
📬 Full guide here!
#SNAP #MutualAid #HealthEquity #DisabilitySupport #RuralHealth #FoodInsecurity
🥫 Pantries, fridges, mutual aid 🍎 WIC + school meals 🚗 Help for seniors & folks without internet
📬 Full guide here!
#SNAP #MutualAid #HealthEquity #DisabilitySupport #RuralHealth #FoodInsecurity
July 10, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Food is a human right.
And even as federal support disappears, community care hasn’t.
🥫 Pantries, fridges, mutual aid 🍎 WIC + school meals 🚗 Help for seniors & folks without internet
📬 Full guide here!
#SNAP #MutualAid #HealthEquity #DisabilitySupport #RuralHealth #FoodInsecurity
🥫 Pantries, fridges, mutual aid 🍎 WIC + school meals 🚗 Help for seniors & folks without internet
📬 Full guide here!
#SNAP #MutualAid #HealthEquity #DisabilitySupport #RuralHealth #FoodInsecurity
"When Medicaid Shrinks: How to Still Find Healthcare in Your Community."
💡Where to go when you lose coverage
🏥 How to access clinics, even offline
🚐 Transportation and disability supports
Read the full resource guide ⤵
#Medicaid #HealthEquity #RuralHealth #CommunityCare #DisabilityAccess
💡Where to go when you lose coverage
🏥 How to access clinics, even offline
🚐 Transportation and disability supports
Read the full resource guide ⤵
#Medicaid #HealthEquity #RuralHealth #CommunityCare #DisabilityAccess
Losing Your Medicaid? Let’s Look at Your Options
When Medicaid Shrinks, Community Steps Up To the Plate.
open.substack.com
July 7, 2025 at 5:04 PM
"When Medicaid Shrinks: How to Still Find Healthcare in Your Community."
💡Where to go when you lose coverage
🏥 How to access clinics, even offline
🚐 Transportation and disability supports
Read the full resource guide ⤵
#Medicaid #HealthEquity #RuralHealth #CommunityCare #DisabilityAccess
💡Where to go when you lose coverage
🏥 How to access clinics, even offline
🚐 Transportation and disability supports
Read the full resource guide ⤵
#Medicaid #HealthEquity #RuralHealth #CommunityCare #DisabilityAccess
I need help. Intro Project Lift. ☀️
I’m creating a state-by-state resource to help uninsured, food-insecure, unhoused, and vulnerable individuals across the U.S. access help.
✨Know of an org, clinic, food bank, shelter, service, or support group in your state? Please add it below.
#publichealth
I’m creating a state-by-state resource to help uninsured, food-insecure, unhoused, and vulnerable individuals across the U.S. access help.
✨Know of an org, clinic, food bank, shelter, service, or support group in your state? Please add it below.
#publichealth
Project Lift Resource Sheet
This spreadsheet was created in anticipation of resource loss through the OBBBA for low-income and at-risk populations. The answers to this form will be added to a Resource Master Spreadsheet. The res...
docs.google.com
July 6, 2025 at 1:03 AM
I need help. Intro Project Lift. ☀️
I’m creating a state-by-state resource to help uninsured, food-insecure, unhoused, and vulnerable individuals across the U.S. access help.
✨Know of an org, clinic, food bank, shelter, service, or support group in your state? Please add it below.
#publichealth
I’m creating a state-by-state resource to help uninsured, food-insecure, unhoused, and vulnerable individuals across the U.S. access help.
✨Know of an org, clinic, food bank, shelter, service, or support group in your state? Please add it below.
#publichealth
We don’t need more heroic one-organization solutions for housing, food, or transportation.
We need collaboration.
In today’s post: real examples of hospitals, nonprofits, and public agencies working together to address the social drivers of health and what made those partnerships stick.
We need collaboration.
In today’s post: real examples of hospitals, nonprofits, and public agencies working together to address the social drivers of health and what made those partnerships stick.
July 3, 2025 at 9:06 PM
We don’t need more heroic one-organization solutions for housing, food, or transportation.
We need collaboration.
In today’s post: real examples of hospitals, nonprofits, and public agencies working together to address the social drivers of health and what made those partnerships stick.
We need collaboration.
In today’s post: real examples of hospitals, nonprofits, and public agencies working together to address the social drivers of health and what made those partnerships stick.
Here is a list of 338 rural hospitals likely to close if we see cuts to Medicaid. About these hospitals:
(1) they are in the top 10% Medicaid payer mix of rural hospitals across the country
(2) they have experienced three consecutive years of negative total margin.
(1) they are in the top 10% Medicaid payer mix of rural hospitals across the country
(2) they have experienced three consecutive years of negative total margin.
July 3, 2025 at 4:37 AM
Here is a list of 338 rural hospitals likely to close if we see cuts to Medicaid. About these hospitals:
(1) they are in the top 10% Medicaid payer mix of rural hospitals across the country
(2) they have experienced three consecutive years of negative total margin.
(1) they are in the top 10% Medicaid payer mix of rural hospitals across the country
(2) they have experienced three consecutive years of negative total margin.
This is an incredible new way to visualize health and public health trends. Feel free to spend some time playing around with the different dashboards.
Thank you @yalesph.bsky.social @kff.org
www.pophive.org
Thank you @yalesph.bsky.social @kff.org
www.pophive.org
PopHIVE
Near real-time health data, all in one place.
www.pophive.org
July 2, 2025 at 7:40 PM
This is an incredible new way to visualize health and public health trends. Feel free to spend some time playing around with the different dashboards.
Thank you @yalesph.bsky.social @kff.org
www.pophive.org
Thank you @yalesph.bsky.social @kff.org
www.pophive.org
💧 Health Policy Is the Source 💧
I wanted to take a second to talk about the second-to-last slide from my post yesterday on addressing SDOH via government.
If you've ever stood downstream of a polluted river, you know the damage starts far upstream. The same is true in healthcare.
I wanted to take a second to talk about the second-to-last slide from my post yesterday on addressing SDOH via government.
If you've ever stood downstream of a polluted river, you know the damage starts far upstream. The same is true in healthcare.
July 1, 2025 at 8:38 PM
💧 Health Policy Is the Source 💧
I wanted to take a second to talk about the second-to-last slide from my post yesterday on addressing SDOH via government.
If you've ever stood downstream of a polluted river, you know the damage starts far upstream. The same is true in healthcare.
I wanted to take a second to talk about the second-to-last slide from my post yesterday on addressing SDOH via government.
If you've ever stood downstream of a polluted river, you know the damage starts far upstream. The same is true in healthcare.
What if your housing voucher or broadband connection did more for your health than your annual checkup?
State + federal governments are starting to treat things like food, housing, and transportation as health policy…because they are.
#SDOH #HealthPolicy #Medicaid
State + federal governments are starting to treat things like food, housing, and transportation as health policy…because they are.
#SDOH #HealthPolicy #Medicaid
June 30, 2025 at 5:01 PM
What if your housing voucher or broadband connection did more for your health than your annual checkup?
State + federal governments are starting to treat things like food, housing, and transportation as health policy…because they are.
#SDOH #HealthPolicy #Medicaid
State + federal governments are starting to treat things like food, housing, and transportation as health policy…because they are.
#SDOH #HealthPolicy #Medicaid
Who’s really addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH)?
Today’s post is about the local experts who don’t get enough credit: community orgs, faith groups, & grassroots leaders.
#MutualAid #CBOs #HealthAccess
Today’s post is about the local experts who don’t get enough credit: community orgs, faith groups, & grassroots leaders.
#MutualAid #CBOs #HealthAccess
June 27, 2025 at 1:06 AM
Who’s really addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH)?
Today’s post is about the local experts who don’t get enough credit: community orgs, faith groups, & grassroots leaders.
#MutualAid #CBOs #HealthAccess
Today’s post is about the local experts who don’t get enough credit: community orgs, faith groups, & grassroots leaders.
#MutualAid #CBOs #HealthAccess
🩺 Hospitals can’t solve poverty, but they can reduce ER visits by investing in housing.
They can’t fix food deserts, but they can screen for hunger and connect people to help.
Can hospitals afford to NOT address SDOH?
They can’t fix food deserts, but they can screen for hunger and connect people to help.
Can hospitals afford to NOT address SDOH?
June 23, 2025 at 5:13 PM
🩺 Hospitals can’t solve poverty, but they can reduce ER visits by investing in housing.
They can’t fix food deserts, but they can screen for hunger and connect people to help.
Can hospitals afford to NOT address SDOH?
They can’t fix food deserts, but they can screen for hunger and connect people to help.
Can hospitals afford to NOT address SDOH?
Reposted by Caroline Waltzman, MHA
Check it out on YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?lis...
COVID-19 Conversations: Black People with Disabilities - YouTube
Our special series, in partnership with the Wake County Health and Human Services Department Population Health Division, explores the unique experiences of B...
youtube.com
June 19, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Check it out on YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Your friendly neighborhood word nerd suggesting that you subscribe to Dr. Goodword.
In the wake of everything happening with ACIP (and everything else 🤦🏼♀️), I enjoy receiving my Word of the Day. Today’s word happened to be “Empircal.”
Thank you Dr. Goodword!
Subscribe to them at this link:
In the wake of everything happening with ACIP (and everything else 🤦🏼♀️), I enjoy receiving my Word of the Day. Today’s word happened to be “Empircal.”
Thank you Dr. Goodword!
Subscribe to them at this link:
June 18, 2025 at 6:59 AM
Your friendly neighborhood word nerd suggesting that you subscribe to Dr. Goodword.
In the wake of everything happening with ACIP (and everything else 🤦🏼♀️), I enjoy receiving my Word of the Day. Today’s word happened to be “Empircal.”
Thank you Dr. Goodword!
Subscribe to them at this link:
In the wake of everything happening with ACIP (and everything else 🤦🏼♀️), I enjoy receiving my Word of the Day. Today’s word happened to be “Empircal.”
Thank you Dr. Goodword!
Subscribe to them at this link:
It’s a beautiful day for health equity advocacy! Find free templates on my page to send letters to health insurance companies and your representatives!! #NoKings #PublicHealth #Advocacy #HealthEquity #VaccinesSaveLives
June 14, 2025 at 9:08 PM
It’s a beautiful day for health equity advocacy! Find free templates on my page to send letters to health insurance companies and your representatives!! #NoKings #PublicHealth #Advocacy #HealthEquity #VaccinesSaveLives
The dominoes are falling. It feels helpless sometimes. Until then, PLEASE write to your reps! I’ve made it easy. Some of us can’t articulate how we feel when we are so enveloped in times like these. Feel free to use this and share it widely. #publichealth #science
open.substack.com/pub/caroline...
open.substack.com/pub/caroline...
Template Letter: Protecting the Integrity of the ACIP and the Vaccine Schedule
Urgent: Ensure Qualified and Unbiased ACIP Membership
open.substack.com
June 12, 2025 at 8:48 PM
The dominoes are falling. It feels helpless sometimes. Until then, PLEASE write to your reps! I’ve made it easy. Some of us can’t articulate how we feel when we are so enveloped in times like these. Feel free to use this and share it widely. #publichealth #science
open.substack.com/pub/caroline...
open.substack.com/pub/caroline...
1/n
100 people wanting to read and learn about the U.S. Health System. 27 states. 10 countries.
My readership is made of health professionals and patients, some of who, as stated above, don’t even reside in the United States.
#HealthLiteracy #USHealthSystem #HealthcareExplained
100 people wanting to read and learn about the U.S. Health System. 27 states. 10 countries.
My readership is made of health professionals and patients, some of who, as stated above, don’t even reside in the United States.
#HealthLiteracy #USHealthSystem #HealthcareExplained
June 12, 2025 at 8:37 PM
1/n
100 people wanting to read and learn about the U.S. Health System. 27 states. 10 countries.
My readership is made of health professionals and patients, some of who, as stated above, don’t even reside in the United States.
#HealthLiteracy #USHealthSystem #HealthcareExplained
100 people wanting to read and learn about the U.S. Health System. 27 states. 10 countries.
My readership is made of health professionals and patients, some of who, as stated above, don’t even reside in the United States.
#HealthLiteracy #USHealthSystem #HealthcareExplained