Joan Alker
@joanalker1.bsky.social
ED of Georgetown Center for Children and Families and Research Professor at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy; post mostly about Medicaid, CHIP and such... Visit our website at ccf.georgetown.edu
Our 20th anniversary @georgetownccf.bsky.social conference is a wrap with a surprise visit from Georgetown University’s official mascot Jack the Bulldog! He was a big hit.
W/ beloved colleagues Tricia Brooks and @edwincpark.bsky.social
W/ beloved colleagues Tricia Brooks and @edwincpark.bsky.social
November 15, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Our 20th anniversary @georgetownccf.bsky.social conference is a wrap with a surprise visit from Georgetown University’s official mascot Jack the Bulldog! He was a big hit.
W/ beloved colleagues Tricia Brooks and @edwincpark.bsky.social
W/ beloved colleagues Tricia Brooks and @edwincpark.bsky.social
Last day of our annual conference and we’re focusing on maternal health. Medicaid expansion, which is now under attack, has been a game changer for women of reproductive age.
November 14, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Last day of our annual conference and we’re focusing on maternal health. Medicaid expansion, which is now under attack, has been a game changer for women of reproductive age.
⬇️As we wait for the ACIP meeting later this week not enough attention has been paid to the enormous consequences for 1/2 of the children in the US for whom access to free vaccines is at stake.
Our @georgetownccf.bsky.social blog explains
ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/09/10/w...
Our @georgetownccf.bsky.social blog explains
ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/09/10/w...
September 17, 2025 at 1:27 AM
⬇️As we wait for the ACIP meeting later this week not enough attention has been paid to the enormous consequences for 1/2 of the children in the US for whom access to free vaccines is at stake.
Our @georgetownccf.bsky.social blog explains
ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/09/10/w...
Our @georgetownccf.bsky.social blog explains
ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/09/10/w...
This increase in the child uninsured rate affected kids of all races/ethnicities except Asian kids who held steady.
September 13, 2025 at 4:08 PM
This increase in the child uninsured rate affected kids of all races/ethnicities except Asian kids who held steady.
I was there and there was a massive turnout. People of all kinds - families, seniors, people in wheelchairs - on a hot humid day
#FreeDC
#FreeDC
September 6, 2025 at 6:20 PM
I was there and there was a massive turnout. People of all kinds - families, seniors, people in wheelchairs - on a hot humid day
#FreeDC
#FreeDC
Some good news, a court order will prevent federal CMS from sharing Medicaid data with Homeland Security in the states that sued.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
August 13, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Some good news, a court order will prevent federal CMS from sharing Medicaid data with Homeland Security in the states that sued.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
New CBO analysis in one chart of the "Big Beautiful Bill" sums it up -- take from the poor to give to the rich.
August 12, 2025 at 3:23 PM
New CBO analysis in one chart of the "Big Beautiful Bill" sums it up -- take from the poor to give to the rich.
👀In the name of “protecting vulnerable Americans” the Trump Administration will rip away Medicaid coverage from babies and toddlers👀
CMS announces Medicaid demos that 8 states are implementing to cover babies and young children continuously w/o gaps due to red tape will no longer be allowed.
CMS announces Medicaid demos that 8 states are implementing to cover babies and young children continuously w/o gaps due to red tape will no longer be allowed.
July 17, 2025 at 7:23 PM
👀In the name of “protecting vulnerable Americans” the Trump Administration will rip away Medicaid coverage from babies and toddlers👀
CMS announces Medicaid demos that 8 states are implementing to cover babies and young children continuously w/o gaps due to red tape will no longer be allowed.
CMS announces Medicaid demos that 8 states are implementing to cover babies and young children continuously w/o gaps due to red tape will no longer be allowed.
Because Medicaid is more likely to cover children as they are eligible at higher income levels there are 11 million children covered by Medicaid whose parents are small business workers/owners.
Private insurance is so expensive for small businesses and
coverage for dependents is even more costly.
Private insurance is so expensive for small businesses and
coverage for dependents is even more costly.
June 26, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Because Medicaid is more likely to cover children as they are eligible at higher income levels there are 11 million children covered by Medicaid whose parents are small business workers/owners.
Private insurance is so expensive for small businesses and
coverage for dependents is even more costly.
Private insurance is so expensive for small businesses and
coverage for dependents is even more costly.
Medicaid expansion has been a key support for the small business workforce. Many of Congressional Medicaid cuts are targeted at the expansion group which will disrupt the small business workforce -- this includes higher copays and more frequent renewals as well as the work requirements.
June 26, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Medicaid expansion has been a key support for the small business workforce. Many of Congressional Medicaid cuts are targeted at the expansion group which will disrupt the small business workforce -- this includes higher copays and more frequent renewals as well as the work requirements.
👀Our new report finds that Medicaid is a key insurer for small business workers and their families.
This is a pretty astounding finding especially as the denominator is all Medicaid enrollees which includes seniors and people with disabilities.
ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/06/26/m...
This is a pretty astounding finding especially as the denominator is all Medicaid enrollees which includes seniors and people with disabilities.
ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/06/26/m...
June 26, 2025 at 6:07 PM
👀Our new report finds that Medicaid is a key insurer for small business workers and their families.
This is a pretty astounding finding especially as the denominator is all Medicaid enrollees which includes seniors and people with disabilities.
ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/06/26/m...
This is a pretty astounding finding especially as the denominator is all Medicaid enrollees which includes seniors and people with disabilities.
ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/06/26/m...
Rural communities face devastating consequences from Medicaid cuts
Lost in the convo is that COVERAGE LOSSES will impact rural counties harder irrespective of the provider tax issue
Per county data ⬇️ rural parts of AK, AR, NM, LA, KY, MT, WV, NY at greatest risk of coverage loss
Lost in the convo is that COVERAGE LOSSES will impact rural counties harder irrespective of the provider tax issue
Per county data ⬇️ rural parts of AK, AR, NM, LA, KY, MT, WV, NY at greatest risk of coverage loss
June 25, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Rural communities face devastating consequences from Medicaid cuts
Lost in the convo is that COVERAGE LOSSES will impact rural counties harder irrespective of the provider tax issue
Per county data ⬇️ rural parts of AK, AR, NM, LA, KY, MT, WV, NY at greatest risk of coverage loss
Lost in the convo is that COVERAGE LOSSES will impact rural counties harder irrespective of the provider tax issue
Per county data ⬇️ rural parts of AK, AR, NM, LA, KY, MT, WV, NY at greatest risk of coverage loss
The Senate version of OBBB doubles down on Medicaid cuts + threatens rural hospitals esp those in ACA expansion states.
52% of rural hospitals already have no labor + delivery
⬇️Top 20 rural counties in the country w/ 1/2 of women of reproductive age covered by Medicaid. All are expansion states.
52% of rural hospitals already have no labor + delivery
⬇️Top 20 rural counties in the country w/ 1/2 of women of reproductive age covered by Medicaid. All are expansion states.
June 17, 2025 at 7:49 PM
The Senate version of OBBB doubles down on Medicaid cuts + threatens rural hospitals esp those in ACA expansion states.
52% of rural hospitals already have no labor + delivery
⬇️Top 20 rural counties in the country w/ 1/2 of women of reproductive age covered by Medicaid. All are expansion states.
52% of rural hospitals already have no labor + delivery
⬇️Top 20 rural counties in the country w/ 1/2 of women of reproductive age covered by Medicaid. All are expansion states.
My 88 year old mom organized this protest today at her retirement community. #SaveMedicaid #SaveTheRuleOfLaw
June 14, 2025 at 9:17 PM
My 88 year old mom organized this protest today at her retirement community. #SaveMedicaid #SaveTheRuleOfLaw
Blog coming to explain Rules Committee changes but a troubling change is that the 10% FMAP penalty on Medicaid expansion states will now apply to ALL states unless they drop coverage for lawfully residing children/pregnant women available thru CHIP.
A direct attack on kids/prenatal care.
A direct attack on kids/prenatal care.
May 20, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Blog coming to explain Rules Committee changes but a troubling change is that the 10% FMAP penalty on Medicaid expansion states will now apply to ALL states unless they drop coverage for lawfully residing children/pregnant women available thru CHIP.
A direct attack on kids/prenatal care.
A direct attack on kids/prenatal care.
Our new report on the role of Medicaid for women of child-bearing age in rural areas w/ state by state data is here
Medicaid covers 47% births in rural areas
Rural areas have been losing labor + delivery units. Medicaid cuts will make this scary situation even worse for moms and babies.
Medicaid covers 47% births in rural areas
Rural areas have been losing labor + delivery units. Medicaid cuts will make this scary situation even worse for moms and babies.
May 16, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Our new report on the role of Medicaid for women of child-bearing age in rural areas w/ state by state data is here
Medicaid covers 47% births in rural areas
Rural areas have been losing labor + delivery units. Medicaid cuts will make this scary situation even worse for moms and babies.
Medicaid covers 47% births in rural areas
Rural areas have been losing labor + delivery units. Medicaid cuts will make this scary situation even worse for moms and babies.
Our new report on the role of Medicaid for women of child-bearing age in rural areas w/ state by state data is here
Medicaid covers 47% births in rural areas
Rural areas have been losing labor + delivery units. Medicaid cuts will make this scary situation even worse for moms and babies.
Medicaid covers 47% births in rural areas
Rural areas have been losing labor + delivery units. Medicaid cuts will make this scary situation even worse for moms and babies.
May 15, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Our new report on the role of Medicaid for women of child-bearing age in rural areas w/ state by state data is here
Medicaid covers 47% births in rural areas
Rural areas have been losing labor + delivery units. Medicaid cuts will make this scary situation even worse for moms and babies.
Medicaid covers 47% births in rural areas
Rural areas have been losing labor + delivery units. Medicaid cuts will make this scary situation even worse for moms and babies.
#Medicaid markup underway and very quickly the false claim that Medicaid spending is being driven up by "illegals" has been made.
Undocumented people 🟰 not eligible for Medicaid.
The only federal $ available is for Emergency Medicaid = 0.4% of overall funding -- which the bill doesnt touch btw.
Undocumented people 🟰 not eligible for Medicaid.
The only federal $ available is for Emergency Medicaid = 0.4% of overall funding -- which the bill doesnt touch btw.
May 13, 2025 at 6:42 PM
#Medicaid markup underway and very quickly the false claim that Medicaid spending is being driven up by "illegals" has been made.
Undocumented people 🟰 not eligible for Medicaid.
The only federal $ available is for Emergency Medicaid = 0.4% of overall funding -- which the bill doesnt touch btw.
Undocumented people 🟰 not eligible for Medicaid.
The only federal $ available is for Emergency Medicaid = 0.4% of overall funding -- which the bill doesnt touch btw.
This Thursday May 15th at 9:45 ET we're releasing a new report with state data on the role Medicaid plays for women of child-bearing age in rural America
Media only can register at this link
georgetown.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Public link coming soon for listen only mode.
Some great guests ⬇️
Media only can register at this link
georgetown.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Public link coming soon for listen only mode.
Some great guests ⬇️
May 12, 2025 at 5:34 PM
This Thursday May 15th at 9:45 ET we're releasing a new report with state data on the role Medicaid plays for women of child-bearing age in rural America
Media only can register at this link
georgetown.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Public link coming soon for listen only mode.
Some great guests ⬇️
Media only can register at this link
georgetown.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Public link coming soon for listen only mode.
Some great guests ⬇️
24 hour vigil to protect Medicaid happening on the Mall right now.
May 8, 2025 at 1:43 AM
24 hour vigil to protect Medicaid happening on the Mall right now.
Our new issue brief with @clasp.org and Nat. Assoc f/t Educ of Young Children
Nearly 28% of child-care workers are covered by Medicaid largely due to the ACA Medicaid expansion which is now under threat in Congress.
We've got a child care crisis in the US
Cutting Medicaid would make it worse.
Nearly 28% of child-care workers are covered by Medicaid largely due to the ACA Medicaid expansion which is now under threat in Congress.
We've got a child care crisis in the US
Cutting Medicaid would make it worse.
May 1, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Our new issue brief with @clasp.org and Nat. Assoc f/t Educ of Young Children
Nearly 28% of child-care workers are covered by Medicaid largely due to the ACA Medicaid expansion which is now under threat in Congress.
We've got a child care crisis in the US
Cutting Medicaid would make it worse.
Nearly 28% of child-care workers are covered by Medicaid largely due to the ACA Medicaid expansion which is now under threat in Congress.
We've got a child care crisis in the US
Cutting Medicaid would make it worse.
Important new analysis from @kff.org on impact of capping the ACA Medicaid expansion. This is under serious consideration by House GOP and threatens Medicaid for 20 million people.
Over 10 years 90% match would drop to 69% shifting $246 billion to states.
Over 10 years 90% match would drop to 69% shifting $246 billion to states.
April 25, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Important new analysis from @kff.org on impact of capping the ACA Medicaid expansion. This is under serious consideration by House GOP and threatens Medicaid for 20 million people.
Over 10 years 90% match would drop to 69% shifting $246 billion to states.
Over 10 years 90% match would drop to 69% shifting $246 billion to states.
Security Administration website keeps crashing thanks to DOGE.
Last week many disabled children's families were seeing an incorrect notice saying their payments had been cut off. 🤯🤯😢
washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Last week many disabled children's families were seeing an incorrect notice saying their payments had been cut off. 🤯🤯😢
washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
April 7, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Security Administration website keeps crashing thanks to DOGE.
Last week many disabled children's families were seeing an incorrect notice saying their payments had been cut off. 🤯🤯😢
washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Last week many disabled children's families were seeing an incorrect notice saying their payments had been cut off. 🤯🤯😢
washingtonpost.com/politics/202...