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In this special “advocacy roundup” episode, Dr. Shetal Shah and Stephanie Glier return to break down the latest developments in federal healthcare policy and their real-world consequences for neonatologists and the families they serve. With sweeping budget legislation threatening to cut Medicaid funding by nearly 10%, they explain how these changes could destabilize the financial foundations of neonatal care, reduce access to critical services, and deepen existing health disparities. From threats to NICU funding and children’s hospitals to the ripple effects of limiting postpartum and parental coverage, they connect the dots between Washington decisions and bedside realities. 

Listeners also get a pragmatic guide on how clinicians—without needing to be policy experts—can engage effectively with lawmakers to protect Medicaid’s role in children’s healthcare. If you work in neonatal care or advocate for health equity, this is an essential listen that explains what’s on the line and what you can do about it—now.

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As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!