This time on Code WACK!

How did the new documentary Healing US, about the drawbacks of America's for-profit healthcare system, get made? Which harrowing stories did they highlight? When Americans need health care, why do so many worry whether they can afford to be treated?

For answers to these questions and more, we spoke to award-winning documentary filmmaker Maddy Purves, who is editor of the film, and Laura Fielding, founder of Red Berets for Medicare for All and associate producer of Healing US. This is the first in a two-part series.

Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

This time on Code WACK!

How can we, as a society, better support Black expectant parents and their babies in light of how vulnerable they are to dying in America? And what root causes must be addressed do this most effectively?

To find out, we spoke to Melissa Franklin, the first Black director of Maternal Child and Adolescent Health for LA County's Department of Public Health. Dr. Franklin is a system transformation leader with over 25 years of experience in organizational development, community engagement and communications strategy. This is the second in a two-part series with Dr. Melissa Franklin.

Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

This time on Code WACK!

Why are Black people so vulnerable to maternal and infant mortality - and what's being done about it? What will the closing of a maternity ward in South Los Angeles County – a trend happening around the country – mean for local residents there?

To find out, we spoke to Melissa Franklin, EdD, MBA, the first Black director of Maternal Child and Adolescent Health for LA County's Department of Public Health. Dr. Franklin is a systems transformation leader with over 25 years of experience in organizational development, community engagement and communications strategy. This is the first in a two-part series with Dr. Melissa Franklin.

Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

This time on Code WACK!

What are the main obstacles in implementing a new law paving the way to Medicare for All in California? Where does the biggest opposition lie – and what's at stake if the law doesn't fulfill its mission? How is the 2024 election key to our healthcare future?

To find out, we spoke to Irene Kao, executive director of Courage California, a progressive grassroots advocacy organization. She's also a board member of the single payer advocacy coalition Healthy California Now.

Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

This time on Code WACK!

What kind of a healthcare system could actually promote equity? How does a new bill recently signed by Governor Gavin Newsom get California closer to universal, single-payer health care? And how is it different from previous Medicare-for-All bills?

To find out, we spoke to Irene Kao, executive director of Courage California, a progressive grassroots advocacy organization for which she's the first woman of color to lead. She's also a board member of the Healthy California Now, a single-payer advocacy coalition. This is the first episode in a two-part series with Irene Kao.

Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

This time on Code WACK!

What can be done in light of Medicare Advantage overcharging taxpayers to the tune of around $140 billion a year? What's the Medigap Trap and why should you worry about it? Why should we work to improve traditional Medicare while pursuing Medicare for All?

To find out, we spoke to Dr. Ed Weisbart, the national board secretary for Physicians for a National Health Program and president of the Consumers Council of Missouri.

Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

This time on Code WACK!

Medicare Advantage is overcharging the federal government – and you won't believe by how much! How's this affecting taxpayers like you and me and what can be done about it?

To find out, we spoke to Dr. Ed Weisbart, the national board secretary for Physicians for a National Health Program and president of the Consumers Council of Missouri.

THIS TIME ON CODE WACK!

We're taking a closer look at what the millions of people being kicked off Medicaid can do about it.

What's being done to help them?

And what else could we do to make sure people don't get stranded without health insurance coverage?

To find out, we spoke to Loretta Alexander, who recently retired as the health policy director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.

Ms. Alexander has over 40 years of experience in health care.

This is the second episode in a two-part series with Loretta.

Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

THIS TIME ON CODE WACK!

Now that COVID protections have ended, what does that mean for the millions of people getting booted off Medicaid in the country? Where does that leave our nation's most vulnerable, including children and people with chronic diseases or mental health issues?

To find out, we spoke to Loretta Alexander, health policy director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. Ms. Alexander has over 40 years of experience in health care. This is the first episode in a two-part series with Loretta.

Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

THIS TIME ON CODE WACK!

What's being done to help elder Native Americans receive culturally competent long term care? Would it surprise you to learn that relying on the Indian Health Service may not be enough to meet their needs? Why are some members of this highly vulnerable population buying health insurance too?

To find out, we spoke to Elder Billie Tohee, acting executive director of the Albuquerque-based National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) and former chair of the board.

Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!