Since taking office for his second term, President Donald Trump’s policies have increased uncertainty in the field of healthcare through policy changes and the Make America Healthy Again initiative. Providers, patients, politicians, and health care professionals have a wide range of opinions on the possible impacts of the next four years on the health care landscape.
“Right now, if you’re not concerned, you’re not paying attention,” said panelist Dr. Michael Doonan, associate professor at the Heller Graduate School at Brandeis University, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Policy Forum, and Director of the Council for Health Care Economics and Policy
Last Wednesday, Regis College hosted Dr. Doonan and three other expert panelists to hear their thoughts on the future of healthcare in the United States. Those panelists included:
- Michael Doonan, PhD,
- Georges C. Benjamin, MD, the Executive Director of the American Public Health Association
- Michael Curry Esq., President and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers
- Bisola Ojikutu, MD, Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission
Dr. Doonan addressed the ongoing political challenges to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), emphasizing the impact of potential policy changes, including Medicaid cuts and the introduction of work requirements on vulnerable populations. Doonan urged healthcare professionals to stay informed and actively engaged in defending Medicaid, which serves millions of low-income Americans. “There’s a fight for the soul of the Medicaid program,” said Dr. Doonan. “Healthcare should be a right; it should be available to everyone.... and Medicaid is most critical in a number of areas.”
Dr. Benjamin focused on transparency and integrity within government health agencies, stressing the importance of holding public health institutions accountable amidst political interference, censorship, and legal challenges. He called for resisting unjust actions and ensuring that government agencies adhere to the law and provide accurate information to the public. "I tell people not to have any fear,” Dr. Benjamin said.” If you do, that’s the only power you give them. If you give them power by being fearful, they will take it.”
Changes in policy could also create increased burdens on community health centers in underserved areas. Dr. Curry highlighted financial challenges, such as the loss of Medicaid funding and the threat to the 340B program, which helps reduce drug costs for health centers. He also emphasized the need for workforce development and urged collective action to protect healthcare services for marginalized populations, warning that cuts to Medicaid and health center funding would have far-reaching consequences. "I am deeply worried, but I do know that we need to call family in every state and tell folks that whether you are rural, white, Republican, or Democrat, the changes that we are worried about, that you’ve heard from all three speakers so far, impact everyone,” Dr. Curry said.
Local public health departments continue to ensure funding cuts and the impact on health equity initiatives. Dr. Ojikutu explored Boston’s efforts to address chronic diseases, racial health disparities, and maternal health, while stressing the importance of community-level action in tackling public health issues. She also pointed out the risks posed by potential federal cuts to services like substance use treatment and gender-affirming care, urging public health professionals to continue advocating for health equity despite political challenges. “Mobilize within your own communities and speak up,” Dr. Ojikutu said. “We are not overestimating what may happen if federal changes continue to occur, if money is clawed back.”