A nonpartisan online conversation about healthcare in the upcoming midterm election
Healthcare affects every family, every community, every business, and every generation.
The Healthcare Forum was created because our nation is approaching one of the most significant periods of healthcare change in decades. The people elected in November 2026 will help determine how those changes are implemented and whether modifications are made to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare. That is why this election matters. This is the most important election ever in the history of this nation. It is estimated that over 175 million will vote in this midterm-election. It is up to you, the voter, to choose who you want for Congress and the Senate. Voters should carefully consider the character and temperament of the people they elect. They should look for representatives who are not devoted to one individual or one political party, but who possess the judgment and willingness to work with others when compromise is necessary in the public interest.
After the election, states are aggressively preparing for sweeping Medicaid changes. Most notably, the new federal work requirements. In addition, roughly $1 trillion in federal funding cuts will take effect next year, and adult Medicaid enrollees aged 19–64 must complete 80 hours per month of qualifying activities such as employment, education, job training, or community service. Additionally, individuals will be required to recertify their eligibility more frequently and will be able to receive coverage for only two months, rather than three months, prior to the month of application. This only extends to those who meet eligibility standards during those months. The rollback will be even greater for Expansion Medicaid for adults under age 65. For these Medicaid recipients, retroactive coverage will be available only for the single month preceding the application month.
What are some of the issues that will be discussed in the forum as a result of sweeping changes to our healthcare system?
The challenges we face in getting Medicaid
The changes to Medicare as it relates to seniors
The Affordable Care Act and the lack of subsidies
The affordability of health insurance
Hospital funding
Rural healthcare
Prescription drug costs
Workforce shortages
Long-term care
Veterans' healthcare
Preventive care
Homelessness as a consequence
The consequences to seniors
The economic effects of healthcare on our economy
For many Americans, these changes are not abstract. They may determine whether families keep their health coverage, whether hospitals face increasing uncompensated care costs, and whether patients delay seeking medical care because they fear they cannot afford it.
As a hospital chaplain, I have seen the consequences of delayed medical care. Sometimes those consequences cannot be reversed.
That is why The Healthcare Forum exists—to bring together patients, healthcare professionals, caregivers, business leaders, policymakers, and members of the public to better understand these changes, discuss practical solutions, and help ensure voters are informed before they cast their ballots. Healthcare Forum is an ongoing online discussion hosted by Steven St John, hospital chaplain.
Use the form below if you would like to attend, serve as a panelist, share your healthcare story, submit a question, or receive updates about upcoming online discussions.
For questions about The Healthcare Forum, email:
chaplainforcongress@gmail.com