Podcast Summary: "Uncared For" – Bonus Episode: Showing Up for Care in 2025
Podcast Information:
- Title: Uncared For
- Host/Author: Lemonada Media
- Description: In a country that seems more divided than ever, there's one thing almost everyone agrees on: our healthcare system feels broken. From crushing medical debt to rural hospital closures, deep cuts to Medicaid, and the stress of insurance denials, so many Americans aren’t getting the care they need. In Season 3 of Uncared For, award-winning journalist SuChin Pak (Add to Cart, MTV News) talks to patients, physicians, advocates, and experts to explore the issues – and demand better. From Lemonada Media and The Commonwealth Fund.
- Episode: Bonus: Showing Up for Care in 2025
- Release Date: December 6, 2024
Introduction: Setting the Stage for 2025
In this bonus episode of Uncared For, host SuChin Pak engages in a crucial conversation with caregiving expert and policy advocate, Ai-jen Poo. As the 2024 election wraps up and a new year approaches, they delve into the future of the care economy under a GOP-led White House and Congress. The discussion centers on the implications for families, older adults, care workers, and the broader movement advocating for improved caregiving systems.
Soojin Pak (00:02):
"What does a GOP-led White House and Congress mean for families, older adults, and care workers? And what are the next steps to work toward better aging and disability care and good paying care jobs?"
Post-Election Landscape for Care
Ai-jen Poo reflects on the election outcomes and their impact on the caregiving movement. Despite the results not meeting their hopes, the groundwork laid by advocates remains strong and provides a foundation for continued efforts.
Ai-jen Poo (02:22):
"The election outcome was not what I expected or what I had hoped. And I think what I'm sitting with is that everything that was revealed and built cannot be undone... we have so much work to do and it is the right work and it really matters to people."
The Expanding Scope of Caregiving
The conversation highlights alarming statistics that underscore the magnitude of the caregiving crisis in the United States.
Soojin Pak (05:56):
"There are 53 million of us who are caring for aging or disabled loved ones. There are 33 million raising young children. 11 million then are squeezed in between that, and about 9 million professional care workers."
Ai-jen Poo (05:56):
"Since the last time we talked, RAND Corporation came out with a new data point on the number of family caregivers, and it has doubled. We are now 105.6 million family caregivers in our country."
This doubling in the number of family caregivers over the past decade highlights the escalating demand for care and the strain on both informal caregivers and the professional workforce.
Workforce Shortages and Care Deserts
Poo explains the concept of "care deserts," areas lacking adequate caregiving infrastructure, leading to significant hardships for those needing care.
Ai-jen Poo (10:52):
"It's kind of like there are parts of a state where there's no bridge across this lake because the state hasn't invested in it, meaning that people ... have to drive an extra four hours."
Such infrastructure gaps force families to make untenable choices between financial stability and caregiving responsibilities, exacerbating economic and social strains.
Medicaid and Policy Challenges Under a GOP Administration
The discussion turns to the potential threats posed by a Republican-led government, particularly regarding Medicaid funding and immigration policies affecting the care workforce.
Ai-jen Poo (18:49):
"The goal to cut Medicaid funding is an intention that they have had for a long time and it was very clear. ... They want to cut taxes for the rich and corporations by upwards of $2 trillion, which means cutting Medicaid, SNAP, and Head Start."
Cuts to these essential programs would have devastating effects on the most vulnerable populations reliant on them for long-term and disability care.
Furthermore, Poo underscores the critical role of immigrants in the care workforce:
Ai-jen Poo (20:46):
"About a third of our care workforce in this country are immigrants already. There is no way that we can care for the people that we love ... without immigrants."
Caregiver Tax Credits: A Limited Solution
The conversation critiques proposed caregiver tax credits, arguing that while beneficial, they predominantly aid middle to upper-middle-class families rather than addressing the needs of lower-income caregivers.
Ai-jen Poo (22:21):
"The nature of a caregiver tax credit is that it really benefits people who have the capacity already to spend a significant amount of money on care... Your everyday working-class or low-income family is not going to benefit as much."
Poo advocates for more comprehensive solutions, such as raising wages for care workers and expanding Medicare to cover home care, ensuring broader and more equitable support.
Medicare at Home: A Vision for the Future
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the "Medicare at Home" initiative proposed by Vice President Kamala Harris, which seeks to extend Medicare coverage to include home-based care services.
Ai-jen Poo (25:32):
"People love Medicare because it is something that you earn and that you count on. ... Vice President Harris had Medicare at home, which was a very simple idea to extend access by focusing on home care."
This initiative is praised for its practicality and potential to provide much-needed support to millions who currently find Medicare inadequate for long-term care needs.
State and Local Actions: Building Momentum
Poo highlights successful state-level initiatives that demonstrate the power of local action in shaping care policies.
Ai-jen Poo (29:09):
"Three states, Missouri, Alaska, and Nebraska passed paid sick leave legislation on the ballot. ... In Washington State, we defeated two ballot initiatives that were going to defund important care programs."
These examples illustrate how grassroots efforts and voter engagement can influence policy, ensuring the protection and expansion of essential care services.
Bipartisan Potential and Community Engagement
Poo emphasizes that caregiving is a bipartisan issue, garnering support across political spectrums, and advocates for continued dialogue and collaboration.
Ai-jen Poo (31:13):
"This is a bipartisan issue. Voters across Republican, independent, and Democrat support care. ... We're going to keep fighting. There is no political terrain in which we can't fight."
The bipartisan nature of caregiving support underscores its universal relevance and the potential for widespread policy advancements.
Empowering Individuals and Communities: Call to Action
In the episode's closing, Poo provides actionable steps for listeners to contribute to the caregiving movement both personally and politically.
Ai-jen Poo (32:17):
"Have a conversation at your own dinner table about your family plan for care. ... Spend an hour understanding who your state representative is and stay in regular communication about your priorities."
She stresses the importance of personal engagement, community discussions, and persistent advocacy to drive systemic change and ensure dignified, accessible care for all.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
As the episode concludes, both host and guest reaffirm their commitment to advancing the care movement despite political setbacks. Poo's insights offer a roadmap for strengthening the caregiving infrastructure, protecting vital programs, and fostering a society that truly values and supports care workers and those they serve.
Ai-jen Poo (35:28):
"Change is inevitable. It is just a question of how bold, how soon. And I think that really is up to us."
Key Takeaways:
- The caregiving crisis in the U.S. is intensifying, with over 100 million family caregivers and significant workforce shortages.
- "Care deserts" highlight the urgent need for infrastructure investment to provide accessible care options.
- A GOP-led government poses threats to Medicaid funding and the immigration policies that support the care workforce.
- Comprehensive solutions, including Medicare at Home and fair wages for care workers, are essential for sustainable care systems.
- State and local actions demonstrate the power of grassroots movements in shaping national care policies.
- Caregiving is a bipartisan issue, offering opportunities for broad-based support and policy advancements.
- Individual and community engagement are critical in driving systemic change and ensuring equitable care for all.
This episode serves as a clarion call for listeners to actively participate in the caregiving movement, advocating for policies that honor and support both caregivers and those in need of care.