For those of us at The 80 Million, our name represents a vital segment of the American population — nearly one-fifth of the nation — who rely on Medicaid for their health, financial security and in some cases, survival. Today, the program stands at a critical inflection point. As Medicaid faces what many policy experts consider its most significant existential threat since its inception, we are expanding our coverage to meet the moment. Starting May 6, we are launching a special eight-episode podcast series to explore the seismic changes reshaping Medicaid and health care access more broadly in our country.

Hosted by Senior Managing Director Patti Boozang, Season 1 of The 80 Million Podcast is about what's at risk at this moment in Medicaid, fiscally, operationally and politically, and where the program needs to adapt deliberately — not just to survive, but to get stronger. This is a time that demands solutions. Over the next decade, Medicaid is expected to see nearly $1 trillion in federal funding cuts from H.R. 1, new administrative hurdles that make getting and maintaining Medicaid coverage difficult, and federal policy shifts that limit the ability of states to raise revenue through state-directed payments and provider taxes.

This new series reflects the very best of what defines our health group — deep expertise, meaningful collaboration and a commitment to shaping the future of care for the 80 million Americans who rely on Medicaid. Across the season, Patti brings together colleagues from Manatt Health and nationally recognized leaders to explore the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the program today. Produced by Amanda Eisenberg, The 80 Million Podcast digs into technological innovations, FWA, and the operational and fiscal tradeoffs states are facing right now.

Subscribe to The 80 Million here. Episodes will be available starting May 6 where you get your podcasts and, for subscribers, in your inbox each week!