Watch: our post-election episode of “American Compassion LIVE”
As part of our mission to build a better social safety net, Findhelp fosters conversations about the state of modern social care and ways to improve it. To that end, we are feeling optimistic after this week’s post-election episode of Season 3 of American Compassion: The Safety Net Podcast, in partnership with The LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas-Austin.
Available now, the second episode explores the critical question: What Happens Now? With the election of President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress, we examine what lies ahead for pivotal safety net programs like SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security, and the Affordable Care Act. The episode’s expert panelists bring diverse perspectives in policy, healthcare, history, and politics to dissect the challenges and opportunities posed by this major political shift.
American Compassion Season 3, Episode 2: What Happens Now?
Glen Chambers, the head of Government Relations at Findhelp, was joined by nurse practitioner and professor Barbara Chapman, political documentary filmmaker Paul Stekler, and health policy expert and BGR Group CEO Bob Wood. The discussion was moderated by Rebecca McInroy.
Looking ahead: a threat or an opportunity?
The panelists began by assessing the immediate impact of the election on critical safety net programs. Paul offered a stark perspective on the current political climate. He underscored the potential for major changes to fundamental safety net programs.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen. I do know that it’s important for us who believe that the safety net is a really important part of something that benefits over a third of Americans, that we know the lay of the land and figure out a message that is not particularly partisan, but talks about the importance of these programs, what it benefits, and how to protect them.”
Paul Stekler
Documentary filmmaker and educator
Barbara voiced concern over the healthcare landscape, particularly in Texas. “We have got to start increasing access to health care,” she emphasized, citing that 88% of Texas counties lack adequate primary care providers. She argued that policies expanding the roles of nurse practitioners, especially in underserved rural areas, could dramatically increase access to care and ease burdens on the healthcare system.
Bob recalled a quote from one of his favorite television shows, Ted Lasso, in his advice for how to approach the road ahead. “Be curious, not judgmental. That is what I would suggest about how to approach this moment in time on these issues,” he said.
“But if you come to the table promoting innovation, community solutions, faith-based solutions and community partnerships, doing things differently, maybe more efficiently, bending the cost curve does matter. Those are the kinds of messages that I think if people are willing to be curious, look for a better way. Because we can all always do better.”
Bob Wood
Healthcare and government policy expert
Glen expressed optimism about state-level leadership, citing the bipartisan collaboration he has seen across states with governors from different political backgrounds. He remarked, “You have to think about the social safety net in a different way, and you have to engage people differently.” Glen highlighted the critical role of state innovation in shaping how individuals experience safety net programs.
Work requirements and the future of ACA
The discussion also turned to the topic of work requirements in social support programs. Glen spoke about the importance of reframing work requirements as a source of empowerment, rather than punishment.
“If you think about people experiencing poverty not as problems to be solved, but as assets to be empowered, you look at work requirements very differently. It’s not about punishment; it’s about opportunity—the dignity of having a job with meaning and the ability to change your circumstances.”
Glen Chambers
Healthcare and government policy expert
While there have been previous efforts to repeal the ACA, the panel expressed that a rollback is unlikely. Glen pointed out the entrenched nature of the ACA, saying, “That root system [of the ACA]…if you pull it up, you’re going to disrupt the landscape and create a lot of trauma”. Bob added that support for certain provisions indicates the ACA may continue in its current form, though modifications are possible.
The role of 1115 Waivers in addressing social needs
The panel highlighted the growing use of 1115 waivers as a tool for states to address health-related social needs through Medicaid. Glen, who had just returned from the National Association of Medicaid Directors Conference, provided insight into the trends surrounding 1115 waivers.
“The trend towards funding solutions for health-related social needs is going to continue. It actually started in the Trump administration and has carried through.” He emphasized the bipartisan nature of these initiatives, citing investments in states like Minnesota and South Dakota. Bob added that 1115 waivers could allow states to propose innovative solutions while addressing cost concerns. “We will return to federalism, and states will have the opportunity to propose demonstration projects focused on the real needs of their populations,” he said.
The panelists agreed that while conditions on waivers may change, they remain a critical tool for states to adapt Medicaid to local needs. As Glen noted, “You take the social safety net out from over top of people and put it underneath them where it belongs.”
A call to civic action
Overall, the panelists painted a nuanced picture: while the election results may bring uncertainty and potential cuts to programs, there remains significant opportunity for innovation and collaboration at the state and local levels to strengthen the social safety net.
The discussion concluded on a note of civic engagement. Glen reminded the audience that contributing to a stronger social safety net doesn’t always mean working through the government. “If you want to be a better citizen, go volunteer,” he urged. He and his fellow panelists highlighted the importance of community involvement as a way to strengthen the nation’s social safety net at a grassroots level. They all agreed that helping others is a nonpartisan matter.
“When you’re on the front lines, it’s not about politics. It’s about asking, ‘How do I help this person get to care? What resources do I need to find for them?’ People on the front lines are not working with a political agenda; they’re working with real human beings in need. That’s what makes a difference. When you go into communities, meet people where they are, and give them the care they need, that’s where we see real change happening.”
Dr. Barbara Chapman
Nurse practitioner leader and advocate
The panelists left attendees with a call to stay engaged, informed, and active, encouraging them to push for positive change in their communities. From volunteerism to political advocacy, every action counts in ensuring that the social safety net remains strong for future generations.
Missed the live recording? Watch episode 2 now or listen to it on your preferred podcast platform.
Join us for upcoming American Compassion episodes
You are invited to join us for the live recording of Season 3, Episode 3: Social Care in the Digital Age. Attend the filming on February 12 as part of a live audience at The LBJ School on the University of Texas-Austin campus.
