My Vote. Our Health. | Bridging the Care Divide: MentalHealth, Telehealth, Rural Access and CMS Reimbursement

Women's health is shaped by more than clinical care—it is influenced by policy decisions that affect access, coverage, funding, reimbursement and insurance coverage, and research. In this special recast from the My Vote. Our Health. webinar series, Beyond the Paper Gown is proud to partner with Women's Health Advocates, Community Catalyst, and the National Menopause Foundation to bring this important conversation to listeners. Leading experts in medicine, mental health, advocacy, healthcare policy, and technology examine the barriers women face in accessing care. The discussion explores mental health parity, telehealth, rural healthcare access, maternal health disparities, reimbursement inequities, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. From provider shortages and healthcare deserts to insurance coverage and payment policies, the panel highlights how systemic challenges impact women's health across the lifespan—and what can be done to create meaningful change. Featuring Dr. Jocelyn Fitzgerald, Dr. Nadia Johnson, Geovannie Gone, Vanessa Joy Walker, Lori Evans Bernstein, Linda Goler Blount, and Liz Powell. This episode is the first of five of the My Vote. Our Health. series, which explores how policy decisions shape women's health and why advocacy, civic engagement, and informed voting are critical to advancing better health outcomes for women. Because when it comes to women's health, policy matters—and every informed voice has the power to make a difference. Please visit Beyond the Paper Gown (https://www.beyondthepapergown.com/podcasts) to join our community and to learn more about achieving your optimal health. SHOW NOTES: Mitzi Krockover, Founder and CEO, Woman Centered, LLC and Host of Beyond the Paper Gown Women’s Health Advocates Surgical Parity Project  Community Catalyst  National Menopause Foundation