Think Tanks and Their Role in Health Care Policy with Andrea Ducas

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights The U.S. health care system is complex, costly, and often frustrating, but what if we could reimagine it to work better for everyone? In this episode, Andrea Ducas, Vice President of Health Policy at the Center for American Progress, shares how her personal experiences shaped her commitment to creating a more equitable system, criticizing the current model as overly complex, costly, and dependent on employment and insurance status. She explains the historical development of employer-based insurance and government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), highlighting CAP’s role in shaping policy and advising lawmakers. CAP is currently focused on defending Medicaid from budget cuts while also exploring long-term reforms to simplify and improve health care access. Ducas emphasizes the importance of preparing bold, progressive policy solutions so they are ready for implementation when political opportunities arise. Tune in to learn about the challenges of health care policy, the fight to protect Medicaid, and bold ideas for a more equitable future!