Written by: Prophetess Keishia Fox-Anderson, Co-Owner of Caring Senior Service of Katy, Texas

Political & Policy Landscape

1. Government Shutdown & Healthcare Subsidy Clash
   • The federal government is in its third week of shutdown, driven largely by a standoff over funding and health policy.
   • Senate Democrats have vowed to reject another funding bill until enhanced ACA (Affordable Care Act) premium tax credits are extended — fear is growing that if these expire, millions could lose affordability of care.
   • Senate Majority Leader John Thune has “guaranteed” a vote on ACA subsidies, though he cautions it may not pass.
   • Some Senate Republicans are privately worried that failing to address subsidy expiration could cost them in the 2026 midterms — especially in states where many residents depend on ACA support.

Biblical Reflection:

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” — Proverbs 21:1

*Even when political tides shift and leaders spar, God remains sovereign over whose heart will bend and which paths open.

2. Telehealth Flexibility Lapses & Medicare Claims Holds
   • As of October 1, many pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities for Medicare expired, reverting policy to stricter pre-pandemic rules. Providers may no longer be reimbursed for many telehealth services delivered to patients in their homes (unless for behavioral health).
   • CMS has instructed Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to temporarily hold certain claims (for dates of service on or after October 1) involving physician services, ambulances, FQHC claims, etc.
   • Without congressional action, providers may need to issue Advance Beneficiary Notices of Noncoverage (ABNs) for telehealth services not payable under current law.

Biblical Reflection:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23

*In uncertain seasons, let service and excellence remain our standard, not shifting reimbursement rules.

3. States Mobilize in Public Health & Alliance Formation
   • 15 governors (mostly Democratic) launched a Governors Public Health Alliance to coordinate disease surveillance, emergency response, and vaccine policy — positioning state-level leadership to plug gaps in federal public health.
   • This move is partly in response to perceived cuts in federal public health capacity and conflicting guidance under the current HHS.
   • In state-level actions, some states are forgiving medical debt via Medicaid incentives (e.g. North Carolina recently forgave ~$6.5 billion in medical debt) to relieve financial burden for low- and middle-income residents.

Biblical Reflection:

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

*When federal structures falter, servants of mercy and state leaders can act to lighten burdens — reflecting Christ’s heart for the vulnerable.

4. Labor Unrest in Healthcare
   • Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers across multiple states (California, Oregon, Hawaii) have begun a five-day strike over wages and working conditions.
   • The strike involves tens of thousands of union members but emergency and hospital operations remain open despite pharmacy disruptions.

Biblical Reflection:

“The laborer deserves his wages.” — Luke 10:7

*The justice of fair compensation is biblical — even as systems negotiate, let compassion for staff and patients guide resolution.

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5. Drug Pricing Deal & Medicaid Strategy
   • President Trump announced a deal with AstraZeneca to sell drugs to Medicaid at European-style pricing, following a similar agreement with Pfizer.
   • In Washington state, managed care rate reductions (1 %) were finalized for 2026 in mental health, developmental screening, dialysis, and more.
   • Oregon canceled a Medicaid reentry program (providing services to incarcerated individuals pre-release) citing bandwidth and eligibility challenges.

Biblical Reflection:

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” — Proverbs 11:25

*Policies that expand access to medications and ease burdens reflect God’s economy of generosity; we pray leaders walk in wisdom and compassion.

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Takeaway & Prayer for October

Healthcare in October is being shaped by political crisis, policy reversal, and the push-pull between state and federal authority. But amid uncertainty, we anchor ourselves in eternal truth:

1. God is our Refuge in times of disarray.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

2. Pray for wisdom for leaders deliberating health policy.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” — James 1:5

3. Stand for the vulnerable in health crises.

“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” — Matthew 10:8

4. Entrust systems and hearts to the One who reigns.

“The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” — Psalm 103:19

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