It Could Happen Here How We Saved Trans Medicaid Healthcare Coverage
Jul 21, 2025
David Forbes, a journalist from Asheville Blade, Mady Castigan from MediCast News, and Mira Lazine from Free Radical delve into the grassroots campaign that successfully opposed a GOP ban on Medicaid coverage for trans healthcare. They discuss how collective action and steadfast advocacy reshaped healthcare policies. The conversation highlights the importance of direct communication with legislators and the role of community empowerment in advancing trans rights. With engaging insights, they emphasize the necessity for ongoing activism in securing essential health services.
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Key Parliamentary Weapon: Byrd Rule
- The "Byrd rule" was a parliamentary tool that helped kill the GOP trans Medicaid ban in the Senate.
- Constituent pressure made senators aware, leading to the ban needing 60 votes instead of 50 to pass.
Grassroots Rage Moves Politicians
- Grassroots anger and active pressure awakened Democratic senators to oppose the trans Medicaid ban.
- Politicians act more when they fear angry marginalized voters, not when asked politely.
Mobilize Anger, Not Politeness
- Don’t rely only on old lobbying tactics or polite access to politicians.
- Mobilize anger and widespread constituent pressure to force lawmakers to act on trans rights.