In this power-hour conversation, Michelle begins by welcoming returning guest expert Joan Alker, Executive Director and Co-founder of the Center for Children and Families.  Joan shares recent research focused on understanding the impact of the increasing uninsured rate for young children and the two explore the significance of health insurance for children under six, including regular checkups and developmental screenings, trends in uninsured rates from 2022 to 2024, with a focus on the sharp increase among young children, the impact of Medicaid enrollment declines since 2025, including real-time data on a 2 million decrease in coverage, disparities in uninsured rates, emphasizing rural communities and racial/ethnic differences, the broader economic and social consequences of children losing health coverage, challenges posed by recent federal policy shifts, such as work reporting requirements and cuts affecting rural health providers. Breaking it down further, Joan provides specific state-level concerns, with Texas, North Dakota, and others showing notably high uninsured rates. 

After a short break, Michelle welcomes back to the podcast former U.S. Senator from North Dakota, Heidi Heitkamp, and the two shift the conversation to discuss the progress of the 2026 Farm Bill, the importance of civic engagement, and the urgent need for transparent, bipartisan approaches to support farmers, rural communities, and land preservation.

Heitkamp also discusses the rise in farm bankruptcies and economic challenges, Federal aid gaps and their impact on disaster recovery, the urgency of preserving public lands, and concerns about data centers and land-use conflicts.  The two end their conversation by discussing the importance of civic engagement and practical ways for rural constituents to participate in advocating for sound rural policy.

Resources:
https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2026/06/01/uninsurance-among-youngest-children-on-the-rise-as-families-face-growing-economic-pressure/

https://onecountryproject.com/about/