Laura Packard
@laurapackard.com
Progressive health care advocate, cancer survivor & founder @healthcarevoices.org @voicesofhealthcare.org, biz owner PowerThru, host weekly streaming health care call-in show & podcast #CareTalk, Speaking Inquiries @collectivespeakers.bsky.social, she/her
Pinned
Laura Packard
@laurapackard.com
· Nov 15
For those that don’t know me, I’m the stage 4 cancer survivor that was blocked by Trump on Twitter in 2017, while he was trying to strip away my/our health care. Shared my story with Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention in 2020. In remission, and fighting for your health care every day.
I could have been bankrupt or dead. That’s the danger with short-term junk health insurance plans. They take your money, but don’t actually provide the high-cost care that you might need, just when you need it most. (me via @bcrodriguez.bsky.social @19thnews.org)
What women business owners are poised to lose with health insurance cuts
The Affordable Care Act offered a practical pathway for more women to become self-employed. As a critical enrollment deadline expires with no subsidies, that could collapse.
19thnews.org
January 16, 2026 at 10:02 PM
I could have been bankrupt or dead. That’s the danger with short-term junk health insurance plans. They take your money, but don’t actually provide the high-cost care that you might need, just when you need it most. (me via @bcrodriguez.bsky.social @19thnews.org)
Reposted by Laura Packard
The Virginia legislature today passed four constitutional amendments, all by day 3 of 2026 session:
—protect abortion rights
—repeal the same-sex marriage ban
—allow mid-decade redistricting
—greatly expand voting rights restoration.
These will all go to 2026 referendums.
—protect abortion rights
—repeal the same-sex marriage ban
—allow mid-decade redistricting
—greatly expand voting rights restoration.
These will all go to 2026 referendums.
January 16, 2026 at 7:50 PM
The Virginia legislature today passed four constitutional amendments, all by day 3 of 2026 session:
—protect abortion rights
—repeal the same-sex marriage ban
—allow mid-decade redistricting
—greatly expand voting rights restoration.
These will all go to 2026 referendums.
—protect abortion rights
—repeal the same-sex marriage ban
—allow mid-decade redistricting
—greatly expand voting rights restoration.
These will all go to 2026 referendums.
Reposted by Laura Packard
In our case we were able to avoid our premiums going up an additional $17,000 by having our deductible (which we’re guaranteed to max out) go up…$15,000.
So, um, hooray us?
So, um, hooray us?
Without the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits, some Marketplace enrollees are choosing between plans that charge higher premium payments and plans with higher deductibles.
More on the tradeoffs ACA enrollees face here: https://on.kff.org/3LHauVX
More on the tradeoffs ACA enrollees face here: https://on.kff.org/3LHauVX
Higher Premium Payments or Higher Deductibles: The Tradeoffs ACA Enrollees Face - Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits expired on January 1st, 2026, causing premium payments to increase significantly for many Americans enrolled in ACA exchange plans. The Congr...
on.kff.org
January 16, 2026 at 9:55 PM
In our case we were able to avoid our premiums going up an additional $17,000 by having our deductible (which we’re guaranteed to max out) go up…$15,000.
So, um, hooray us?
So, um, hooray us?
Reposted by Laura Packard
Many states have a key deadline today for people to enroll in an ACA plan. But Congress let expire the enhanced subsidies that helped make some of those plans more affordable. For small business owners and self-employed people, it’s created chaos: 19thnews.org/2026/01/affo...
What women business owners are poised to lose with health insurance cuts
The Affordable Care Act offered a practical pathway for more women to become self-employed. As a critical enrollment deadline expires with no subsidies, that could collapse.
19thnews.org
January 15, 2026 at 10:48 PM
Many states have a key deadline today for people to enroll in an ACA plan. But Congress let expire the enhanced subsidies that helped make some of those plans more affordable. For small business owners and self-employed people, it’s created chaos: 19thnews.org/2026/01/affo...
Reposted by Laura Packard
🚨🚨🚨 I know everything is going to hell, but a reminder that the FINAL DEADLINE to enroll in #ACA healthcare coverage is MIDNIGHT *TONIGHT* in 40 states. 1/
acasignups.net/26/01/12/gro...
acasignups.net/26/01/12/gro...
Grouching towards Enrollment: My 2026 ACA OEP Guide
Almost exactly a year ago I began my 2025 ACA Open Enrollment Period guide with the following words: This is the best OEP ever for the ACA for several reasons: The expanded/enhanced premium subsidies ...
acasignups.net
January 15, 2026 at 1:52 PM
🚨🚨🚨 I know everything is going to hell, but a reminder that the FINAL DEADLINE to enroll in #ACA healthcare coverage is MIDNIGHT *TONIGHT* in 40 states. 1/
acasignups.net/26/01/12/gro...
acasignups.net/26/01/12/gro...
Reposted by Laura Packard
Virginia's legislative session only started yesterday, and it was a very big day.
The House already passed four constitutional amendments on Day 1:
—protect abortion rights
—repeal the same-sex marriage ban
—allow mid-decade redistricting
—greatly expand voting rights restoration.
Next: Senate.
The House already passed four constitutional amendments on Day 1:
—protect abortion rights
—repeal the same-sex marriage ban
—allow mid-decade redistricting
—greatly expand voting rights restoration.
Next: Senate.
January 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Virginia's legislative session only started yesterday, and it was a very big day.
The House already passed four constitutional amendments on Day 1:
—protect abortion rights
—repeal the same-sex marriage ban
—allow mid-decade redistricting
—greatly expand voting rights restoration.
Next: Senate.
The House already passed four constitutional amendments on Day 1:
—protect abortion rights
—repeal the same-sex marriage ban
—allow mid-decade redistricting
—greatly expand voting rights restoration.
Next: Senate.
Talking live to @chewsviews.bsky.social @heartlandsignal.bsky.social this morning at 7:30am ET about the continuing war on public health in the current administration. www.facebook.com/WCPT820/vide...
Today Richard talks to:
– Laura Packard, progressive health care advocate, Stage 4 cancer survivor, and founder of Health Care Voices
– Pat Hynes, candidate for Cook County assessor
– Leah Litman, aut...
Today Richard talks to:
– Laura Packard, progressive health care advocate, Stage 4 cancer survivor, and founder of Health Care Voices
– Pat Hynes, candidate for Cook County assessor
– Leah Litman,...
www.facebook.com
January 15, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Talking live to @chewsviews.bsky.social @heartlandsignal.bsky.social this morning at 7:30am ET about the continuing war on public health in the current administration. www.facebook.com/WCPT820/vide...
"...it never should have been like this, that these high-priced drugs threaten people’s health and well-being. I’m fortunate to not be on any prescriptions right now, but too many Virginians can’t afford the pills they need to survive” me, via @jeisrael.bsky.social
Virginia prescription drug affordability bill would lower costs of medicines
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed similar legislation in 2024 and 2025, but advocates are hopeful that Gov. Abigail Spanberger will sign it.
virginiaindependentnews.com
January 14, 2026 at 7:17 PM
"...it never should have been like this, that these high-priced drugs threaten people’s health and well-being. I’m fortunate to not be on any prescriptions right now, but too many Virginians can’t afford the pills they need to survive” me, via @jeisrael.bsky.social
Reposted by Laura Packard
This could be a major step toward lowering the cost of prescription drugs for Virginians who aren't on Medicare Part D.
virginiaindependentnews.com/health-care/...
virginiaindependentnews.com/health-care/...
Virginia prescription drug affordability bill would lower costs of medicines
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed similar legislation in 2024 and 2025, but advocates are hopeful that Gov. Abigail Spanberger will sign it.
virginiaindependentnews.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:56 PM
This could be a major step toward lowering the cost of prescription drugs for Virginians who aren't on Medicare Part D.
virginiaindependentnews.com/health-care/...
virginiaindependentnews.com/health-care/...
Reposted by Laura Packard
Are you grappling with your Medicare enrollment choices this open enrollment period?
Diane Archer @socialsecurityworks.org explains the differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
Diane Archer @socialsecurityworks.org explains the differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
Medicare Advantage vs Traditional: What's Actually Being Hidden #medicareadvantage
YouTube video by Health Care Voices
youtube.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:42 AM
Are you grappling with your Medicare enrollment choices this open enrollment period?
Diane Archer @socialsecurityworks.org explains the differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
Diane Archer @socialsecurityworks.org explains the differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
I’m voting for @ebpforva.bsky.social to be my next state senator! Thanks for being a health care champion. Polls open until 7pm, vote!
January 13, 2026 at 11:20 PM
I’m voting for @ebpforva.bsky.social to be my next state senator! Thanks for being a health care champion. Polls open until 7pm, vote!
Reposted by Laura Packard
In Richmond today with @teamfreedomva.bsky.social to announce the introduction of new prescription drug affordability board legislation in Virginia! #LowerDrugPricesNow
1/13/2026 Affordable Medicine Act Press Conference
YouTube video by Freedom Virginia Communications
www.youtube.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:04 PM
In Richmond today with @teamfreedomva.bsky.social to announce the introduction of new prescription drug affordability board legislation in Virginia! #LowerDrugPricesNow
Reposted by Laura Packard
New #CareTalk⚕️with @laurapackard.com of @healthcarevoices.org #MSWMedia
Guest: @charlesgaba.com
Listen: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
Guest: @charlesgaba.com
Listen: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
January 13, 2026 at 3:23 PM
What’s happening with the Affordable Care Act? #CareTalk live @charlesgaba.com explains w/ me @healthcarevoices.org @mswmedia.com & @louisenorris.bsky.social @healthinsuranceorg.bsky.social Diane @socialsecurityworks.org answer your health insurance q’s
What’s Going On With the Affordable Care Act? #CareTalk
The U.S. House just passed a bill extending Affordable Care Act tax credits for three years, making health insurance plans more affordable to middle class vo...
www.youtube.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:30 PM
What’s happening with the Affordable Care Act? #CareTalk live @charlesgaba.com explains w/ me @healthcarevoices.org @mswmedia.com & @louisenorris.bsky.social @healthinsuranceorg.bsky.social Diane @socialsecurityworks.org answer your health insurance q’s
Should America follow Denmark's guidelines on vaccines for children?
Learn more from @beckyrparks.bsky.social @protectourcare.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
Learn more from @beckyrparks.bsky.social @protectourcare.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
Denmark vs US Healthcare System Explained #healthcare #comparison #denmark
YouTube video by Laura Packard
youtube.com
January 11, 2026 at 9:24 PM
Should America follow Denmark's guidelines on vaccines for children?
Learn more from @beckyrparks.bsky.social @protectourcare.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
Learn more from @beckyrparks.bsky.social @protectourcare.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
Reposted by Laura Packard
How much extra are you paying for health insurance now? Senate Republicans are doing nothing about your rising healthcare costs — while pretending they have a right to run Venezuela and extract their resources. Is that what you voted for?
Stay focused on what Republicans are taking away from you.
Stay focused on what Republicans are taking away from you.
January 10, 2026 at 8:31 PM
How much extra are you paying for health insurance now? Senate Republicans are doing nothing about your rising healthcare costs — while pretending they have a right to run Venezuela and extract their resources. Is that what you voted for?
Stay focused on what Republicans are taking away from you.
Stay focused on what Republicans are taking away from you.
Having conversations with friends and family about child health and immunization can be hard, but do it to protect your family.
More from my discussion on public health with @beckyrparks.bsky.social @protectourcare.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
More from my discussion on public health with @beckyrparks.bsky.social @protectourcare.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
The Vaccination Talk Nobody Wants to Have #vaccination #health #parenting
YouTube video by Laura Packard
youtube.com
January 9, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Having conversations with friends and family about child health and immunization can be hard, but do it to protect your family.
More from my discussion on public health with @beckyrparks.bsky.social @protectourcare.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
More from my discussion on public health with @beckyrparks.bsky.social @protectourcare.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
It shouldn't have to be like this, for any of us!
January 8, 2026 at 9:21 PM
It shouldn't have to be like this, for any of us!
Reposted by Laura Packard
America has a significant measles outbreak, and other vaccine-preventable diseases like whooping cough are making a comeback. New reduced federal guidelines on vaccines put children at risk.
More from @beckyrparks.bsky.social @protectourcare.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
More from @beckyrparks.bsky.social @protectourcare.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
2,000 measles cases in one year—what parents need to know #measles #outbreak #health
YouTube video by Health Care Voices
youtube.com
January 8, 2026 at 9:19 PM
America has a significant measles outbreak, and other vaccine-preventable diseases like whooping cough are making a comeback. New reduced federal guidelines on vaccines put children at risk.
More from @beckyrparks.bsky.social @protectourcare.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
More from @beckyrparks.bsky.social @protectourcare.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezu1...
I don't want Venezuela. Don't want Greenland. Don't want a ballroom. I just want my monthly health insurance bill not to go up 21%!! We can't afford this. #StopTrumpsHealthCareCuts
January 8, 2026 at 6:08 PM
I don't want Venezuela. Don't want Greenland. Don't want a ballroom. I just want my monthly health insurance bill not to go up 21%!! We can't afford this. #StopTrumpsHealthCareCuts
Reposted by Laura Packard
Why does Congress pass tax cuts for billionaires while refusing to make health insurance more affordable?
Margarida Jorge at Health Care for America Now explains: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FsT...
Margarida Jorge at Health Care for America Now explains: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FsT...
70% of Americans want this—Republicans blocking it #healthcare #politics #ACA
YouTube video by Voices of Health Care Action
youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Why does Congress pass tax cuts for billionaires while refusing to make health insurance more affordable?
Margarida Jorge at Health Care for America Now explains: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FsT...
Margarida Jorge at Health Care for America Now explains: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FsT...
Reposted by Laura Packard
Why are Medicare costs not going up as high as other types of health insurance this year?
Learn more from Diane Archer @socialsecurityworks.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNew...
Learn more from Diane Archer @socialsecurityworks.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNew...
Big Pharma's Worst Nightmare Is Medicare #pharma #healthcare
YouTube video by Health Care Voices
youtube.com
January 6, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Why are Medicare costs not going up as high as other types of health insurance this year?
Learn more from Diane Archer @socialsecurityworks.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNew...
Learn more from Diane Archer @socialsecurityworks.org: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNew...
Reposted by Laura Packard
New #CareTalk⚕️with @laurapackard.com of @healthcarevoices.org #MSWMedia
Guest: @beckyrparks.bsky.social at
@protectourcare.org
Listen: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
Guest: @beckyrparks.bsky.social at
@protectourcare.org
Listen: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
January 6, 2026 at 3:11 PM
Public health is under attack in America. #CareTalk live @beckyrparks.bsky.social at @protectourcare.org explains w/ me @healthcarevoices.org @mswmedia.com.
Also @louisenorris.bsky.social @healthinsuranceorg.bsky.social Diane @socialsecurityworks.org answer your health insurance q’s
Also @louisenorris.bsky.social @healthinsuranceorg.bsky.social Diane @socialsecurityworks.org answer your health insurance q’s
War On Public Health in America? #CareTalk
Laura Packard
www.youtube.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Public health is under attack in America. #CareTalk live @beckyrparks.bsky.social at @protectourcare.org explains w/ me @healthcarevoices.org @mswmedia.com.
Also @louisenorris.bsky.social @healthinsuranceorg.bsky.social Diane @socialsecurityworks.org answer your health insurance q’s
Also @louisenorris.bsky.social @healthinsuranceorg.bsky.social Diane @socialsecurityworks.org answer your health insurance q’s
Reposted by Laura Packard
@scottgottliebmd.bsky.social: "We're going to have to build new pediatric hospitals" if we switch to Danish immunization schedule, because so many more kids will become seriously ill. youtu.be/e8CJr1IgGPw?...
Former FDA Dr. Scott Gottlieb on childhood vaccine schedule overhaul
YouTube video by CNBC Television
youtu.be
January 5, 2026 at 2:44 AM
@scottgottliebmd.bsky.social: "We're going to have to build new pediatric hospitals" if we switch to Danish immunization schedule, because so many more kids will become seriously ill. youtu.be/e8CJr1IgGPw?...