To kick off 2026, the NewDEAL Forum launched the next phase of its Affordability Project, drawing from discussions at November's NewDEAL Leaders Conference to release a series of four briefings focused on key issues impacting the cost of living: health care, energy, child care, and housing. Moving forward, the Forum's affordability work this year will focus especially on addressing the cost of caring for families, including through child care, health care, caring for aging parents and family, and more.
Affordability in Health Care
As President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill ushers in deep cuts to access as well as uncertainty for patients and providers, state and local governments will be under additional pressure to support their constituents.
At the 2025 Leaders Conference, several panels of elected officials and health-care experts underscored the urgent need for pragmatic, sustainable solutions from states and localities. The key takeaways from these discussion were:
Federal Policy Is Creating Instability
Local Innovation Can Fill Gaps
Encourage Innovation and Shared Services
Our leaders have laid out actionable steps for state and local elected officials to protect and expand health care access and restore trust in public health institutions.
