Medicaid Matters: The Most Misunderstood Tool in Youth Mental Health

In Episode 2 of our special 6-part series on youth mental health, we sit down with Aimee Ossman, Vice President of Policy at the Children’s Hospital Association, to explore how Medicaid—often misunderstood and undervalued—is actually one of the most powerful tools we have to support young people’s well-being.

This episode unpacks what Medicaid really is (hint: not just "insurance for poor kids"), how it ensures access to essential mental health care for nearly 40 million children, and what’s at stake if we don’t protect and improve this lifeline.

You’ll learn:

• Why Medicaid is misunderstood—and why that matters
• What makes it different from traditional insurance
• How it opens the door to behavioral health services without needing a diagnosis
• What would happen if Medicaid weren’t there for kids
• How states play a critical role in ensuring equitable access
• What changes could make Medicaid work even better for youth mental health

Hosted by Jason C. Hopcus @Nobody’sPerfectCommunity and Heidi Baskfield @spkourminds , this honest and hopeful episode is a must-listen for anyone working to build a better future for our youth.