Latest news with #BigBeautiful
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Solar stocks sent reeling by Congress
Solar stocks sent reeling by Congress originally appeared on TheStreet. The solar industry has been trading jabs all year, but Washington may have delivered the knockout punch. Consequently, solar stocks have taken their investors on a steep slide, with the trend pointing mostly south. 💵💰💰💵 For the better part of the year, Washington's response to any clean energy talk has been lukewarm (at best). Unsurprisingly, the ride has been rough, with bankruptcies and brutal sell-offs. Funny how the 'Big Beautiful' bill could throw a wrench in what otherwise was a promising trend. It's no secret that the solar industry, in general, relies on fragile economics. Tax credits aren't just niceties; they're essentially the linchpins underpinning the entire solar value chain. Take them out of the equation, and everyone from rooftop solar financiers to utility suppliers loses demand, cost advantages, and bidding power. For residential solar businesses like Enphase () and Sunrun () , the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, makes its systems affordable enough to spark demand. Additionally, it boosts fuel install volumes, software fees for Enphase, and higher leasing cash flows for Sunrun. Strip that away, and its returns shrink dramatically, as do the growth stories. Similarly, on the utility side, First Solar () leans on Production Tax Credits, or PTCs, and transferable ITCs to score big utility-scale deals. PTCs boost returns over a ten-year period, while transferable credits help developers unlock upfront cash flow. That combo fattens the margins on its thin-film tech and makes contracts much more attractive. That said, it's worth understanding how these solar bellwethers actually make money because it's not always straightforward. Enphase sells microinverters that sit under rooftop panels, turning sunlight into usable home power. Add batteries and monitoring software, and it's a hardware-plus-subscription play. Sunrun takes a different approach, think of it as a solar utility. It leases panels and batteries to homeowners, collecting monthly payments while handling all the upkeep. Nevertheless, it's a lot more sensitive to interest rates and policy shifts. First Solar, on the flipside, plays at the utility level. It builds massive solar farms with its low-cost, U.S.-made thin-film panels while profiting from one-time sales and ongoing maintenance deals. More On Solar: First Solar Stock Falls. Wall Street Is Split on Fate of Renewables. Macy's is selling a 'well-designed' $399 solar panel for $208 that shoppers say is easy to set up Amazon is selling 'exceptional' $70 outdoor solar lights for just $35, and shoppers say they're 'the best' What ties it all together? Tax credits. ITCs and PTCs help drive demand, improve margins, and unlock greater financing. Solar stocks have nosedived, post-market Monday, June 27, and regular trading Tuesday, June 18, after Senate Republicans proposed changes to President Trump's tax and spending bill. The amendments threaten to phase out solar and wind tax credits fully by 2028. The shift will likely send capital fleeing from solar to sectors with longer government backing. Even First Solar stock, arguably more protected due to its U.S. footprint, has taken a massive beating. Solar Energy Industries Association President and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper remarked. "This bill makes it harder to do business in America for U.S. manufacturers and small businesses and will undoubtedly lead us to an energy-strained economy with higher electric bills over the next five years." Needless to say, the timing couldn't have been any worse for solar stocks. Sunnova's recent Chapter 11 filing landed right when the residential solar space wobbled. With a $9–11 billion debt load and just $13.5 million in cash, the Houston-based installer laid off 700 employees and scrambled to sell assets for some relief. Sunnova wasn't alone, though, with Solar Mosaic also filing for bankruptcy, exposing cracks in the solar model. Then came California's controversial AB 942 bill, gutting solar resale economics. The bill forces homes with solar to switch to the NEM 3.0 net metering plan, slashing credit payouts by 80% whenever ownership changes. Hence, it's a one-two punch for an industry already on its knees. At the time of writing, the Invesco Solar ETF () is down 10% in regular trading on Tuesday, breaking below the $32 level and extending its six-month slide. Enphase has nosedived 26% so far today, bringing its losses to over 52% in six months. First Solar shed 18%, down more than 24% over the 6-month period. SunRun fared the worst, crashing 42% to $5.63 and flirting with penny stock territory. Moreover, it's now down over 54% in just a month. Solar stocks sent reeling by Congress first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 17, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Solar stocks just got shook up from Washington
The solar industry has been trading jabs all year, but Washington may have delivered the knockout punch. Consequently, solar stocks have taken their investors on a steep slide, with the trend pointing mostly south. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter For the better part of the year, Washington's response to any clean energy talk has been lukewarm (at best). Unsurprisingly, the ride has been rough, with bankruptcies and brutal sell-offs. Funny how the "Big Beautiful" bill could throw a wrench in what otherwise was a promising no secret that the solar industry, in general, relies on fragile economics. Related: Enphase Energy (ENPH) Downgraded From Hold to Sell Tax credits aren't just niceties; they're essentially the linchpins underpinning the entire solar value chain. Take them out of the equation, and everyone from rooftop solar financiers to utility suppliers loses demand, cost advantages, and bidding power. For residential solar businesses like Enphase (ENPH) and Sunrun (RUN) , the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, makes its systems affordable enough to spark demand. Additionally, it boosts fuel install volumes, software fees for Enphase, and higher leasing cash flows for Sunrun. Strip that away, and its returns shrink dramatically, as do the growth stories. Similarly, on the utility side, First Solar (FSLR) leans on Production Tax Credits, or PTCs, and transferable ITCs to score big utility-scale deals. PTCs boost returns over a ten-year period, while transferable credits help developers unlock upfront cash flow. That combo fattens the margins on its thin-film tech and makes contracts much more attractive. That said, it's worth understanding how these solar bellwethers actually make money because it's not always straightforward. Enphase sells microinverters that sit under rooftop panels, turning sunlight into usable home power. Add batteries and monitoring software, and it's a hardware-plus-subscription play. Sunrun takes a different approach, think of it as a solar utility. It leases panels and batteries to homeowners, collecting monthly payments while handling all the upkeep. Nevertheless, it's a lot more sensitive to interest rates and policy shifts. First Solar, on the flipside, plays at the utility level. It builds massive solar farms with its low-cost, U.S.-made thin-film panels while profiting from one-time sales and ongoing maintenance deals. More On Solar: First Solar Stock Falls. Wall Street Is Split on Fate of Renewables. Macy's is selling a 'well-designed' $399 solar panel for $208 that shoppers say is easy to set up Amazon is selling 'exceptional' $70 outdoor solar lights for just $35, and shoppers say they're 'the best' What ties it all together? Tax credits. ITCs and PTCs help drive demand, improve margins, and unlock greater financing. Solar stocks have nosedived, post-market Monday, June 27, and regular trading Tuesday, June 18, after Senate Republicans proposed changes to President Trump's tax and spending bill. The amendments threaten to phase out solar and wind tax credits fully by 2028. Related: Sunrun (RUN) Stock Climbs, Goldman Upgrades The shift will likely send capital fleeing from solar to sectors with longer government backing. Even First Solar stock, arguably more protected due to its U.S. footprint, has taken a massive beating. Needless to say, the timing couldn't have been any worse for solar stocks. Sunnova's recent Chapter 11 filing landed right when the residential solar space wobbled. With a $9–11 billion debt load and just $13.5 million in cash, the Houston-based installer laid off 700 employees and scrambled to sell assets for some relief. Sunnova wasn't alone, though, with Solar Mosaic also filing for bankruptcy, exposing cracks in the solar model. Then came California's controversial AB 942 bill, gutting solar resale economics. The bill forces homes with solar to switch to the NEM 3.0 net metering plan, slashing credit payouts by 80% whenever ownership changes. Hence, it's a one-two punch for an industry already on its knees. At the time of writing, the Invesco Solar ETF (TAN) is down 10% in regular trading on Tuesday, breaking below the $32 level and extending its six-month slide. Enphase has nosedived 26% so far today, bringing its losses to over 52% in six months. First Solar shed 18%, down more than 24% over the 6-month period. SunRun fared the worst, crashing 42% to $5.63 and flirting with penny stock territory. Moreover, it's now down over 54% in just a month. Related: First Solar (FSLR) Stock Slumps, Goldman Downgrades The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Medicaid enrollees fear losing health coverage if Congress enacts work requirements
It took Crystal Strickland years to qualify for Medicaid, which she needs for a heart condition. Strickland, who's unable to work due to her condition, chafed when she learned that the U.S. House has passed a bill that would impose a work requirement for many able-bodied people to get health insurance coverage through the low-cost, government-run plan for lower-income people. 'What sense does that make?' she asked. 'What about the people who can't work but can't afford a doctor?' The measure is part of the version of President Trump's 'Big Beautiful' bill that cleared the House last month and is now up for consideration in the Senate. Trump is seeking to have it passed by July 4. The bill as it stands would cut taxes and government spending — and also upend portions of the nation's social safety net. For proponents, the ideas behind the work requirement are simple: Crack down on fraud and stand on the principle that taxpayer-provided health coverage isn't for those who can work but aren't. The measure includes exceptions for those who are under 19 or over 64, those with disabilities, pregnant women, main caregivers for young children, people recently released from prisons or jails — or during certain emergencies. It would apply only to adults who receive Medicaid through expansions that 40 states chose to undertake as part of the 2010 health insurance overhaul. Many details of how the changes would work would be developed later, leaving several unknowns and causing anxiety among recipients who worry that their illnesses might not be enough to exempt them. Advocates and sick and disabled enrollees worry — based largely on their past experience — that even those who might be exempted from work requirements under the law could still lose benefits because of increased or hard-to-meet paperwork mandates. Strickland, a 44-year-old former server, cook and construction worker who lives in Fairmont, North Carolina, said she could not afford to go to a doctor for years because she wasn't able to work. She finally received a letter this month saying she would receive Medicaid coverage, she said. 'It's already kind of tough to get on Medicaid,' said Strickland, who has lived in a tent and times and subsisted on nonperishable food thrown out by stores. 'If they make it harder to get on, they're not going to be helping.' Steve Furman is concerned that his 43-year-old son, who has autism, could lose coverage. The bill the House adopted would require Medicaid enrollees to show that they work, volunteer or go to school at least 80 hours a month to continue to qualify. A disability exception would likely apply to Furman's son, who previously worked in an eyeglasses plant in Illinois for 15 years despite behavioral issues that may have gotten him fired elsewhere. Furman said government bureaucracies are already impossible for his son to navigate, even with help. It took him a year to help get his son onto Arizona's Medicaid system when they moved to Scottsdale in 2022, and it took time to set up food benefits. But he and his wife, who are retired, say they don't have the means to support his son fully. 'Should I expect the government to take care of him?' he asked. 'I don't know, but I do expect them to have humanity.' About 71 million adults are enrolled in Medicaid now. And most of them — around 92% — are working, caregiving, attending school or disabled. Earlier estimates of the budget bill from the Congressional Budget Office found that about 5 million people stand to lose coverage. A KFF tracking poll conducted in May found that the enrollees come from across the political spectrum. About one-fourth are Republicans; roughly one-third are Democrats. The poll found that about 7 in 10 adults are worried that federal spending reductions on Medicaid will lead to more uninsured people and would strain health care providers in their area. About half said they were worried reductions would hurt the ability of them or their family to get and pay for health care. Amaya Diana, an analyst at KFF, points to work requirements launched in Arkansas and Georgia as keeping people off Medicaid without increasing employment. Amber Bellazaire, a policy analyst at the Michigan League for Public Policy, said the process to verify that Medicaid enrollees meet the work requirements could be a key reason people would be denied or lose eligibility. 'Massive coverage losses just due to an administrative burden rather than ineligibility is a significant concern,' she said. One KFF poll respondent, Virginia Bell, a retiree in Starkville, Mississippi, said she's seen sick family members struggle to get onto Medicaid, including one who died recently without coverage. She said she doesn't mind a work requirement for those who are able — but worries about how that would be sorted out. 'It's kind of hard to determine who needs it and who doesn't need it,' she said. Lexy Mealing, 54 of Westbury, New York, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgeries, said she fears she may lose the medical benefits she has come to rely on, though people with 'serious or complex' medical conditions could be granted exceptions. She now works about 15 hours a week in 'gig' jobs but isn't sure she can work more as she deals with the physical and mental toll of the cancer. Mealing, who used to work as a medical receptionist in a pediatric neurosurgeon's office before her diagnosis and now volunteers for the American Cancer Society, went on Medicaid after going on short-term disability. 'I can't even imagine going through treatments right now and surgeries and the uncertainty of just not being able to work and not have health insurance,' she said. Felix White, who has Type I diabetes, first qualified for Medicaid after losing his job as a computer programmer several years ago. The Oreland, Pennsylvania, man has been looking for a job, but finds that at 61, it's hard to land one. Medicaid, meanwhile, pays for a continuous glucose monitor and insulin and funded foot surgeries last year, including one that kept him in the hospital for 12 days. 'There's no way I could have afforded that,' he said. 'I would have lost my foot and probably died.' Mulvihill writes for the Associated Press. AP writer Susan Haigh in Hartford, Conn., contributed to this report.
USA Today
7 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Lower Hudson Valley protests: 'If we aren't the melting pot, anymore... what are we?'
Lower Hudson Valley protests: 'If we aren't the melting pot, anymore... what are we?' Show Caption Hide Caption Watch thousands of pro-immigration New Yorkers protest in Manhattan. Thousands of New Yorkers protested against ICE policies during a rally and march in Manhattan June 10, 2025. The Lower Hudson Valley was the site of multiple protests Saturday, June 14, part of a reported 2,000 such demonstrations nationwide, following days of protest in Los Angeles and New York City. A national coalition of progressive organizations called for the protests on June 14, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday and his unusual military parade in D.C. on the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. The protests were held in response to the military spectacle in D.C. But the shorthand title for the protests, "No Kings," carries a further condemnation of Trump administration actions. Some include the use of National Guard and military troops to quell protests in Los Angeles over immigration sweeps; the executive branch's failure to comply with federal court rulings; and Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" that critics say favors wealthy Americans and adds to the federal deficit. ≽ See a schedule and map of protests in Westchester and Rockland counties here. Watch live: See video of June 14 No Kings protests from across the United States In Nanuet, people lined all the sidewalks along the intersection of Route 59 and Middletown Road known as the "Four Corners." It's been the sight of various demonstrations going back at least 50 years. In recent months, demonstrators rally most Saturdays between noon and 2 p.m. carrying signs blasting Trump, erstwhile DOGE engineer Elon Musk and the region's congressman, U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican whose 17th District includes all of Rockland and Putnam counties, and parts of Westchester and Dutchess. Lynn O'Brien of Suffern, 86, had protested at the Four Corners in 2003 as the Iraq War brewed. She'd marched in Baltimore during the late 1960s for civil rights and against the Vietnam War. She said she was there again Saturday, June 14, because "we're in danger in this country." "People don't know what to do," O'Brien said. By 11:30 a.m., more than 100 protesters had gathered on the southwest corner at the intersection of Route 59 and Middletown Road, and a dozen more across the street for the protest that started at noon. Clarkstown police and protest organizers were having a calm and detailed discussion about perimeters. Vehicles honked frequently in the heavily-traveled corridor, earning appreciative cheers from the crowd. With well over 1,000 protesters present by noon, Clarkstown police could be seen putting up more orange barriers as a buffer between the roadway and sidewalk on Route 58. Ciara Sweeney, of Pearl River, made hand-painted posters with a caricature of president Trump behind bars and the words "IMMIGRANTS ARE NOT CRIMINALS BUT THE PRESIDENT IS." She and her mother turned out for the day's demonstration to counter the military parade in D.C. "just to show there are protests everywhere. People think people have given up," Sweeney explained. "That's not true." Sweeney said it was important to show up in the suburbs, too. "Don't count out Rockland County," the 20-year-old said. Penelope Tseteskos, 21, came out because she wants "all civil rights for everyone, that's what America's made of." The Pearl River resident carried one of Sweeney's painted signs. Xavier Malta of Spring Valley is a military veteran from the Cold War era. He served in Southeast Asia from 1975-79. "This is not what I served for," he said. "I believe in Democracy, I believe in our country ad our flag and I'm a patriot, but this is not a Democracy where we're going." Ayden Knapp, 19, of Park Ridge, New Jersey was concerned about the kind of immigration crackdowns seen in Los Angeles. Immigration was part of American tradition and culture, he said, "If we aren't the melting pot anymore, then what are we?" About half of the day's 1,000 expected protesters had arrived just before 11 a.m. at the Mount Kisco station protest spot, many dressed in clown or king costumes. The sounds of Aretha Franklin's "Respect" could be heard filtering through a nearby sound system's speakers. Chants of "No kings! No clowns! Don't be fascist! Let's run the fascists out of our town!" echoed among the crowd. Organizers could be seen in yellow vests directing demonstrators to appropriate places to stand, as crowds engaged with each other in the lively, almost festive atmosphere. Despite overcast skies, and rain in the forecast, the weather seemed to be holding out. A nun, Sister Rosemarie Milazzo, of the Maryknoll Sisters in Ossining, 93, was spotted carrying a sign that says "Let Freedom Ring, Not A King." "It's simple, I don't want a king running my country," she told reporters. "And I want to be a little more hospitable to refugees and immigrants, I'm a daughter of an immigrant." A Peekskill couple were among the younger demonstrators in the crowd, most of whom were over the age of 60, and overwhelmingly white. Thirty-five-year-old tech worker Michael Trapani, carrying a full sized American Flag on a pole over his shoulder, said he and his wife Stephanie, 38, were at the Mount Kisco protest because "we're moving towards authoritarianism, and we're trying to prevent that from happening." Stephanie, a nurse, remarked that the government was "single-handedly dismantling our health care system." "This is America. We were founded by overthrowing tyranny," Michael said. "Being here is the most American thing we could possibly do." Betty Marotta, 75, a retired RN from Holmes in Dutchess donned a jester's costume for the occasion. "Trump's a clown. He's just a clown," she said. "He thinks he is king and doesn't follow the rule of law." At 12:36 p.m., protest organizers in Mount Kisco announced the Minnesota shootings of two Democratic lawmakers and their spouses to loud gasps and cries of 'fascists!' A moment of silence came after, followed by a chorus of protesters singing Bob Dylan's "Blowing in the Wind." Many people were in tears. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed, and State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot and wounded in 'targeted shootings' in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, two neighboring suburban cities 10 to 20 miles outside Minneapolis. Police were searching for at least one suspect alleged to have impersonated a law enforcement officer while carrying out the attack. Alan Levy of Peekskill, one of the event organizers, choked up addressing the crowd, only getting out '…May their memories be a blessing. "This is the next step we're all worried about. That people will take the words of this administration and use them as a cudgel to kill, murder, maim," Levy said. "It's what no one here wants to see." The day after protesting escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, New Yorkers once again hit the streets for another day of demonstration. Mayor Eric Adams said in a post to the social media platform X that the city's 34,000-plus members of the New York City Police Department would be present Saturday to "protect everyone involved — whether peacefully protesting or going about your day." "To those who seek to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights tomorrow, we are ready to help you do that," New York City Police Department commissioner Jessica Tisch posted to social media Friday. "To those who intend to commit crimes, incite violence, or attack our cops, you will be met with the full strength of the greatest police department in the world." Celebrities like Susan Sarandon and Mark Ruffalo joined protesters in the street, as thousands made their way from Bryant Park down 5th Avenue. The demonstration was slated to end at 4 p.m. The day of protest coincided with day one of early voting in the Big Apple's much-anticipated mayoral primary. Front and center is the contest on the Democratic ballot, which pits 11 candidates against each other— including frontrunners former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, city comptroller Brad Lander and others. Contributing: lohud's Alexandra Rivera and Ashley Catherine Fontones; USA TODAY. (This story was updated with new information.)
15-06-2025
- Health
Medicaid enrollees fear losing health coverage if Congress enacts work requirements
It took Crystal Strickland years to qualify for Medicaid, which she needs for a heart condition. Strickland, who's unable to work due to her condition, chafed when she learned that the U.S. House has passed a bill that would impose a work requirement for many able-bodied people to get health insurance coverage through the low-cost, government-run plan for lower-income people. 'What sense does that make?' she asked. 'What about the people who can't work but can't afford a doctor?' The measure is part of the version of President Donald Trump's 'Big Beautiful' bill that cleared the House last month and is now up for consideration in the Senate. Trump is seeking to have it passed by July 4. The bill as it stands would cut taxes and government spending — and also upend portions of the nation's social safety net. For proponents, the ideas behind the work requirement are simple: Crack down on fraud and stand on the principle that taxpayer-provided health coverage isn't for those who can work but aren't. The measure includes exceptions for those who are under 19 or over 64, those with disabilities, pregnant women, main caregivers for young children, people recently released from prisons or jails — or during certain emergencies. It would apply only to adults who receive Medicaid through expansions that 40 states chose to undertake as part of the 2010 health insurance overhaul. Many details of how the changes would work would be developed later, leaving several unknowns and causing anxiety among recipients who worry that their illnesses might not be enough to exempt them. Advocates and sick and disabled enrollees worry — based largely on their past experience — that even those who might be exempted from work requirements under the law could still lose benefits because of increased or hard-to-meet paperwork mandates. Strickland, a 44-year-old former server, cook and construction worker who lives in Fairmont, North Carolina, said she could not afford to go to a doctor for years because she wasn't able to work. She finally received a letter this month saying she would receive Medicaid coverage, she said. 'It's already kind of tough to get on Medicaid,' said Strickland, who has lived in a tent and times and subsisted on nonperishable food thrown out by stores. 'If they make it harder to get on, they're not going to be helping.' Steve Furman is concerned that his 43-year-old son, who has autism, could lose coverage. The bill the House adopted would require Medicaid enrollees to show that they work, volunteer or go to school at least 80 hours a month to continue to qualify. A disability exception would likely apply to Furman's son, who previously worked in an eyeglasses plant in Illinois for 15 years despite behavioral issues that may have gotten him fired elsewhere. Furman said government bureaucracies are already impossible for his son to navigate, even with help. It took him a year to help get his son onto Arizona's Medicaid system when they moved to Scottsdale in 2022, and it took time to set up food benefits. But he and his wife, who are retired, say they don't have the means to support his son fully. 'Should I expect the government to take care of him?' he asked. 'I don't know, but I do expect them to have humanity.' About 71 million adults are enrolled in Medicaid now. And most of them — around 92% — are working, caregiving, attending school or disabled. Earlier estimates of the budget bill from the Congressional Budget Office found that about 5 million people stand to lose coverage. A KFF tracking poll conducted in May found that the enrollees come from across the political spectrum. About one-fourth are Republicans; roughly one-third are Democrats. The poll found that about 7 in 10 adults are worried that federal spending reductions on Medicaid will lead to more uninsured people and would strain health care providers in their area. About half said they were worried reductions would hurt the ability of them or their family to get and pay for health care. Amaya Diana, an analyst at KFF, points to work requirements launched in Arkansas and Georgia as keeping people off Medicaid without increasing employment. Amber Bellazaire, a policy analyst at the Michigan League for Public Policy, said the process to verify that Medicaid enrollees meet the work requirements could be a key reason people would be denied or lose eligibility. 'Massive coverage losses just due to an administrative burden rather than ineligibility is a significant concern,' she said. One KFF poll respondent, Virginia Bell, a retiree in Starkville, Mississippi, said she's seen sick family members struggle to get onto Medicaid, including one who died recently without coverage. She said she doesn't mind a work requirement for those who are able — but worries about how that would be sorted out. 'It's kind of hard to determine who needs it and who doesn't need it,' she said. Lexy Mealing, 54 of Westbury, New York, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgeries, said she fears she may lose the medical benefits she has come to rely on, though people with 'serious or complex' medical conditions could be granted exceptions. She now works about 15 hours a week in 'gig' jobs but isn't sure she can work more as she deals with the physical and mental toll of the cancer. Mealing, who used to work as a medical receptionist in a pediatric neurosurgeon's office before her diagnosis and now volunteers for the American Cancer Society, went on Medicaid after going on short-term disability. 'I can't even imagine going through treatments right now and surgeries and the uncertainty of just not being able to work and not have health insurance,' she said. Felix White, who has Type I diabetes, first qualified for Medicaid after losing his job as a computer programmer several years ago. The Oreland, Pennsylvania, man has been looking for a job, but finds that at 61, it's hard to land one. Medicaid, meanwhile, pays for a continuous glucose monitor and insulin and funded foot surgeries last year, including one that kept him in the hospital for 12 days. 'There's no way I could have afforded that,' he said. 'I would have lost my foot and probably died.'
