The League of Women Voters of Leelanau County is presenting a public forum at noon on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, entitled "Federal Dollars & Rural Healthcare: What's Ahead for Our Region? From a panel of four, find out how budget cuts in the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill will impact our region's healthcare services, including our rural hospitals, mental health services, the Indian Health Service and more.

Our rural healthcare system is heavily dependent on Medicaid and Medicare. The OBBB includes significant Medicaid cuts as well as cuts to subsidies for private insurance. We all need to understand and prepare for the cuts ahead. The panelists include Ed Dolan, an economist with the Niskanen Center who will give an overview of the OBBB cuts nationally, and their expected impact in our region; Gabe Schneider, director of Governmental Relations for Munson Healthcare; Greg McMorrow, a board member of Northern Lakes Community Mental Health; and Mari Rafael, an RN from the Tribal Health Services. The public is invited. You are welcome to bring a sack lunch and non-alcoholic drink of your choice.

For more information, go to the League's website: www.lwvleelanau.org