Trump’s War on DEI Puts Poverty Health Programs in Crosshairs

The Trump administration’s pledge to purge diversity, equity, and inclusion programs from the federal government threatens a key tool states use to tackle health disparities through Medicaid.

Section 1115 of the Social Security Act waives traditional Medicaid requirements to allow coverage for demonstration projects ranging from maternal health expansions and nutrition assistance to substance abuse treatment and housing support.

However, former government officials and health policy watchers say a sweeping executive order signed by President Donald Trump could put the future of these programs in jeopardy.

“These waivers have the same spirit of trying to fix our broken health-care system ...