Once the One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law, it triggered coverage cuts to Medicaid. For rural hospitals that treat large numbers of Medicaid recipients, that means less revenue. According to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, the loss of funds is putting as many as 20 rural hospitals at risk of closing in Georgia. Some have already started to cut services, causing patients to drive an hour away for labor and delivery care. On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” Dr. Joy Baker, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist within the Wellstar Health System and Whitney Griggs, the Director of Health Policy at Georgians for a Healthy Future, discuss the impact this will have on rural communities.


Some of the most eye-catching aspects of Atlanta are its art, statues, and architecture. But younger generations have not been quick to fill jobs related to architecture, engineering, and building. Oscar Harris, a notable Black architect in Atlanta, has stepped in with SPIKE Studio to inspire the next generation on the Atlanta they would build for the future. To discuss the SPIKE Studio Summer Academy, “Closer Look” is joined by Founder Oscar Harris and Melody Harclerode, the executive director of SPIKE Studio. Also, Students Warren Johnson and Anna-Bella Madison.

Once the One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law, it triggered coverage cuts to Medicaid. For <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/06/30/nx-s1-5451401/republicans-big-bill-could-hit-rural-hospitals-hard">rural hospitals</a> that treat large numbers of Medicaid recipients, that means less revenue. According to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, the loss of funds is putting as many as <a href="https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Hospitals_at_Risk_of_Closing.pdf">20 rural hospitals at risk of closing in Georgia</a>. Some have already started to cut services, causing patients to drive an hour away for labor and delivery care. On today&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>,&rdquo; <a href="https://www.wellstar.org/physicians/lethenia-baker-md">Dr. Joy Baker</a>, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist within the Wellstar Health System and <a href="https://healthyfuturega.org/ghf_staff/open/">Whitney Griggs</a>, the Director of Health Policy at Georgians for a Healthy Future, discuss the impact this will have on rural communities.
 Some of the most eye-catching aspects of Atlanta are its <a href="https://www.wabe.org/atlanta-architect-oscar-harris-reflects-on-decades-of-design-for-the-people/">art, statues, and architecture</a>. But younger generations have not been quick to fill jobs related to architecture, engineering, and building. <a href="https://www.oscarharrisfaia.com/">Oscar Harris</a>, a notable Black architect in Atlanta, has stepped in with <a href="https://www.spikestudio.org/">SPIKE Studio</a> to inspire the next generation on the Atlanta they would build for the future. To discuss the <a href="https://www.spikestudio.org/summer-academy">SPIKE Studio Summer Academy</a>, &ldquo;Closer Look&rdquo; is joined by Founder Oscar Harris and Melody Harclerode, the executive director of SPIKE Studio. Also, Students Warren Johnson and Anna-Bella Madison.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.