How to Navigate the Healthcare Maze in 2026

Professor and social worker Steffanie Altenbern joins Brian on an expedition through the “maze” of healthcare in the United States, a system they argue has become too complicated for the average person to navigate without help. Join us as we explore the reasons why, the impact on patients and providers, and some practical steps we can take to get the care we need. 

Steffanie Altenbern is a social worker in Portland, OR and teaches at George Fox University: https://www.georgefox.edu/socialwork/faculty/altenbern.html

Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html

Stand up comedy bit on American healthcare: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIclMKPyTuS

“Uncompensated care crisis”: https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2025/oct/expiring-premium-tax-credits-lead-340000-jobs-lost-2026

https://www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaid-what-to-watch-in-2026/

“Healthcare anxiety”:

https://www.kff.org/public-opinion/kff-health-tracking-poll-health-care-costs-expiring-aca-tax-credits-and-the-2026-midterms/

“Rural Care Deserts”:

https://www.aha.org/environmentalscan

“Alorithm Bias”:

https://naacp.org/resources/building-healthier-future-designing-ai-health-equity

https://dhinsights.org/news/naacp-releases-blueprint-to-tackle-bias-in-healthcare-ai

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