The Uncertainty of Healthcare in Transylvania County

This is the third in a series of public gatherings this year sponsored by TPD that describe the impact of major federal budget cuts and policies upon Transylvania County’s public services and institutions that are critical to our economy and well-being of all our citizens.

It is difficult to assess the full impact of the recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” and other policy actions on our national health care system, and specifically Medicaid and CHIP funding. Some of the language in this 800-page bill is unclear and/or contradictory and 31 major provisions have different deadlines before becoming effective, with many of the most extensive cuts taking effect after the 2026 and 2028 election cycles.

 

At the public forum on August 28, everyone will have the opportunity to hear from three local experts, Rik Emaus, Richard Hudspeth and Andrew Jones, discussing some of the potential consequences of this legislation as well as other policies with an emphasis on the effects in Transylvania County, followed by a question-and-answer session. At the beginning of the forum, award-winning historian and professor emeritus Dan T. Carter will provide a short overview.  

Rik Emaus is a retired physician and healthcare executive. Having served as Chief Executive of two medical groups of over 200 providers each, he has extensive business and healthcare experience. He is certified by the American College of Physician Executives and has a Masters in Medical Management from Carnegie Mellon University.

Dr. Richard W. Hudspeth is the current CEO of Blue Ridge Health (BRH), a non-profit, community-based health organization headquartered in Hendersonville and over a dozen locations across Western North Carolina. Dr. Hudspeth joined BRH as Chief Medical Officer in 2015 and became CEO in 2016. He completed his BA at Duke University and his MD at University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

Andrew R. Jones is an investigative journalist with the Asheville Watchdog, with a special focus on health care, including its quality and ease of access. He previously covered Buncombe County government and health care at the Asheville Citizen Times. He is originally from Indiana.

Terry Decker, a former US Air Force Russian linguist and analyst, educator and specialist in organizational development will moderate the panel.