Introduction to Medicaid Changes

The GOP’s big bill would bring significant changes to Medicaid, affecting millions of Americans. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley has been clear about his stance on the issue, stating that he will not support any Medicaid cuts. However, the main cost-saving provision in the bill, which introduces new work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving healthcare through Medicaid, is expected to cause millions of people to lose their coverage.

What Constitutes a Medicaid Cut?

Hawley and other Republicans acknowledge that the proposed changes would lead to a reduction in the number of people covered by Medicaid. Estimates suggest that 10.9 million fewer people would have health coverage under the bill’s proposed changes, including 8 million fewer in the Medicaid program. This includes 5.2 million people who would lose coverage due to the new eligibility requirements.

The Politically Fine Line

Republicans are walking a fine line in their efforts to reduce federal spending on Medicaid while protecting a program that serves 80 million Americans and is popular with the public. They insist that they are not cutting the vital safety net program but rather rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse. Whether this argument resonates with voters could significantly impact the outcome of the upcoming elections.

What’s in the Bill

The House Republicans wrote the bill with instructions to find $880 billion in cuts from programs under the purview of the Energy and Commerce Committee, which includes Medicaid. The version of the bill passed by the House exceeds this number, with the Kaiser Family Foundation projecting a $793 billion reduction in spending on Medicaid. Additionally, the House Ways & Means Committee imposed a freeze on a healthcare provider tax that many states impose, which critics say improperly boosts federal Medicaid payments to the states.

By LEAH ASKARINAM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. Josh Hawley has been clear about his red line as the Senate takes up the GOP’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act: no Medicaid cuts.

Who Would Lose Health Coverage

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the GOP’s proposed changes to federal health programs would result in 10.9 million fewer people having health care coverage. Nearly 8 million fewer people would be enrolled in Medicaid by 2034 under the legislation, including 5.2 million people who would lose coverage due to the proposed work requirements. The new Medicaid requirements would apply to nondisabled adults under age 65 who are not caretakers or parents, with some exceptions.

Why Republicans Want Medicaid Changes

Republicans have cited out-of-control spending in federal programs to explain their rationale for the proposed changes. They argue that limited resources need to be protected for pregnant women, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso claimed that Medicaid recipients who are not working spend their time watching television and playing video games rather than looking for employment.

What Polling Shows

While Republicans argue that their signature legislation delivers on Trump’s 2024 campaign promises, healthcare isn’t one of the president’s strongest issues with Americans. Most U.S. adults disapprove of how Trump is handling healthcare policy, and about 6 in 10 voters want the government more involved in ensuring that Americans have healthcare coverage.

Conclusion

The proposed changes to Medicaid are expected to have a significant impact on millions of Americans. While Republicans argue that the changes are necessary to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, Democrats contend that the bill is an assault on the healthcare of the American people. As the Senate takes up the bill, it remains to be seen how the proposed changes will affect the upcoming elections and the future of the Medicaid program.

FAQs

• Q: What are the proposed changes to Medicaid?
  A: The proposed changes include new work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving healthcare through Medicaid, which is expected to cause millions of people to lose their coverage.
• Q: How many people would be affected by the proposed changes?
  A: Estimates suggest that 10.9 million fewer people would have health coverage under the bill’s proposed changes, including 8 million fewer in the Medicaid program.
• Q: Why do Republicans want to make changes to Medicaid?
  A: Republicans argue that the changes are necessary to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, and to protect limited resources for the most vulnerable populations.
• Q: What do polls show about public opinion on the proposed changes?
  A: Most U.S. adults disapprove of how Trump is handling healthcare policy, and about 6 in 10 voters want the government more involved in ensuring that Americans have healthcare coverage.