Medicaid on the Chopping Block: Will Your Healthcare Be Next?

2025-02-27 06:02:50.874

The battle over the budget is heating up, with potential consequences for millions of Americans' healthcare. House Republicans aim to extend trillions in tax cuts, but to offset the cost, they're considering slashing up to $880 billion from federal programs over 10 years, including Medicaid. While Republicans like Senator Josh Hawley express reluctance to cut benefits for working individuals, the proposed cuts are raising alarm bells. Medicaid, a crucial part of the US social safety net providing health insurance to over 72 million people, is at risk. The program's funding is a joint federal-state endeavor, with variations in coverage and eligibility across states. Potential cuts could include work requirements, reducing the federal match for expansion populations, and establishing per capita caps on federal funding. These measures could lead to millions losing coverage. Although the improper payment rate in Medicaid is being addressed, concerns of waste, fraud, and abuse persist. Despite the Republican party's past efforts to cut Medicaid resulting in electoral setbacks, the current proposal is causing significant public concern, especially given the program's high public approval rating.