Medicaid on the Chopping Block: Will Your Health Insurance Survive?

2025-02-27 05:18:00.879

The ongoing debate over the budget bill in the US Congress could significantly impact Americans' access to healthcare. House Republicans aim to extend trillions in expiring tax cuts, but to offset this, they are considering cuts to federal programs, potentially including up to $880 billion from Medicaid over 10 years. While Republicans, including Senator Josh Hawley, express support for Medicaid, particularly for working individuals, the proposed cuts remain a concern. President Trump, while pledging not to cut Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security, left room for fraud reduction measures. Medicaid, a crucial part of the US social safety net, provides health insurance to over 72 million Americans (more than one in five). Coverage and eligibility vary widely by state. Funding is a joint federal and state effort, with the federal government covering a significant portion. Republicans argue that Medicaid is rife with waste, fraud, and abuse, justifying cuts. Proposed cuts could involve work requirements (risking coverage for 36 million), reducing the federal match for expansion populations, and implementing per capita caps on federal funding. These changes could lead to millions losing coverage. While the Medicaid improper payment rate has decreased, the program remains on the GAO's high-risk list for potential mismanagement and waste. Despite this, Medicaid enjoys high public approval.