President Donald Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill" cuts federal spending on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) markets by approximately $1 trillion over a decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), a nonpartisan entity. This threatens the physical and financial health of tens of millions of Americans.
The bill, approved by the Senate on Tuesday, July 1, would roll back many of the healthcare coverage advances made by the Biden and Obama administrations, which facilitated access to healthcare for millions of people and reduced the uninsured rate in the country to historic lows.
The Senate’s plan to drastically cut funding for Medicaid and ACA markets could leave around 12 million more people uninsured by 2034, as estimated by the CBO.
This, in turn, would harm the finances of hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centers—who would have to bear a larger share of the cost of treating uninsured individuals—and could force them to reduce services and staff, or even close facilities.
The legislation is on Trump’s desk awaiting his signature, although the Senate and the House of Representatives must first approve the same version. The House approved its own version in May, and is expected to consider the Senate version on July 2, according to Tom Emmer, House Majority Leader.
Here are five ways in which the Republican Party’s plans could impact access to healthcare:
- Need Medicaid? Then Get a Job
The deepest cuts to healthcare spending come from the proposal of a work requirement for Medicaid, which would cut coverage for millions of enrollees who do not meet these new standards.
- Less Money Means Less Care in Rural Communities
The adjustment measures that would be applied to states could result in a reduction of healthcare services, medical professionals, and even hospitals, especially in rural communities.
- More Difficulty in Obtaining, and Maintaining, ACA Coverage
For those with ACA health insurance coverage, the Republican plan would make enrollment and retaining plans more difficult.
- If You Have Medicaid, You’ll Pay More for Medical Visits
Many Medicaid beneficiaries could have to pay more out of pocket for appointments under the bill.
- Cuts for Legal Resident Immigrants
The Republican plan could cause at least hundreds of thousands of legal resident immigrants—including asylum seekers, human trafficking victims, and refugees—to lose their insurance coverage by eliminating subsidies that make premiums affordable.
In conclusion, the Republican Party’s healthcare plans pose serious threats to the well-being of millions of Americans, particularly those in vulnerable populations and underserved communities. It is essential for policymakers to consider the far-reaching consequences of these cuts and work towards solutions that prioritize access to quality healthcare for all.
