What's happened
The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act proposes significant cuts to Medicaid, potentially affecting millions of Americans. Experts warn that these reductions could lead to hospital closures and increased healthcare costs, particularly in rural areas. The bill is set to be signed into law by President Trump.
What's behind the headline?
Implications of Medicaid Cuts
- Impact on Patients: Nearly 12 million people could lose health insurance by 2034 due to cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
- Hospital Closures: The bill could lead to the closure of up to 338 hospitals, particularly affecting rural areas where Medicaid is a primary funding source.
- Quality of Care: Hospitals may reduce services, leading to longer wait times and diminished care quality.
- Economic Strain: State governments and healthcare facilities may face financial challenges, exacerbating existing issues in the healthcare system.
Broader Consequences
The cuts are expected to drive up costs elsewhere in the healthcare system, with patients facing higher out-of-pocket expenses. Experts emphasize that the belief that Medicaid cuts only affect those enrolled in the program is misguided, as many healthcare organizations rely heavily on Medicaid funding for their operations.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, which could lead to the loss of health insurance for nearly 12 million people by 2034. Bruce Y Lee, a health policy professor, noted that cuts to Medicaid will adversely affect hospitals and clinics, stating, "Many hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations depend on Medicaid funding for their operations."
In contrast, the American Hospital Association condemned the bill's passage, calling it "an extremely disappointing and very difficult day for health care in America." They highlighted the potential for increased uncompensated care and service reductions, particularly in rural areas. The American Academy of Pediatrics also expressed concern, stating that the legislation "will harm the health of children, families, and communities."
Beth Mole from Ars Technica reported that the Congressional Budget Office estimated that 11.8 million people would lose their health insurance due to the cuts, emphasizing the deep impact on the healthcare system. The consensus among healthcare professionals is that the cuts will have devastating consequences that extend beyond those directly reliant on Medicaid.
How we got here
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which passed along party lines, includes approximately $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over the next decade. This legislation has raised alarms among healthcare professionals and advocates about its long-term implications for patients and healthcare facilities.
Go deeper
- What are the expected impacts of the Medicaid cuts?
- How will hospitals be affected by the new legislation?
- What do experts say about the future of healthcare in the US?
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What are the implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on Medicaid?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has sparked significant debate regarding its proposed cuts to Medicaid, which could impact millions of Americans. As healthcare professionals and advocates voice their concerns, many are left wondering how these changes will affect healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Below are some common questions and answers about the implications of this legislation.
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More on these topics
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Medicaid in the United States is a federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.
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The American Hospital Association is a health care industry trade group. It includes nearly 5,000 hospitals and health care providers.
It was founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 1898 with offices in Chicago, Illinois and Washington, D.C.
The organization has lo
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The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare, is a United States federal statute enacted by the 111th United States Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.