Did Medicaid get cut? What the House-ed budget bill means for health care

The U.S. House of Representatives has ed a budget resolution (H Con Res 14, 119th Congress) that could lead to drastic Medicaid cuts, raising concerns about the future of health care for millions of Americans.

The bill, narrowly approved by a 217-215 vote, directs $880 billion in spending reductions over the next decade. According to The New York Times, these cuts are part of a broader Republican strategy to implement $4.5 trillion in tax cuts while increasing the national debt limit.

If the proposed cuts are enacted, they could reshape Medicaid, which currently provides health insurance to nearly 80 million low-income and disabled Americans. The potential impact has sparked intense debate, with some Republican lawmakers pushing for even deeper reductions while others worry about the consequences for their constituents.

How Medicaid Cuts Could Reshape Health Care

If the Senate approves the budget resolution, states may have to compensate for the loss of federal Medicaid funding. This could lead to stricter eligibility requirements, benefit reductions, or outright coverage losses.

One of the most controversial provisions would allow states to impose work requirements on Medicaid recipients- a move that, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, could result in millions losing access to health care.

Hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centers-many of which rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements, would also feel the effects of the proposed cuts.

Politico reports that these reductions could create financial strain, especially in rural areas where hospital closures have outpaced new openings in recent years. Medicaid currently s for approximately 32% of hospital-based care spending, making it a critical source of funding for the health care system.

Concerns over these cuts have even divided the Republican Party. Some GOP lawmakers, particularly those in swing districts, have pushed back against the plan, recognizing that Medicaid reductions could hurt millions of their constituents.

"Slashing Medicaid would have serious consequences," a group of Republican representatives warned in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson. Representatives David Valadao (R-CA), Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Robert Bresnahan (R-PA) have expressed concerns, noting that they collectively represent nearly 2.7 million Medicaid recipients.

What Happens Next?

Although the House has approved the budget, it still faces hurdles in the Senate, where opposition to Medicaid cuts is growing. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), whose state has over 21% of residents relying on Medicaid, has voiced his disapproval of deep cuts.

Meanwhile, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) ed a Democratic amendment that would have blocked tax cuts for the wealthy if Medicaid funding were reduced. However, the amendment was ultimately rejected by the Republican majority.

Despite President Donald Trump endorsing the budget, the White House has assured the public that Medicaid will not be affected by a separate federal funding freeze still being debated in Congress. However, health care advocates remain skeptical, pointing out that previous Trump budget proposals have included Medicaid reductions.

In response to the bill's age, American Hospital Association (AHA) President Rick Pollack urged lawmakers to reconsider the health care implications.

"On behalf of the hospitals, nurses, doctors, and those who serve the 72 million patients who rely on Medicaid, we urge you to consider the consequences of stripping health care access from millions of Americans," Pollack stated.

As the Senate deliberates on the budget, the future of Medicaid remains uncertain. While the resolution provides a framework for spending reductions, both chambers of Congress must reconcile their versions before any cuts take effect.

The coming weeks will determine whether Medicaid faces significant reductions or if bipartisan negotiations can limit the impact on millions of Americans.