TL/DR –
House Republicans have passed a budget blueprint that calls for $880 billion in spending cuts from the agency that oversees Medicaid. Despite not specifically mentioning Medicaid, the savings target would be challenging to meet without touching Medicare or Medicaid. The budget resolution was narrowly passed with a 217-215 vote after concerns were raised about potential Medicaid cuts, which currently provides health coverage to nearly 80 million low-income Americans.
House Republicans Move Towards Medicaid Cuts with Budget Blueprint Approval
Tuesday saw the US House Republicans taking a step towards potential Medicaid cuts, approving a budget blueprint outlining $880 billion spending cuts from the agency managing the safety-net insurance program.
While Medicaid is not specifically stated in the budget resolution, lawmakers could struggle to achieve the proposed cuts without affecting either Medicare or Medicaid. According to the New York Times, if the Energy and Commerce Committee were to cut non-healthcare related expenses entirely, there would still be a $600 billion shortfall.
Trump’s Stance on Medicare and Medicaid Cuts
President Trump has stated he will not cut Medicare, but his views on Medicaid have been inconsistent. On Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted the need for Medicaid cuts, citing allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse within the program.
Despite some reluctance from some Republican lawmakers regarding potential Medicaid cuts, the budget resolution passed with a slim 217-215 vote.
Concern Over Medicaid Cuts in Hispanic Communities
Last week, House Republicans from districts with large Hispanic populations sent a letter to Johnson lobbying against the cuts. The letter stated that Medicaid cuts would greatly impact rural and predominantly Hispanic communities, where hospitals and nursing homes are struggling to stay open.
The Implications of Senate Adoption
If the Senate adopts the budget resolution, Republicans will be tasked with specifying the cuts in the reconciliation process, bypassing Democratic filibusters. There are several ways to cut Medicaid, such as instituting work requirements. The Congressional Budget Office predicted in 2023 that work requirements could reduce federal spending by $109 billion and result in 1.5 million people losing federal funding for Medicaid coverage.
Hospital and Provider Groups Concerns
Healthcare providers and hospitals have expressed concern over potential Medicaid cuts. Rick Pollack, CEO of the American Hospital Association, urged lawmakers to consider the implications of reducing healthcare access for millions of patients. The Association of American Medical Colleges also voiced concern that the budget resolution could lead to “unsustainable cuts to federal health programs, specifically Medicaid.”
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News