
Trump’s Sweeping Health Care Changes: Potential Impact on Americans
TL/DR –
The Trump administration is proposing a large overhaul to the US health care system, with the “One Big Beautiful Bill” proposing trillions of dollars in tax cuts and budget reductions to safety-net programs. A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis estimates the proposal would add $2.4 trillion to the national deficit over a decade and leave 10.9 million more Americans uninsured. The bill, which also includes plans to consolidate health agencies and streamline aid, has received criticism for prioritizing cost-cutting and deregulation over coverage and access.
Trump Administration Pushes for Major Changes in US Healthcare System
The Trump administration proposes major changes to the US health care system, which could affect Americans’ access to life-saving treatments and health coverage. The “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the administration’s leading legislative proposal, could cause a significant surge in the federal deficit due to tax cuts and slashes to safety-net programs, as analyzed by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
According to CBO estimates, the proposal could add $2.4 trillion to the national deficit over a decade and leave 10.9 million more Americans uninsured. The bill is now under Senate’s close watch, where Republicans and the White House aim to reach an agreement before the Fourth of July.
The bill proposes approximately $3.75 trillion in tax cuts, including the extension of the 2017 tax law and new provisions Trump campaigned on. However, these tax cuts might be offset by $1.3 trillion in proposed spending cuts targeting social programs such as Medicaid and food assistance.
Former Trump adviser Elon Musk added fuel to the controversy by branding the proposal as a “disgusting abomination” on X (formerly Twitter) and encouraging his followers to urge Congress to reject the bill.
Tax Cuts vs Safety Net
The proposed tax cuts are partially offset by spending cuts targeting Medicaid, food assistance, and other social welfare programs. The CBO predicts that Medicaid changes could result in 7.8 million individuals losing coverage. Republicans argue these reforms aim to streamline aid and reduce waste, while Democrats see it as a disguise for deep cuts under fiscal discipline.
These changes come in line with the Trump administration’s plan to restructure the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as detailed in a budget plan. The plan proposes to consolidate operational divisions, cut contracts, and reduce federal health and social programs funding.
Deficit Debate Intensifies
The CBO’s projections have stirred controversy, with some supporting the bill expressing concern about the office’s methodology. They argue that it unfairly considers the cost of extending existing tax breaks as new spending. However, critics warn that this obscures the bill’s true long-term fiscal impact.
Will the 2017 Tax Breaks Expire?
If Congress fails to act before the July 4 deadline, Trump’s 2017 tax breaks will expire at year’s end. This could potentially raise taxes for millions of Americans, with the highest-income households bearing the most significant burden. Furthermore, the proposed bill also includes a $350 billion boost for border security and a $4 trillion debt ceiling increase.
References can be found here, here, here, here and here. The fate of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” lies in the hands of Senate Republicans and Trump amidst growing opposition.
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