Medicaid Cuts: A Fiscal Strategy or a Threat?

Medicaid cuts in the “Big Beautiful Bill”

Impact on vulnerable and low-income communities

Proposals for changes in eligibility and funding

The “Big Beautiful Bill” is making swift progress through Congress, presented as a promise of tax cuts and a vision of economic efficiency.

However, beneath its façade of prosperity, the bill has sparked alarms nationwide, particularly among public health advocates.

What’s at stake isn’t just numbers—but the lives of millions who depend on Medicaid for access to basic healthcare services.

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the bill foresees a reduction of $793 billion in Medicaid spending over the next nine years.

Impact of the “Big Beautiful Bill” on Medicaid

Medicaid Cuts: A Fiscal Strategy or a Threat? – PHOTO: shutterstock

This figure might seem like an attempt to balance the budget, but the human consequences are alarming, according to SoloDinero.

It’s estimated that more than 10.9 million Americans could lose their health coverage.

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The communities most affected aren’t those with political influence or high incomes—but rather those already facing barriers to healthcare access.

Informal workers, the elderly, single mothers, people with disabilities, children with chronic illnesses, and millions living in poverty would be the hardest hit.

Consequences for Vulnerable and Low-Income Communities

PHOTO: Shutterstock

Clara Johnson, a mother of three from Arkansas, shared her anguish: “It’s like throwing people into the ocean without a life jacket.” Her son depends on Medicaid for asthma treatment and the cuts terrify her.

Clara’s metaphor echoes the fear many citizens feel about the consequences of this bill, which threatens to leave millions without access to essential medical services.

The impact will be tangible: rural hospitals will shut down entire wings, families will have to choose between paying for a medical visit or rent.

And elderly individuals will lose assistance for basic needs like medication or home care.

Besides the Cuts, There Are Proposals for Changes in Medicaid Eligibility

The “Big Beautiful Bill” proposes several measures still under discussion, but preliminary versions include:

Rolling back the Medicaid expansion approved during the Obama era.

Gradually eliminating additional federal funds for states that expanded the program.

Redirecting funds to private programs and tax deductions for businesses.

Conclusion

Changes in eligibility would force many current beneficiaries to submit employment verification more frequently under the threat of losing coverage.

Supporters of the «Big Beautiful Bill» argue that these measures will eliminate fraud and reduce “government dependency.”

However, public policy experts warn that administrative hurdles could exclude vulnerable individuals who, due to language barriers, cognitive limitations, or technological challenges, may struggle to meet the stringent requirements.

The future of millions of Americans hangs in the balance.