Republicans Propose Medicaid Changes Amid Budget Cuts

With Republicans regaining control in Washington, proposals to implement work requirements and cut Medicaid funding are gaining traction. Under Trump’s administration, Arkansas was the first state to impose such requirements, leading to significant coverage losses before the policy was halted. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that enforcing work requirements could save the federal government approximately $109 billion over a decade, but it could also increase the number of uninsured individuals without boosting employment rates. Disability advocates are particularly concerned about these changes, fearing that they could dismantle vital home and community-based services for individuals with disabilities. As the new Congress convenes, discussions on block grants and restrictive funding models are resurfacing, which could exacerbate the challenges faced by Medicaid recipients. Overall, the impending policy shifts are poised to significantly impact millions who rely on Medicaid for healthcare.