Federal Cuts Threaten Medicaid, Rural Health Nationwide

Recent federal policy changes, including the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' and new executive orders, have resulted in sweeping cuts to Medicaid and related health funding, threatening healthcare access for low-income and rural populations nationwide. Nonprofit providers in states such as Massachusetts and Idaho are facing millions in lost Medicaid funding, leading to possible clinic closures or reduced services. New work requirements and stricter eligibility checks are expected to cause millions to lose coverage, with experts warning this could result in tens of thousands of preventable deaths annually. States like New Hampshire and Montana report widening gaps in care, especially for behavioral health and chronic disease management, and predict rising insurance premiums due to reduced federal subsidies. The Health Resources and Services Administration has experienced deep staff cuts, hampering its ability to distribute critical community health grants. Without intervention, rural and underserved communities risk losing vital healthcare and social support as funding and infrastructure decline.