Democrats Plan Medicaid Cuts Repeal if Take Congress in 2026

President Donald Trump's recently signed tax-and-spending law, dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill," imposes significant Medicaid cuts and work requirements that threaten coverage for millions of low-income Americans, sparking widespread concern among Democrats and some Republicans. The law requires able-bodied, childless Medicaid recipients to work at least 80 hours a month to maintain benefits, a provision expected to reduce enrollment drastically and strain hospitals, particularly in rural areas. Democrats are planning to leverage the 2026 midterm elections to regain control of Congress and repeal these Medicaid cuts, confident they can secure bipartisan support given the provisions' unpopularity. While Republicans attempt to frame the law as increasing Medicaid spending or providing rural hospital funding, experts and Democratic leaders highlight that the cuts amount to nearly $1 trillion over ten years and will cause significant loss of coverage and increased health risks. Democratic policymakers argue that simply undoing Trump's bill is insufficient; they advocate for comprehensive Medicaid reform to address systemic flaws and improve health care quality for millions of Americans. The unfolding political battle over Medicaid underscores a critical juncture for health care policy, with the potential to reshape coverage for vulnerable populations in the years ahead.