House GOP Budget Cuts Threaten 15 Million Insured, Medicaid, Medicare

The House-passed reconciliation bill proposes significant cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Affordable Care Act subsidies, potentially causing nearly 15 million people to lose health insurance coverage and increasing the uninsured population by 50%. These cuts would not only reduce access to care for vulnerable populations but also worsen the healthcare system's infrastructure, leading to hospital and nursing facility closures, and exacerbate workforce shortages. Senate Republicans are exploring Medicare spending cuts, framed as efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, including reducing payments to private Medicare plans; President Trump is reportedly open to such measures as long as benefits are not cut. However, these proposals face opposition from House moderates and Speaker Mike Johnson, who wish to avoid further political conflict. Experts warn that these cuts could raise costs for all Americans by straining the healthcare system and local economies, especially in weaker regions, potentially resulting in job losses. The legislation's impact would extend beyond Medicare recipients, affecting families and workers who could face higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs if providers increase charges to offset reduced Medicare payments.