Federal Medicaid Cuts Slash Coverage for Millions Nationwide

President Donald Trump's recently signed federal budget bill includes $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, marking the largest reduction in the program's history and impacting millions of low-income Americans. These cuts are expected to reduce Medicaid coverage for over 12 million people over the next decade, with serious consequences including the closure of rural hospitals, loss of primary care access, and increased health risks for vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Medical professionals and organizations, such as the Michigan State Medical Society and Northern Nevada HOPES, warn that these cuts will strain emergency rooms, reduce safety nets, and escalate healthcare costs by turning manageable conditions into more severe ones. Republicans defending the legislation argue that it will reduce fraud and ensure eligibility, citing public support for Medicaid work requirements, while Democrats criticize the measure as harmful and politically risky for Republicans in upcoming midterm elections. The Medicaid issue is expected to be a central theme in the 2026 midterms, with both parties preparing for a vigorous debate over health coverage and program eligibility.