The House of Representatives passed the budget bill in a 218–214 vote on July 3, sending it to President Donald Trump for signature. This bill includes massive cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Affordable Care Act funding over the next decade. These cuts are projected to result in more than 11 million people losing their health coverage by 2034, leading to an estimated 51,000 additional deaths annually due to decreased access to healthcare.
Experts warn that slashing $1 trillion from the healthcare system will have far-reaching consequences beyond those currently enrolled in Medicaid. Megan Cole Brahim, a health policy researcher at Boston University, explains that the bill’s provisions will make it harder for people to qualify for Medicaid and reduce federal funding to states, impacting even those with private insurance.
Medicaid covers approximately one in five people in the United States, and the majority of individuals will have relied on Medicaid at some point in their lives. The program plays a critical role in providing long-term health services to older adults, including home-based care and residential facilities. Jasmine Travers Altizer, a researcher at New York University, emphasizes that two out of three Americans will require some form of long-term care services, with Medicaid often being the only viable option for many.
Research has shown the significant impact of Medicaid expansion on health outcomes. States that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act saw a decrease in overall mortality rates, particularly among women and Black individuals. Early diagnosis of chronic conditions in Medicaid expansion states led to improved health outcomes and reduced mortality rates over time.
The proposed cuts to Medicaid in the budget bill are unprecedented and raise concerns about the future of healthcare access in the United States. Experts stress the importance of understanding the broader implications of these cuts on public health and urge policymakers to consider the long-term effects on individuals and communities. The impact of limited access to proper medical care extends far beyond just individual health outcomes. When individuals are unable to access the medical care they need, they often have to rely on family members for support, including full-time care. This reliance on family members for caregiving comes with its own set of economic consequences for both families and society as a whole.
In addition to the economic burden on families, our youngest populations heavily rely on programs like Medicaid for their healthcare needs. Cole Brahim highlights that over two in five births are covered by Medicaid, a number that increases to over half for Black and Hispanic births. The importance of Medicaid in providing pre-pregnancy coverage cannot be understated, as it plays a crucial role in maximizing health outcomes for both mothers and babies.
However, the proposed Medicaid cuts under the Trump administration pose a significant threat to access to healthcare. While proponents argue that pregnant individuals and children will not be affected, Cole Brahim emphasizes that these cuts will prevent many individuals from accessing care before pregnancy. This preventative care is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of both mothers and babies.
One of the universal risks associated with Medicaid cuts is the potential for provider shortages. Federal Medicaid funds not only directly cover the care of individuals on Medicaid but also indirectly support healthcare facilities and personnel. As federal funding is slashed, doctors and hospitals will face financial challenges, leading to closures and reduced services. This will result in longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances to healthcare facilities, and potentially the loss of access to care in rural communities.
Obstetric and pediatric care are particularly vulnerable to closures due to their lower profitability compared to other services. Travers Altizer also expresses concerns about the impact of Medicaid cuts on nursing homes, which are already facing crisis levels. A recent survey revealed that a significant number of nursing home providers would have to close their facilities or reduce staffing if Medicaid cuts were implemented. This could result in staffing shortages similar to those seen during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, jeopardizing the care and well-being of nursing home residents.
Furthermore, individuals who lose Medicaid coverage due to cuts will still need to seek care through alternative means, such as emergency rooms or online fundraising platforms like GoFundMe. This shift in healthcare utilization not only increases overall costs but also highlights the inefficiency of cutting Medicaid as a cost-saving measure. Travers Altizer emphasizes that cutting Medicaid support will not save money but instead shift costs to more expensive and less effective avenues of care.
In conclusion, the proposed Medicaid cuts present a significant threat to access to healthcare for vulnerable populations. It is essential to consider the broader economic and societal implications of these cuts and work towards solutions that prioritize the health and well-being of all individuals. the perspective of a young entrepreneur who has just launched their own business.
As a young entrepreneur, I am thrilled to announce the launch of my very own business. After months of hard work, planning, and dedication, I am proud to see my vision come to life. Starting a business has always been a dream of mine, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make it a reality.
The journey to launching my business has been both challenging and rewarding. From coming up with a unique business idea to securing funding and developing a business plan, there were many obstacles to overcome. However, with determination and perseverance, I was able to navigate through the various stages of starting a business and turn my dream into a reality.
One of the most rewarding aspects of launching my own business has been the ability to be my own boss. As a young entrepreneur, I have always been driven by a desire to create something of my own and make a positive impact on the world. With my business, I have the freedom to pursue my passion and make a difference in the lives of others.
In addition to the sense of independence that comes with running my own business, I am also excited about the potential for growth and success. As a young entrepreneur, I am constantly seeking new opportunities for learning and development, and I am eager to see where this journey will take me.
Launching a business as a young entrepreneur has its challenges, but it also offers many rewards. I am grateful for the support of my family, friends, and mentors who have helped me along the way. I am excited to see where this journey will take me and look forward to the opportunities and experiences that lie ahead.
