Explainer: Republicans weigh cuts to Medicaid that could dramatically affect millions

Source: reuters



By Andy Sullivan April 30, 20254:28 PM CDT Updated 4 hours ago


Summary

Republicans eye significant cuts to health program that covers 83 million Americans
Considering work requirements, excluding immigrants, reducing federal share of costs
Supporters for the Obamacare Medicaid expansion say it has led to the lowest uninsured rate in U.S. history

WASHINGTON, April 30 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans in the U.S. Congress are weighing steep cuts to the Medicaid health program as part of a wide-ranging budget package that also would cut taxes and raise spending on defense and border security.

That could lead to dramatic changes for one of the biggest U.S. safety-net programs, which provides coverage to 83 million low-income people, according to government figures. Here are some options being considered by Republicans on the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee:


Republicans are divided over how deeply to cut Medicaid, which is jointly funded by the federal government and states. The program cost Washington $618 billion last year and is projected by the Congressional Budget Office to grow 60% over the coming 10 years.


But concerns about Medicaid among a dozen House Republicans and several Senate Republicans have prompted Trump and party leaders to assure lawmakers that their measures will not lead to cuts in benefits, though it is not clear what they mean.
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Analysts say a work requirement could inadvertently force out qualified Medicaid recipients, due to the increased administrative hurdles they would face to prove eligibility.........................

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/republicans-weigh-cuts-medicaid-that-could-dramatically-affect-millions-2025-04-30/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us