House Republicans have introduced a comprehensive Medicaid reform bill that would significantly reduce federal spending on the program and potentially remove millions of Americans from its coverage. The proposed legislation imposes stricter eligibility rules, including work requirements for low-income adults, increased verification checks, and cost-sharing measures for certain beneficiaries.
Families of four earning as little as $35,000 annually could face new out-of-pocket expenses, while some unemployed individuals and seniors may lose access to benefits like long-term care.
The bill also bars Medicaid funding for clinics that provide abortions, including Planned Parenthood, and penalizes states that offer Medicaid-funded services to undocumented immigrants or cover gender-affirming care for minors. States would face a drop in federal matching funds if they use local funds to provide such services.
Additionally, the proposal would limit retroactive coverage and restrict the use of provider taxes—funds often used by states to meet Medicaid requirements.
While Republicans claim the bill targets inefficiencies and fraud, Democrats argue it will drastically reduce access to health care, especially for vulnerable populations.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 7.6 million people could lose coverage over the next decade, with projected federal savings of at least $625 billion.
