Republicans Propose Medicaid Cuts to Fund Tax Extensions
House GOP budget plan targets Medicaid spending, potentially impacting millions, while facing pushback from within the party.
- The House GOP budget plan seeks $880 billion in spending cuts over ten years, with Medicaid expected to bear a significant portion of reductions.
- Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, currently provides health coverage to 72 million low-income and disabled Americans, including children, pregnant women, and seniors in nursing homes.
- Proposals include shifting to block grants or capping federal contributions, which could lead to reduced coverage or eligibility as states absorb higher costs.
- Republicans argue cuts will address fraud and inefficiencies, though experts note limited evidence of widespread fraud within Medicaid compared to other health programs.
- Some Republican lawmakers and state leaders express concerns over the potential impact on constituents, warning of risks to hospitals, access to care, and coverage for vulnerable populations.