Here’s what could happen soon.
Congress is preparing to vote on a critical bill that could significantly impact Medicaid, a program that provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Recent estimates from NYU Langone Health show that around 24% of the U.S. population is enrolled in Medicaid, with over 72 million Americans relying on it as of October last year, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The proposed cuts to essential programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have sparked concerns from both sides of the aisle. Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing for a vote this week on a budget proposal that could slash up to $880 billion from Medicaid over the next decade, primarily through the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid. The House Agriculture Committee, responsible for SNAP, could see a $230 billion cut under the plan.
While Johnson argues that the budget is just a starting point in the process and that Medicaid isn’t specifically targeted, the proposal faces strong opposition from Democrats. They have vowed to vote against it, and many advocacy groups are urging the public to make their voices heard to protect Medicaid funding. Social Security Works, a prominent advocacy group, warns that these cuts could “destroy Medicaid” and harm the most vulnerable Americans.
The plan has also drawn criticism from some Republicans, particularly those representing states with large Medicaid populations. Representatives such as California’s David Valadao and New York’s Nicole Malliotakis have expressed concern that slashing Medicaid could hurt rural and Hispanic communities, which rely heavily on the program. In fact, Republicans can only afford to lose three votes, given their narrow 218-215 majority in the House, making this vote especially crucial.
Speaker Johnson has defended the bill, explaining that it’s only the beginning of a lengthy budget process. However, with the pressure mounting from all sides, getting the necessary votes to pass this resolution could prove challenging. The vote could happen as soon as February 25, and many Republicans are facing a tough decision: stand firm for fiscal responsibility or prioritize the healthcare needs of their constituents.