Fact Check: Biden-era Medicaid regulations face potential block by Senate parliamentarian
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that the Senate parliamentarian has ruled against certain Medicaid provisions included in a significant tax and spending package proposed by Senate Republicans. This ruling has implications for the Biden-era Medicaid regulations, as it suggests that these provisions do not meet the necessary requirements for inclusion in the budget reconciliation process, which allows legislation to pass with a simple majority in the Senate (NPR, Axios). The parliamentarian's decisions are critical in shaping what can be included in the bill, and they have flagged provisions that could block the implementation of two Biden-era regulations aimed at improving Medicaid access (Politico).
Analysis
The ruling by the Senate parliamentarian is a significant setback for the proposed legislation, as it directly impacts key provisions related to Medicaid. The parliamentarian's role is to ensure that the legislation adheres to the "Byrd Rule," which restricts what can be included in reconciliation bills to items that have a direct budgetary impact (NPR). The provisions in question include changes to how states can tax Medicaid providers, which could severely affect funding for rural hospitals and other healthcare providers that rely on Medicaid revenue (Axios).
Furthermore, the implications of these changes could lead to millions losing coverage and significant cuts to federal funding for healthcare, as highlighted by industry leaders who have warned of the "catastrophic effect" these cuts could have on the healthcare landscape (STAT). The credibility of the sources reporting on this issue, including NPR and Axios, is high, as they are established news organizations known for their political reporting.
Conclusion
The claim that "Biden-era Medicaid regulations face potential block by Senate parliamentarian" is True. The Senate parliamentarian's ruling against certain Medicaid provisions indicates that these regulations may not be able to move forward as part of the proposed legislation, which aligns with the claim made.
Sources
- Medicaid changes don't meet Senate rules in 'big, beautiful ...
- Senate rulekeeper deals blows to revised 'big, beautiful bill'
- Senate parliamentarian blocks Medicaid changes in "big, ...
- Senate GOP tweaks health care measures in tax bill to win ...
- Senate megabill drops Medicaid spread pricing policy, ...
- Senate GOP Restores Medicaid Cuts to Trump Tax Package
