Fact Check: "Big Beautiful Bill Will Impact People That Work But Still Need Medicaid"
What We Know
The claim that the "Big Beautiful Bill" will impact people who work but still need Medicaid is rooted in the proposed changes to Medicaid under this legislation. According to a report by the Washington Post, the bill includes provisions that would implement work requirements for Medicaid recipients. This means that individuals aged 19 to 64 would need to demonstrate that they are working, volunteering, or attending school for at least 80 hours a month to maintain their Medicaid coverage. Failure to meet these requirements could result in loss of coverage for millions of enrollees.
Moreover, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the bill could cut federal spending on Medicaid and Affordable Care Act marketplaces by about $1 trillion over the next decade, which could lead to nearly 12 million more people being uninsured by 2034. This would particularly affect those who are working but still rely on Medicaid for health coverage, as they may not meet the new requirements or could lose coverage due to administrative issues associated with proving compliance.
Conversely, proponents of the bill, including various Republican lawmakers, argue that it will strengthen Medicaid by making the 2017 tax cuts permanent and providing necessary resources for those who truly need it, as stated in a Capitol Hill report. They claim that the bill is designed to protect Medicaid for those who are eligible and deserving.
Analysis
The evidence surrounding the impact of the "Big Beautiful Bill" on working individuals who rely on Medicaid presents a mixed picture. On one hand, the proposed work requirements could indeed lead to significant coverage loss among working-age individuals who do not meet the new criteria. This is supported by findings from the Kaiser Family Foundation, which indicates that many working-age Medicaid enrollees already work or are unable to work due to various reasons, and thus may struggle to comply with the new requirements.
On the other hand, the claims made by supporters of the bill suggest that it aims to enhance Medicaid's sustainability and ensure that it serves those who need it most. The assertion that the bill will "protect Medicaid" is echoed in statements from lawmakers, but the reality of the proposed cuts and requirements raises concerns about accessibility for those who are already working but still require assistance.
The reliability of the sources varies; while the CBO and health policy research organizations like the Kaiser Family Foundation provide nonpartisan analyses, the statements from lawmakers may carry inherent biases, as they are politically motivated. Therefore, while the bill may have some provisions aimed at strengthening Medicaid, the potential for increased barriers to access cannot be overlooked.
Conclusion
The claim that the "Big Beautiful Bill" will impact people who work but still need Medicaid is Partially True. While the bill includes provisions that could strengthen Medicaid for some, the introduction of work requirements and significant cuts to funding may disproportionately affect those who are working but still rely on Medicaid for health coverage. The potential for millions to lose coverage due to these requirements highlights a significant concern that contradicts the assertion that the bill will universally protect Medicaid.
Sources
- Capitol Hill Touts Benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill
- 5 ways Trump's tax bill will limit health care access
- What the GOP's tax bill means for your health care
- A Closer Look at the Medicaid Work Requirement Provisions in the "Big Beautiful Bill"
- Congress' 'big beautiful' bill proposes new Medicaid work requirements
