Fact Check: The U.S. Congress has the authority to modify Medicaid funding
What We Know
The claim that "The U.S. Congress has the authority to modify Medicaid funding" is supported by various legislative actions and provisions. The U.S. Congress has historically exercised its authority to alter Medicaid funding through budget reconciliation bills, which can significantly impact both the funding levels and eligibility criteria for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). For instance, the recent House-passed reconciliation bill, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (H.R. 1), proposed cuts totaling approximately $863.4 billion over the next ten years to Medicaid and CHIP programs (Georgetown CCF). This bill illustrates Congress's ability to enact substantial changes to Medicaid funding.
Moreover, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) provided estimates indicating that such modifications could lead to an increase in the number of uninsured individuals by 10.9 million by 2034 due to the proposed cuts and changes in eligibility requirements (CBO Letter). These legislative actions demonstrate Congress's authority to adjust Medicaid funding and eligibility, which is a fundamental aspect of its budgetary powers.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as it is grounded in the legislative framework established by Congress. The authority to modify Medicaid funding is enshrined in the Social Security Act, which allows Congress to set federal matching rates and eligibility criteria for Medicaid. This authority has been exercised repeatedly over the years, reflecting Congress's role in shaping healthcare policy.
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high. The Georgetown Center for Children and Families (CCF) is a reputable organization that focuses on health policy, particularly regarding children and low-income families. Their analysis of the House-passed reconciliation bill provides a detailed account of the proposed cuts and their implications (Georgetown CCF). Additionally, the CBO is a nonpartisan agency that provides budgetary and economic information to Congress, making its estimates and reports credible and authoritative (CBO Letter).
However, it is important to note that the political context surrounding these legislative actions can introduce bias. For example, media outlets may frame the discussion around Medicaid cuts in a way that aligns with their editorial perspectives, which can affect public perception. Nevertheless, the factual basis for Congress's authority to modify Medicaid funding remains clear and supported by legislative history.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "The U.S. Congress has the authority to modify Medicaid funding" is true. The legislative actions taken by Congress, including the recent budget reconciliation bill that proposes significant cuts to Medicaid and CHIP, clearly demonstrate its authority to alter funding levels and eligibility criteria for these programs. The evidence from credible sources, including the Georgetown CCF and the CBO, supports this conclusion.
Sources
- Medicaid and CHIP Cuts in the House-Passed Reconciliation Bill ... (https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/05/27/medicaid-and-chip-cuts-in-the-house-passed-reconciliation-bill-explained/)
- PDF Arrington-Guthrie-Letter-Medicaid-hr1 - Congressional Budget Office (https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2025-06/Arrington-Guthrie-Letter-Medicaid.pdf)
- H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act - Congress.gov (https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text)
- Medicaid: An Overview (https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R43357)
- H.R.1738 - Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act - Congress.gov (https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1738/text)
- Medicaid changes don't meet Senate rules in 'big, beautiful ... (https://www.npr.org/2025/06/26/nx-s1-5446005/senate-republicans-parliamentarian-medicaid-reconciliation-big-beautiful-bill)
- Senate Bill Would Make Deep Cuts to Medicaid, Setting Up Fight With ... (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/us/politics/senate-bill-medicaid-cuts.html)
- New research shows what's at stake if Congress makes cuts to Medicaid ... (https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/05/20/g-s1-67813/medicaid-cuts-congress-republicans-reconciliation-bill)
