Summary
The "One Big Beautiful Bill," a new budget law backed by President Donald Trump, includes significant cuts to Medicaid and is expected to increase healthcare costs. The bill could lead to the closure of many hospitals, particularly in rural areas, and leave millions without health insurance.
Key Facts
- The bill plans to cut about $1 trillion from Medicaid over the next ten years.
- It was passed in the House mostly along party lines, with just two Republican Representatives voting against it.
- Experts predict the cuts will cause healthcare costs to rise for patients and could force hospitals to close.
- Nearly 12 million people might lose health insurance by 2034 due to reductions in Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.
- Rural hospitals are expected to suffer the most, with possible funding reductions of 20% in half of the states.
- About 20% of Americans live in rural areas where Medicaid is essential for healthcare funding.
- As many as 338 hospitals could close in the U.S., with nearly 800 already in financial difficulty.
- The bill includes $50 billion for rural hospitals to help with financial stress, but it might not be enough to prevent closures.
