Proposed Legislation
Passed House on May 4, 2017
Policy Summary
Despite Donald Trump’s promise in his candidacy announcement speech to not cut Medicaid, the health care bill that passed the House on Thursday includes massive cuts to Medicaid. Although the bill went through the House before a CBO report was produced to assess the amendments, the report released in March estimated Trump’s original plan would cut Medicaid spending by $880 billion over 10 years. The new bill rolls back Medicaid expansion starting in 2019 by cutting federal funding to states. It will also convert Medicaid from an entitlement program, in which the government pays for those who qualify, into a grant program, in which the government gives states either a set amount of money per enrollee or a fixed block grant. These changes will likely leave 14 million fewer people covered by Medicaid after 10 years. LEARN MORE
Analysis
Although the repeal and replace bill still has a ways to go before becoming law, passing the House is a key step that could be devastating for millions of Americans. Health care coverage would depend on where you live under the new bill, as funding would be granted to the states. Because so many people will lose their coverage, $38 billion of federal funds will be added to high-risk pools and maternity and childbirth care. The Bill was pushed through before a CBO report was released so it is unclear how block grants would affect the budget and number of people covered. However, the original CBO report estimated 24 million fewer Americans would have health insurance after 10 years. LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- Contact your Senator – the bill has to pass the senate before becoming law so contact your senator and tell them the changes you want to see.
- What you can do right now if you Oppose Trumpcare – Learn more about Trumpcare and ways to oppose it.
- Sign a Petition in support of the Affordable Care Act.
This brief was compiled by Ann Furbush. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact Ann@usresistnews.org.