GOP tax bill: 11.8M more uninsured, $1.1T in health cuts

The GOP tax bill, which has been a focal point of political debate, is projected to result in significant consequences for the American healthcare system. A staggering 11.8 million individuals are anticipated to become uninsured as a direct outcome of the tax cuts and subsequent reductions in funding for health programs. This alarming statistic underscores the potential erosion of access to essential medical services for millions of Americans, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who rely heavily on government assistance.

Republicans’ marquee domestic policy bill that is making its way through the Senate would result in deeper cuts and more Americans losing health insurance coverage than the original measure that passed the House last month, according to new estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.

According to a report published late Saturday night, the legislation would mean 11.8 million more Americans would become uninsured by 2034. Federal spending on Medicaid, Medicare and Obamacare would be reduced by more than $1.1 trillion over that period — with more than $1 trillion of those cuts coming from Medicaid alone.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) shared the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s latest estimate of how thoroughly Trump’s signature legislation will gut Medicaid on Saturday, as Senate Republicans moved to start voting on the Big Beautiful Bill. 

“While Republican senators are securing baubles and trinkets for their political donors, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has confirmed that the Senate bill will cut $930 billion from Medicaid,” Wyden said in a statement. “Just as before, these cruel cuts to Americans’ health care will strike a mortal blow to rural health care, and threaten the health and safety of kids, seniors, Americans with disabilities, and working families across the country.”

The House bill would freeze the tax rate for most states, but the Senate version would require many states to lower their existing rates. As an incentive for senators uncomfortable with the provider tax cuts, the bill includes a $25 billion fund to aid rural hospitals.  

But that amount wasn’t enough to sway Tillis, who voted with Democrats against a procedural motion late Saturday night.  Hawley voted for the motion and said he would support the bill despite his misgivings over the Medicaid cuts.

Additional details of the bill are in flux as negotiations between Republicans continue and the Senate parliamentarian reviews key pieces of the bill to determine if they follow the legislative rules. 

Moreover, the GOP tax bill entails approximately $1.1 trillion in health cuts over the next decade. These cuts primarily affect Medicaid and other vital public health initiatives that serve vulnerable populations. The ramifications extend beyond mere financial implications; they threaten to dismantle crucial support systems that have been established to safeguard public health and ensure equitable access to care.

In conclusion, the GOP tax bill represents a critical juncture in U.S. health policy, with its potential to exacerbate existing disparities and increase the number of uninsured individuals. As policymakers grapple with these changes, it is imperative that they consider not only fiscal implications but also the broader societal consequences of reduced healthcare access.

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Sara H

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