House GOP’s Bold $1 Trillion Cuts to Medicaid and Food Stamps: Who Will Be Affected?” | CNN Politics

House Republicans are proposing significant cuts to key safety net programs: Medicaid and food stamps. If passed, this could impact millions of Americans who rely on these services for basic needs.

### What’s Happening?

Recent legislation aims to cut nearly $1 trillion in federal support, which would likely lead to millions losing access to essential benefits. Over 71 million people currently use Medicaid, while about 42 million rely on food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The proposed changes come despite previous assurances that Medicaid would remain untouched. While GOP lawmakers argue these cuts mainly target adults who could work, experts warn that children, seniors, and people with disabilities are among those most likely to be affected.

### The Consequences

Hospitals, too, may feel the effects. Reduced funding could result in higher costs for those with employer-based insurance. Some facilities might even have to close their doors. States will also face challenges, needing to find ways to compensate for the loss in federal funds, which could lead to cuts in other areas like education and infrastructure.

Financial strains could cripple grocery stores, too. Local economies might suffer as fewer people can afford food, which could result in job losses across the board.

### Expert Insights

Alice Burns, an associate director at the Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured, notes, “In our history, we’ve never seen coverage cuts of this scale. It’s tough to predict the consequences for states, providers, and patients.”

Recent studies indicate that if these cuts go through, around 10 million people could lose their Medicaid coverage in the next decade. Notably, an additional 7.6 million Americans may find themselves uninsured by 2034.

Michael Karpman from the Urban Institute points out that work requirements could lead to millions losing their health coverage, affecting not just the unemployed but those working or unable to work due to health issues.

### Local and Wider Impacts

The ramifications stretch beyond individual hardships. SNAP funding supports about 388,000 jobs and generates over $20 billion in wages. Stephanie Johnson from the National Grocers Association emphasizes that “SNAP is an economic engine that boosts jobs on Main Street.” Cutting these programs could disrupt the flow of money into local communities.

### Future Considerations

As states adapt to these changes, they may have to prioritize funding for essential services. This could lead to difficult decisions, such as increasing taxes or limiting their own spending on beneficial programs. Some may even consider withdrawing from food stamp participation altogether, since it’s not mandatory.

In Texas, for example, if the state opts to balance the budget through tax hikes, residents could face tax increases between 4% to 11%, depending on existing economic conditions.

In summary, the proposed cuts to Medicaid and food stamps paint a grim picture for vulnerable Americans. The potential for increased poverty and strain on local economies raises serious questions about the future of these critical services.



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