New Republican Bill Targets Medicaid Cuts for Unemployed and Undocumented Children, Threatens Planned Parenthood Funding

House Republicans are pushing for major changes to the Medicaid program, which currently helps over 71 million low-income Americans. The proposed bill aims to introduce new rules that could significantly impact people’s access to care.

This could mean new expenses for families earning as little as $35,365, leaving some unemployed individuals ineligible for Medicaid, and cutting long-term care benefits for seniors. States could also face a loss of federal funding for those just above the poverty line. Notably, the bill would prohibit Medicaid funding for clinics that perform abortions, like Planned Parenthood.

This move aligns with a broader agenda to implement President Trump’s campaign goals, including tax cuts projected to cost about $4 trillion over the next decade.

Health programs are a huge part of federal spending. While Medicare cuts aren’t in discussion, Medicaid is under the spotlight for potential savings. About one in five Americans, including around 40% of children, rely on Medicaid. Experts estimate that the proposed changes could save the government at least $625 billion but also risk leaving 7.6 million Americans without insurance over the next ten years, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.

Joan Alker, director of the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University, stresses that Medicaid is crucial for children, families, and seniors. “There’s a lot at stake here,” she says.

During committee hearings, lawmakers clashed over the bill’s implications. While Republicans argued for eliminating waste, Democrats claimed it would dramatically reduce essential healthcare access. “We are cutting health care for the needy to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

One significant change is the introduction of work requirements for adults on Medicaid. This approach has been controversial. For instance, a similar program in Arkansas led to coverage loss for many because they failed to report their work status correctly. Experts from KFF note that almost half the savings from this bill could come from these work requirements.

The proposed legislation would require Medicaid beneficiaries aged 19 to 64 to work, volunteer, or study for at least 80 hours a month. Some would be exempt, including pregnant women and caregivers. These changes are set to start in January 2029.

Currently, states check Medicaid qualifications once a year. The bill would change that to every six months, requiring more frequent updates on participants’ status. Additionally, it proposes limiting retroactive coverage for medical expenses and tightening eligibility checks for providers.

The bill also aims to discourage coverage for undocumented children by ending the requirement for states to provide care while immigration status is verified. States can still offer this coverage but won’t receive federal matching funds during the verification period.

Another controversial aspect is the restriction on Medicaid funding for any organization primarily focused on reproductive health, including Planned Parenthood. This could significantly affect women seeking family planning services. Additionally, a provision would block funds for gender transition procedures for Medicaid enrollees under 18.

Lastly, the proposed legislation would tighten the ways states can finance their portions of Medicaid, limiting their ability to raise funds through taxes. Critics warn that this will force states to make tough choices that could further restrict access to care.

As these discussions progress, it’s clear that the future of Medicaid could be shaped by these proposed changes. The stakes are high, not just for the millions who rely on this program, but for public health as a whole.

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