Trump’s Budget Bill Could Strip Health Coverage from Nearly 12 Million Americans, Warns CBO

The recent budget proposal, backed by former President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans, has raised significant concerns regarding health insurance. A report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) indicates that nearly 12 million Americans could lose their health coverage over the next decade if the bill passes.

This bill, which narrowly advanced in the Senate with a 51-49 vote, aims to make drastic cuts to Medicaid and weaken provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If enacted, the CBO estimates that 11.8 million people would be left without insurance by 2034. This is nearly one million more than earlier projections from the House’s version of the bill.

The legislation proposes to slash over $1.1 trillion from Medicaid, Medicare, and ACA programs. Most of these cuts would impact low-income families, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, as Medicaid currently supports over 71 million Americans.

New work requirements for Medicaid recipients would be introduced, affecting many adults, including parents of teenagers as young as 14. Additionally, co-payments for Medicaid services are set to increase. Changes to federal support for Medicaid expansion and alterations to tax credits for ACA plans are also expected. Experts warn these adjustments will hit the South and West hardest, where uninsured rates are already high.

Aaron Carroll, president and CEO of a prominent health policy organization, expressed grave concerns, stating, "The effects could be catastrophic." Many could be forced to delay treatment or pay for care out-of-pocket.

The proposal has divided the Republican Party. Some fiscal conservatives are pushing for even deeper cuts, while others, like Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, worry about the repercussions for their communities and local hospitals. Democrats have united in opposition, using Senate rules to stall the vote and alerting the public about the potential consequences for American families.

According to a recent survey, around 60% of Americans disapprove of such budget cuts, highlighting the growing public concern over healthcare access. This issue is not just political; it’s deeply personal for many. Social media is buzzing with stories of individuals who rely on Medicaid.

In this climate, understanding the implications of such proposed changes is crucial. For further details, you can check the report by the Congressional Budget Office.

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