Despite the proposed funding, the distribution method remains uncertain, as the law lacks specific criteria for application approval, allocation of funds, and decision-making transparency. Trump’s budget bill includes significant cuts to Medicaid, potentially leading to widespread closures of struggling rural hospitals. These cuts would disproportionately impact rural communities, as more individuals rely on Medicaid coverage in these areas. With a high percentage of rural hospitals operating with negative margins, this strain could force service cuts and ultimately lead to closures.
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Trump’s new law will limit payments to hospitals that treat low-income patients. That’s the heart of what’s going on here. This isn’t just some bureaucratic adjustment; it’s a major shift that could have profound consequences for healthcare access, particularly for those who rely on Medicaid. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” slated to kick in starting in 2028, is designed to cap payments to hospitals, essentially forcing state Medicaid programs to pay less for the care they provide.
The specifics are concerning. Each year, state Medicaid reimbursement rates would be reduced by 10 percentage points until they match either 100% or 110% of what Medicare pays.… Continue reading
A federal judge has temporarily blocked top health officials from sharing Medicaid enrollees’ personal data with immigration authorities. The ruling prevents the Department of Homeland Security from accessing Medicaid data in 20 states that sued the administration, along with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Department of Health and Human Services from sharing that data with ICE. The judge found that the administration’s use of Medicaid data for immigration enforcement threatened to disrupt the program. This decision comes amidst concerns that ICE’s access to sensitive data could deter immigrants from seeking essential services.
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Following the signing of a bill that reduced Medicaid funding, President Trump announced plans for a $200 million, gold-accented ballroom attached to the White House’s East Wing. The timing of this announcement drew significant criticism, with many online users comparing the project to the opulence of Versailles, especially given the simultaneous cuts to healthcare access for millions. Social media was flooded with outrage, including memes referencing the French Revolution and the use of guillotines. The administration downplayed the criticism, insisting the ballroom was a “legacy project” funded by private donors, however, the public’s reaction was largely negative.
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A federal judge has ruled that Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide must continue to receive Medicaid funding, despite efforts by the Trump administration to defund the organization. The court order blocks the federal government from excluding groups like Planned Parenthood from Medicaid reimbursements, as the organization has a substantial likelihood of success in its legal challenge. This decision is a result of a lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood, who argued that cutting off Medicaid funds would force nearly 200 clinics to close, impacting over a million patients. The lawsuit challenges a provision in Trump’s tax bill that targeted abortion providers receiving over $800,000 from Medicaid in 2023, even if they provide other medical services.
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During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticized President Trump for allegedly betraying the voters who supported him. Shapiro accused Trump of making promises to blue-collar communities while campaigning but then failing to address their needs once in office. Citing the recent “One Big, Beautiful Bill” as an example, Shapiro pointed out how the bill cut Medicaid benefits for thousands of Pennsylvanians, including those who voted for Trump. Shapiro contrasted his own actions, like hiring more police and reducing crime, with Trump’s, which included pardoning individuals involved in the January 6th assault on the Capitol.
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Representative April McClain Delaney expressed concerns about the impact of President Trump’s budget cuts on rural America in an interview with Newsweek. Delaney highlighted that cuts to programs like Medicaid, PBS, and NPR, alongside the potential loss of federal jobs, could disproportionately affect rural communities. She stressed that these cuts threaten access to vital services like local news and emergency alerts, as well as educational programming for children. Delaney also criticized cuts to foreign aid, stating they have the potential to negatively impact the U.S. both globally and domestically.
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According to a recent agreement between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE officials will gain access to the personal data of approximately 79 million Medicaid enrollees. This information includes home addresses, ethnicities, and other identifying details, which will be used to locate and track down immigrants potentially residing in the United States unlawfully. The agreement will allow ICE to access the CMS data for identity and location information on aliens, despite previous objections from lawmakers and CMS officials regarding the legality of sharing such sensitive health data. This move is part of an ongoing effort by the Trump administration to enforce immigration policies, raising concerns about the potential impact on individuals seeking medical assistance and healthcare access.
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U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recently proposed replacing undocumented migrant farm workers with “able-bodied adults on Medicaid” as part of the administration’s plan for mass deportations and an “Americanized” agricultural workforce. This proposal, announced during a press conference, has generated significant criticism from labor advocates and health policy experts, who deem it unrealistic and economically unsound. Critics emphasize the potential for disruption to food production and price increases due to the loss of undocumented farm labor. Rollins also announced new restrictions on foreign land ownership, particularly involving countries like China, while industry groups express concern about potential labor shortages.
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National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett stated that the best way to secure health insurance is by “getting a job” following the passage of President Trump’s budget bill. The bill is expected to cut nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid funding, and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicts millions could lose coverage. Hassett countered that the CBO’s estimates are flawed, with some individuals already having alternative insurance. However, experts warn that the work requirements and potential administrative burdens may leave many vulnerable Americans without coverage.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood