Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness (CCH) is deeply alarmed by the passage of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law by President Trump last week. The budget reconciliation bill includes devastating cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), assistance that millions of low-income Americans rely on to survive.
At a time when everyday Americans are struggling to pay rent and put food on the table amid rising housing costs and inflation, Congress has chosen to strip essential supports from those who need them most in order to give tax breaks to the wealthiest individuals and corporations. In Illinois alone, more than 500,000 people could lose their health care coverage, and approximately 427,000 may lose food assistance.
According to an analysis of the House version of the bill by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the wealthiest families will receive an average tax cut of $12,000, while the lowest-income families will be saddled with an average of $1,600 additional annual expenses.
Medicaid provides health insurance to low-income adults and families, seniors in long-term care, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. For over 80 million Americans, Medicaid is a lifeline, offering essential health coverage and economic security. For those experiencing homelessness—who are more likely to face health challenges like chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, and infectious diseases—access to reliable care is even more critical.
In addition to life-saving medical care, Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers can support individuals and families experiencing homelessness in accessing and maintaining stable housing. CCH and advocates across the country recognize how integral safe and stable housing is for individuals to maintain their health, recover from severe illness, or stabilize chronic health conditions.
SNAP and Medicaid make life more affordable for working-class Americans. Cuts to these crucial resources will put lives at stake, and force even more of our neighbors into homelessness. Medical debt is already a leading cause of housing insecurity across the country. This bill will only worsen that crisis.
This legislation also threatens the stability of safety-net hospitals, which serve patients regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay, including many who are experiencing homelessness. Operating on slim margins, these hospitals rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements to keep their doors open. Cuts of this magnitude could result in reduced or eliminated services, staff layoffs, and even full closures, leaving entire communities without access to care.
For more than 45 years, CCH has worked alongside people experiencing homelessness and understands the deep connection between healthcare, food security, and housing stability. We are deeply concerned about the impact this legislation will have on our neighbors and are committed to continuing our work with legislative allies and partners to ensure Illinoisans have what they need to survive and thrive.
