Leaders in Congress are attempting to make significant cuts to Medicaid and other vital services through President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The bill, approved by the House last Thursday, would cut nearly $700 billion in Medicaid spending over the next decade to fund tax cuts for the wealthiest individuals.
According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), more than 8.6 million people would lose their health insurance coverage, including more than 300,000 Illinoisans. The bill would also cut $290 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides nutritious food to low-income American families.
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 for essential coverage and a foundational source of economic and health security.
“I have four kids, and I already worry about their medical benefits and SNAP as it is,” said a CCH Law Project client. “It adds to my stress and affects my mental health, thinking about not being able to provide for my children and myself.”
Nationwide, Medicaid provides coverage for:
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36.8 million children
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60% of senior
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41% of births
These cuts would have a devastating impact on Illinois, where 3.4 million people rely on Medicaid, including half of all children and one in six adults ages 19-64. Medicaid is also the largest funder of crucial care like nursing homes, mental health, HIV/AIDS and substance use treatment.
About 70% of all days spent in nursing facility care are covered by Medicaid in Illinois. Reductions to this coverage pose concerns about the availability and quality of care these facilities will be able to provide to low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
As more than 50 Illinois state legislators asserted in a letter sent to the Illinois Congressional Delegation earlier this month, Medicaid helps people live healthier, more economically secure lives. It keeps rural hospitals open, supports jobs, and saves taxpayer money.
The federal legislation includes new work requirements for Medicaid recipients, mandating at least 80 hours per month of work, community service, or participation in a work program, or enrollment in an educational program for at least 40 hours per month. These stringent requirements will not reduce health care costs; they will simply shift those costs to the state. There is no evidence that work requirements improve long-term employment, reduce poverty, or lead to better health outcomes.
As these spending cuts make their way through Congress, we encourage you to contact your members of Congress now and ask them not to cut health care for low-income Americans.
Call (866) 426-2631 to be connected with your Senators’ office today.
CCH is a member of Protect Our Care – Illinois, a statewide coalition of health care advocates, providers, and consumers joining together to protect and defend Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. We invite you to join Illinoisans across the state in defending access to quality affordable health care for all!
