KFF Health News' 'What the Health?' Cutting Medicaid Is Hard — Even for the GOP
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May 8, 2025 Anna Edney, a Bloomberg News reporter specializing in health policy, and Sandhya Raman, who covers health legislation for CQ Roll Call, dive into the complexities of proposed Medicaid cuts among Republicans. They discuss the political struggle for consensus and the implications for healthcare access. The conversation takes a sharp turn to the chaotic environment at the Department of Health and Human Services, including new nominations and their potential impact on public health. They also highlight a shocking personal story about unexpected medical bills tied to preventive care.
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Medicaid Cuts Divide Republicans
- Congressional Republicans face deep divisions over Medicaid cuts, with no clear agreement on targets or methods.
- Proposed cuts include controversial changes like per capita caps and altering the federal match for expansion populations.
Medicaid Work Requirements Save by Cuts
- Work requirements for Medicaid save money only when people lose coverage, not by themselves.
- Advocates warn any cuts to Medicaid will negatively affect vulnerable populations like nursing homes.
Provider Taxes Sustain Medicaid Funding
- Provider taxes are a major state strategy to enhance federal Medicaid funds, used by 49 states.
- Despite being legal, attempts to eliminate or reduce provider taxes face strong bipartisan pushback.