1A ICYMI: The Megabill, Medicaid And Rural Americans
Jul 7, 2025
In this discussion, Jessica Glenza, a Senior health reporter at The Guardian, highlights the significant implications of a major tax and spending bill, focusing on its drastic cuts to Medicaid. She explains how these cuts threaten the healthcare access of 11.8 million Americans, particularly in rural areas like Kentucky. Glenza also addresses the critical role Medicaid plays for vulnerable populations and the potential strain on rural healthcare systems. The conversation sheds light on the unpredictable future of healthcare in these communities as they brace for economic challenges.
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Kentucky Crisis Anecdote
- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear shared that 200,000 people in his state will lose Medicaid coverage under the new law.
- He explained that up to 35 rural hospitals might close, causing economic harm and long travel for health care.
Medicaid's Wide Coverage Role
- Medicaid is the largest US health insurance, covering 71 million mostly low-income, disabled, and elderly.
- It pays for about half of all US births and covers most nursing home residents, showing its critical role.
Rural Dependency on Medicaid
- Rural Americans depend heavily on Medicaid due to less employer coverage and lower incomes.
- Hospitals in rural areas rely on Medicaid revenues, so cuts could cause closures and uncompensated care costs.