Budget bill cuts could ‘devastate’ Minnesota health care
More than 1.3 million Minnesotans who rely on Medicaid could see their health care coverage put at risk under a budget bill narrowly passed by the U.S. House of Representatives early Wednesday morning, May 21. The bill, which includes the largest proposed cut to Medicaid in American history, now heads to the U.S. Senate, where major changes are expected.
The budget — formally titled H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — passed by a razor-thin margin of 215-214 after weeks of intra party debate among Republicans. The legislation, championed by President Donald Trump, includes billions in cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Affordable Care Act subsidies, despite months of assurances from GOP leadership that these programs would be spared.
In Minnesota, where roughly 1 in 5 residents depend on Medicaid for health coverage — including low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities — the stakes are high. Rural hospitals, many of which are already operating on thin margins, could face closures or significant service reductions if federal reimbursements decrease.
“This budget could devastate rural health care in Minnesota,” said Dr. Penny Wheeler, former CEO of Allina Health. “Hospitals that serve lower-income communities simply can’t absorb the loss in Medicaid funding. That money keeps the doors open.”
Nationally, the Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would strip health care from more than 13 million Americans, while adding $2.4 trillion to the federal debt over the next decade. The U.S. debt currently exceeds $36 trillion.
Democrats blasted the bill as a reckless attack on social safety nets.
“Republicans just voted for the largest cuts to health care in American history — cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act,” said Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), ranking member of the House Budget Committee. “At least 13.7 million will now lose their health care as a result. And why? To pay for tax cuts for billionaires and special interests.”
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), who voted against the bill, noted its real-life impact in her community: “This bill would strip health care from 14 million Americans, including nearly 130,000 people in my district who rely on Medicaid. And it would rip food from the tables of at least 3 million Americans, including 115,000 folks in my district who rely on SNAP.”
While House Republicans justified the cuts by citing “fraud and waste,” although no concrete evidence was presented during the debates. Critics argue the bill reflects ideological opposition to social programs rather than fiscal necessity.
“Unbridled spending and failed fiscal policies sent our country’s economy into a tailspin,” said House Budget Chair Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) in a statement after the vote. “Cradle-to-grave welfare without work” and excessive regulation, he claimed, were responsible for the current inflation crisis.
But Democrats say the bill will disproportionately harm the most vulnerable.
“Over 13 million people are set to lose their health care coverage,” warned Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), ranking member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. “Over 4 million students are estimated to have their Pell Grants reduced or eliminated, and 18 million children may lose access to free school meals.”
In Minnesota, state officials have already begun contingency planning.
“We are deeply concerned,” said Minnesota Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead in an emailed statement. “Cuts of this magnitude would not only harm families relying on Medicaid but could force the state to make impossible choices between essential services.”
The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate, where changes are anticipated. But with the 2024 election cycle heating up, partisan divisions over federal spending are likely to intensify — leaving Minnesotans who depend on Medicaid caught in the political crossfire.
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com.
Republicans are the most self-serving of anybody in politics and the world. They all should be fed to the wolves.