Washington, DC – The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) strongly condemns the Senate’s passage of the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act, a sweeping and dangerous measure that would gut Medicaid and strip health care from millions of people. Rushed through with no transparency or accountability, this chaotic process has left the public, providers, and even lawmakers unsure of what the bill fully contains. But the bottom line is clear: it will hurt real people.
“This bill is a direct attack on the health and well-being of low-income individuals and families,” said Mara Youdelman, Managing Director of Federal Advocacy. “It cuts nearly a trillion dollars from Medicaid. Millions of people are projected to lose coverage, even worse than the House-passed bill. States will be forced to reduce eligibility and services, and communities will lose hospitals and clinics they rely on, all to pay for tax breaks for corporations and billionaires.”
The bill imposes harmful new barriers like work requirements and frequent eligibility checks that make Medicaid harder to get and easier to lose. The bill would also make it more difficult and expensive to enroll in and keep Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage.
These provisions do not improve care nor make Medicaid more efficient. Instead, they impose harmful restrictions that will push people with disabilities, chronic health conditions, caregiving responsibilities, and low incomes out of coverage.
In addition to directly slashing Medicaid funding, the bill includes a range of harmful provisions that further undermine health and equity. It restricts access to health care for immigrants, and cuts SNAP benefits that help families put food on the table. The bill also includes billions of dollars for immigration enforcement, funding policies that have terrorized communities and separated families.
“This is not policy, it is cruelty,” said Elizabeth G. Taylor, NHeLP Executive Director. “Stripping people of health care to pay for tax breaks for corporations and billionaires is unconscionable. Medicaid is a lifeline. For over 55 years, the National Health Law Program has fought to defend Medicaid and the people who rely on it. We will continue to do that work, no matter the outcome of this bill.”
The House will now try to move quickly to pass this legislation. NHeLP urges all advocates, partners, and concerned individuals to take immediate action. Call Congress now: 866‑426‑2631. Tell lawmakers to vote NO on any Medicaid and health care cuts.
