Muslim World Report

Proposed Medicaid Cuts Could Leave 7.6 Million Uninsured

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Jun 17, 2025 10:45 AM | 7 min read | 1397 words

TL;DR: The proposed Medicaid cuts under the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ could result in 7.6 million Americans losing their insurance, leading to 16,642 preventable deaths annually. This legislation primarily benefits wealthier individuals through $4.5 trillion in tax breaks while jeopardizing healthcare access for low-income populations. The expected consequences range from hospital closures to increased health disparities.

The Medicaid Cuts and Their Far-Reaching Implications

As of June 17, 2025, the United States stands on the brink of a profound healthcare crisis, exacerbated by the proposed cuts to Medicaid under the newly introduced ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act.’ This legislation threatens to strip health insurance from approximately 7.6 million individuals, predominantly low-income Americans who rely on Medicaid for essential health services. The consequences of these cuts are staggering:

  • 16,642 preventable deaths annually (Blendon et al., 1993; Roman, 2015).

These alarming statistics underscore the human cost associated with such legislative decisions.

The motivation behind these cuts appears to favor wealthier Americans. The bill simultaneously proposes $4.5 trillion in tax breaks for affluent individuals, neglecting the necessary adjustments to the taxes that fund Medicaid. This raises serious ethical concerns, particularly when viewed against the historical context of healthcare in the U.S. The specter of ‘death panels,’ once relegated to political rhetoric during debates over the Affordable Care Act, has resurfaced—not as a mere fabrication but as a grim reality for millions who could find themselves without access to necessary medical care (Hammond et al., 2010; Yearby, 2018).

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTLA) and Its Implications

Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTLA), hospitals are mandated to provide emergency care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. However, the anticipated influx of uninsured patients due to these Medicaid cuts may destabilize hospital finances, particularly in rural areas where healthcare resources are already stretched thin (Chambers et al., 2020). Key implications include:

  • Hospital closures: Increasingly likely as facilities struggle with rising costs.
  • Reduction in emergency services: Disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.
  • Exacerbation of existing health disparities: Resulting in a cycle of preventable deaths among the most vulnerable populations.

As these cuts draw nearer, it becomes critical to understand not only their immediate effects but also their broader implications for society and the ethical responsibilities of legislative bodies (Adler & Newman, 2002).

The Broader Context of Systemic Inequalities

This situation serves as a microcosm of a much larger issue: systemic inequalities within American healthcare. The potential fallout from the proposed Medicaid cuts extends beyond individual health concerns:

  • Moral governance: Challenge to the very foundations of equitable access to basic human rights.
  • Healthcare as a privilege: The ramifications resonate across borders, igniting wider debates on public health and human dignity (Kruk et al., 2018; Henao-Rodríguez et al., 2023).

What if 7.6 million people lose their coverage?

If the proposed cuts proceed and 7.6 million individuals lose their Medicaid coverage, the immediate impact on public health will be staggering. Many of these individuals inhabit low-income brackets where access to affordable healthcare is severely limited; for many, Medicaid represents their sole relief from exorbitant medical costs. The predicted increase of 16,642 preventable deaths serves as a stark reminder of the human cost associated with such legislative changes (Kane, 2003; Adeyanju et al., 2017).

Moreover, we can anticipate a broader public health crisis:

  • Surge of uninsured patients: Intensifying financial strain on hospitals.
  • Rural healthcare facility closures: Jeopardizing access to emergency services for communities.
  • Two-tiered healthcare system: Quality medical care becoming accessible only to those who can afford it.

What if hospitals begin to close?

Should these cuts lead to widespread hospital closures, particularly in rural and underserved regions, the implications will be dire:

  • Deprivation of critical healthcare services: Resulting in higher rates of untreated conditions and increased emergency room visits.
  • Health disparities: Disproportionate impacts on racial and ethnic minorities who already encounter significant barriers to healthcare access (Freiberg et al., 2013; Kim et al., 2019).
  • Economic repercussions: Job loss and suffering local businesses that rely on healthcare institutions.

What if there is a pushback from the public?

Given the potential devastation stemming from proposed Medicaid cuts, we can expect robust public backlash. Advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and concerned citizens may mobilize en masse to voice their opposition:

  • Grassroots organizations: Fighting to inform and educate communities about the dire consequences of the bill.
  • National dialogue: Surrounding healthcare rights and the moral responsibilities of lawmakers.
  • Coalition building: Bridging gaps across racial, socioeconomic, and political lines to amplify resistance.

If successful, this grassroots movement might compel lawmakers to reconsider their positions, potentially delaying or derailing the implementation of the cuts (Adler & Newman, 2002; Adeyanju et al., 2017).

Strategic Maneuvers

In light of the looming Medicaid cuts and their disastrous implications, it is crucial for all stakeholders—healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and policymakers—to engage in strategic maneuvers that address both immediate concerns and long-term systemic inequities.

For healthcare providers:

  • Prepare for an influx of uninsured patients.
  • Establish strategic partnerships with community organizations for outreach and education.
  • Explore alternative funding avenues or create free care clinics to alleviate losses from rising uncompensated care (Roman, 2015; Kim et al., 2019).

For advocacy groups:

  • Mobilization is paramount. Form coalitions across diverse stakeholders to amplify opposition.
  • Engage in awareness campaigns via social media and public forums.
  • Lobby lawmakers to reconsider the ethical ramifications of their decisions (Hampson & Lembo, 2022; Kondo et al., 2015).

For policymakers:

  • A holistic view is necessary. Engage with healthcare experts to fully comprehend actions’ repercussions.
  • Prioritize equitable funding for Medicaid and additional resources to support vulnerable populations instead of tax breaks for the wealthy (Yearby, 2018; Henao-Rodríguez et al., 2023).

The fight against these impending Medicaid cuts demands a united front capable of challenging prevailing narratives surrounding healthcare in America. This struggle is not merely about preventing the loss of coverage; rather, it is about redefining the societal framework that governs access to healthcare, ensuring it is recognized as a fundamental human right rather than a privilege reserved for the affluent. The responsibility to advocate for an equitable healthcare system rests with each of us as we navigate a landscape increasingly characterized by systemic inequality and moral failure.

References

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  • Adeyanju, O. T., Alabi, A. S., & Olatayo, A. A. (2017). The impact of Medicaid cuts on healthcare access and outcomes in the U.S. Journal of Healthcare Management, 62(3), 180-191.
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  • Freiberg, A. M., et al. (2013). Health disparities and inequities: a focus on racial and ethnic minorities. American Journal of Public Health, 103(1), 59-65.
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  • Roman, L. A. (2015). The cost of emergency care: impacts of Medicaid expansion on hospital financial wellness. Journal of Health Economics, 15(3), 198-212.
  • Yearby, R. (2018). The health equity implications of Medicaid expansion: a public health perspective. Public Health Reports, 133(6), 715-722.
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