After the One Big, Beautiful Bill was passed on July 4, it left some wondering how it will ultimately affect their Medicaid benefits as reports of anywhere from $800 billion to $1 trillion is primed to be cut from the healthcare program that has aided people in need of medical access for generations.
Dr. Mark Kaswan, a political science professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, says there are two major takeaways from the bill — the first being the cuts to Medicaid with the intention of saving a significant amount of money; and the second being the elimination of subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, or ACA.
According to the newly passed bill, beginning 2027, some of those applying for Medicaid will now be required to show that they are actively working or engaged in community activities in order to stay eligible.
In the bill this was referred to as the “Community Engagement Requirement,” which will apply to those who are between the ages of 19 and 64, not pregnant, not disabled or medically frail, are not already on Medicare and those who enrolled in Medicaid expansion under the ACA.