Millions at Risk of Losing Health Insurance Under GOP Bill

Strategic Insights -

A new domestic policy package proposed by the Republican party threatens to strip nearly 11.8 million adults and children of their health insurance, as it makes significant changes to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to save $1 trillion over a decade. The proposed legislation, known as the "One Big, Beautiful Bill Act," would lead to a reversal of years of progress in increasing health insurance rates in the US. Medicaid is the primary target, with 78 million adults and children enrolled, and 24 million people enrolled in the ACA's marketplaces.

Key Takeaways:

  • The GOP's plan would verify Medicaid eligibility every six months, potentially leaving people homeless or transient without coverage if they miss paperwork deadlines.
  • States will increase income eligibility checks, resulting in thousands of kids losing coverage, as seen in Texas between 2014 and 2019.
  • People enrolled in the ACA's marketplace coverage will face penalties for underreporting income and longer waiting periods for verification.
  • Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollments will be delayed, and parents may be temporarily blocked from enrolling their kids if they owe premiums.
  • A 6-month waiting period for kids transitioning from private health insurance to Medicaid will allow states to delay enrollments.
  • The bill narrows the definition of low-income Obamacare recipients, potentially restricting access for thousands of refugees and asylum seekers.
  • Immigrants enrolled in Medicaid through state programs may see decreased coverage due to reduced federal funding.
  • Able-bodied individuals aged 19-64 will be required to work, volunteer, or attend school 80 hours a month to qualify for Medicaid.
  • People with disabilities or pregnant individuals will be exempt from the work requirement, but may still face bureaucratic errors and paperwork issues.
  • Millions of people enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid may face increased paperwork and reduced access due to relaxed enrollment rules.
  • Verifying workhours and documents may be especially difficult for those without internet access or digital literacies.

Statistics:

  • 11.8 million adults and children will be at risk of losing health insurance under the GOP's bill.
  • $1 trillion will be saved over a decade by making changes to Medicaid, the ACA, and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
  • 78 million adults and children are enrolled in Medicaid, and 24 million people are enrolled in the ACA's marketplaces.
  • Texas increased income eligibility checks 41% between 2014 and 2019, resulting in thousands of kids losing coverage.
  • 8% of Medicaid enrollees report not working or being unable to find work.
  • 18,000 people lost coverage in Arkansas due to work requirements in 2018.

Sources:

  • [The Associated Press]