Capitol at dusk 2
Health Insurance, Health Policy, Medicaid, Medicare, Politics

‘MAGA’ Backers Like Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ — Until They Learn of Health Consequences

Nearly two-thirds of adults oppose President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” approved in May by the House of Representatives, according to a new poll.

And even Trump’s most ardent supporters like the legislation a lot less when they learn how it would cut federal spending on health programs, the poll shows.

Illustration of a white-haired older doctor sitting across the desk from an older couple in the doctor's office.
Aging, Health Insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, Seniors

Why do cuts to Medicaid matter for Americans over 65? Two experts on aging explain why lives are at stakeWhy do cuts to Medicaid matter for Americans over 65?

People who lost their Medicaid coverage had more chronic conditions and could perform fewer activities of daily living, such as bathing and getting dressed, without any assistance as compared with those who still had Medicaid coverage. In addition, they were twice as likely to experience depression and be in fair or poor health. As people’s health worsened, they also went to the hospital more often and stayed there longer. They also used outpatient surgery services more frequently.

Clipboard with a sheet of paper with "Medicaid" written at the top on a desk with stethoscope and other medical equip ment.
Health Costs, Health Insurance, Medicaid, Politics

Work Requirements for Medicaid Could Be Returning as Republicans Take Back the Power

During the first Trump Administration, states were encouraged to submit waiver requests to implement Medicaid work requirements, a decision which signaled the weaponization of the Section 1115 authority as a means of achieving a long-standing Republican policy goal. Ultimately, thirteen such waivers were approved. Federal lawsuits soon followed and stories about how these requirements could impact rural communities began to emerge.