Published: May 22, 2025 ✍️ Author: Global World Citizen Editorial Team 🌐 Source: GlobalWorldCitizen.com 📍 Category: Global Economy & Social Justice
In a move that could reshape access to healthcare across America, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a sweeping budget bill that threatens to strip Medicaid coverage from more than 7.6 million people over the next decade. 
The legislation — part of a broader $800 billion healthcare cost-cutting package — includes new work requirements, a ban on gender-affirming care under Medicaid, and reduced support for states serving undocumented migrants. Critics say it could mark one of the most dramatic rollbacks in U.S. healthcare access in recent history. 
What’s in the Bill? 4 Key Changes to Medicaid:
1. 
Eligibility & Enrollment Restrictions
New verification rules, stricter address checks, and penalties for states covering undocumented migrants could create massive bureaucratic hurdles for low-income families and immigrants.
2. 
Ban on Gender-Affirming Care
The bill prohibits Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) funds from being used for gender transition procedures, not just for minors — but now also for adults.
3. 
Moratorium on Provider Tax Increases
To reduce what the bill calls “abusive financing practices,” states would be blocked from raising provider taxes to fund Medicaid services, a move that may further strain local health systems.
4. 
Mandatory Work Requirements
Under new “community engagement” rules, most adult Medicaid recipients would need to work at least 80 hours per month or attend education/work programs — or risk losing coverage.
Big Picture: 72 Million Could Be Affected
As of December, over 72 million Americans rely on Medicaid for essential health services — from maternal care to disability support. The bill’s projected cuts, estimated at $800 billion over 10 years, could significantly affect rural communities, low-income populations, seniors, and minorities, including Latino and immigrant families. 
Why This Matters Globally
While the bill is U.S.-focused, it reflects a growing global trend of austerity in public health systems. For Global World Citizens, this moment raises deep concerns about:
Healthcare access as a human right
Automation vs. social safety nets
Nationalism vs. global solidarity The rising healthcare inequality gap worldwide
What Leaders Are Saying
Former President Donald Trump:
“We’re only cutting waste, fraud, and abuse… We’re not cutting Medicaid itself.”
Yet, critics argue the numbers don’t lie. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates millions could still lose coverage — especially if states adopt the new rules aggressively. 
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY):
Initially opposed, she later supported the bill, citing its focus on “people in the country illegally” and those who “refuse” to meet work requirements.
What Happens Next?
The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate, where Republicans can afford to lose no more than three votes. Deep divisions remain — not just between parties, but within the GOP itself.
Watch this space.
GlobalWorldCitizen.com will continue tracking the global implications of U.S. healthcare policies on vulnerable communities everywhere. 
GlobalWorldCitizen.com Perspective:
We believe healthcare is a fundamental human right. Cutting essential support for millions — while expanding barriers and political exclusions — is a direct threat to human dignity.
Let’s advocate for health equity, both locally and globally. The world is watching.