As part of our commitment to keeping you informed, today’s post focuses on a newly passed bill that could reshape Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage over the next decade. While you may have seen some recent headlines about health care cuts, most of the actual changes won’t take effect until 2026.
Nearly $1 Trillion in Cuts - But Not Overnight
President Trump’s recent tax and spending bill includes nearly $1 trillion in reductions to federal health programs, especially Medicaid. However, these cuts are phased in over the next 9 years, meaning many of the changes won’t be felt right away.
🩺 Key Changes to Medicaid Coverage
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- Work Requirements: Up to 12 million people could eventually lose coverage due to new work rules, which will begin to be enforced sometime in 2026.
- Eligibility Checks: Starting December 31, 2026, recipients will face eligibility reviews every 6 months.
- New Cost Sharing: As of October 2028, those covered under Medicaid expansion could face up to $35 per service.
- State-Level Funding Cuts: Medicaid provider tax relief begins to phase down in 2028, potentially impacting hospital funding and services.
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💡 Immediate Effects for ACA & Family Planning
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- Enhanced Subsidies Expire Soon: ACA marketplace plans will become more expensive—premium subsidies end Jan. 1, 2026, which could cause premiums to rise over 75%.
- Planned Parenthood Cuts: Federal Medicaid funding will stop next year, with up to 200 clinics at risk of closure.
- Immigrant Eligibility Restrictions: Changes limiting Medicaid access for lawfully residing immigrants take effect October 2026.
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Some Providers are Already Feeling the Pressure.
Even though most changes are delayed, some hospitals and clinics are already reacting. For example, Community Hospital in McCook, Nebraska, recently announced it will close due to Medicaid uncertainty.
📢 What Happens Next?
Lawmakers and advocacy groups are expected to push back or delay some provisions before they take effect. In the meantime, both political parties are using the bill as a talking point—so expect to hear more in the coming months.
🟢 Stay Informed. Stay Empowered.
At Emerald Medicare, we’re keeping a close eye on these developments so you don’t have to. While nothing changes today, understanding the long-term outlook helps you plan wisely and stay protected.
If you have questions about how these changes may affect your situation in the future, we’re here to help.
