'I feel very scared': Some Americans fear losing coverage from proposed Medicaid cuts

ABC News - May 16th, 2025
Open on ABC News

A proposed bill to advance President Donald Trump's agenda seeks to implement major tax breaks by significantly cutting spending, including substantial reductions in Medicaid funding. The Congressional Budget Office projects that these Medicaid cuts could leave at least 8.6 million more people uninsured by 2034. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the cuts, claiming they target fraud without impacting coverage, but many Americans reliant on Medicaid fear losing access to essential medical services. People like Rosa Andresen, who cares for her disabled daughter, worry about the potential devastating effects on their healthcare and daily lives.

The proposed bill also includes work requirements for able-bodied Medicaid recipients, demanding at least 80 hours of work or educational enrollment monthly. This aspect faces criticism for potentially hindering those recovering from substance use disorders, like Jodie Montplaisir, who credits Medicaid for her recovery. Critics argue that such requirements could disrupt recovery efforts and complicate access to Medicaid. With some Republicans opposing the bill for not protecting vulnerable groups or for lacking harsher cuts, the legislation highlights ongoing tensions within the GOP and raises concerns about the future of Medicaid as a vital safety net for millions of Americans.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a thorough and timely examination of the proposed Medicaid cuts, effectively highlighting both policy details and the human impact of potential changes. Its use of personal stories adds emotional weight and relatability, enhancing reader engagement and public interest. While the article is generally accurate and well-balanced, it could benefit from more diverse sourcing and greater transparency in methodology. The piece successfully captures the complexity of the issue, though it leans slightly towards emphasizing negative impacts without fully exploring proponents' arguments. Overall, it is a compelling piece that addresses a critical and controversial topic with clarity and relevance.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports on the proposed Medicaid cuts, including the potential impact on coverage and the introduction of work requirements. The enrollment figure of over 71 million people aligns with data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The report's claim that cuts could increase the number of uninsured by at least 8.6 million by 2034 is consistent with estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. However, the article could benefit from more precise sourcing for some claims, such as the specific impact of work requirements on Medicaid recipients. Overall, the story is well-supported by factual data, though it could enhance precision by citing more specific studies or reports.

7
Balance

The article presents perspectives from individuals affected by the proposed Medicaid cuts, providing a human dimension to the policy discussion. It includes statements from both Republican leaders, who argue the cuts aim to reduce fraud and waste, and critics who warn of potential harm to vulnerable populations. However, the piece could improve balance by including more detailed counterarguments from policymakers supporting the cuts, explaining their rationale in greater depth. While it provides a broad view of the debate, the emphasis leans slightly towards the negative impacts without fully exploring the proponents' viewpoints.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and presents information in a logical flow, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. The language is clear and accessible, effectively conveying the complexity of the policy issues without overwhelming the audience. The use of personal stories helps to humanize the discussion, providing a compelling narrative thread. However, some sections could benefit from more detailed explanations, particularly regarding the legislative process and specific policy changes, to enhance reader comprehension.

6
Source quality

The article cites credible sources such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Congressional Budget Office, lending authority to its claims. It includes expert opinions and personal stories to illustrate the potential impact of the cuts. However, the article could enhance its source quality by incorporating more diverse viewpoints, such as economists or healthcare policy experts, to provide a broader analysis of the proposed changes. Additionally, more direct citations of official statements or documents would strengthen its reliability.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear context for the proposed Medicaid cuts, explaining the broader legislative objectives and potential impacts. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methods used to gather personal stories or expert opinions. While it mentions the Congressional Budget Office's estimates, it does not delve into how these figures were calculated. Greater transparency in sourcing and methodology would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to better assess the validity of the claims presented.

Sources

  1. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/medicaid-bill-work-requirement-funding-cuts-what-to-know/
  2. https://www.kff.org/tracking-the-medicaid-provisions-in-the-2025-budget-bill/
  3. https://www.medicarerights.org/medicare-watch/2025/04/03/congress-moves-to-cut-medicaid
  4. https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/how-will-the-2025-budget-reconciliation-affect-the-aca-medicaid-and-the-uninsured-rate/
  5. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-medicaid-republican-bill-cut-benefits/story?id=121756481