Full Breakdown
Impact of the One Big “Beautiful” Bill Act on Healthcare and Social Services
8/30/2025, 12:46:58 PM
Overview of the One Big “Beautiful” Bill Act
The One Big “Beautiful” Bill Act, also known as H.R. 1, was signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025. This legislation imposes significant cuts to federal spending, particularly affecting low-income individuals, people with disabilities, students, children, immigrants, and communities of color. The law is projected to reduce Medicaid and Medicare funding by more than $1 trillion, marking the largest cut in U.S. history.
Changes to Healthcare Access
The New Budget Law introduces several changes that will adversely affect healthcare access, particularly through California's Medi-Cal and the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, known as Covered California. The law raises healthcare costs for all, with individuals purchasing insurance through Covered California facing premium increases of up to 75%. The expiration of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits on December 31, 2025, could further exacerbate these costs, leaving many unable to afford coverage.
Additionally, the law imposes new eligibility requirements for Medicaid recipients, including a work requirement of 80 hours per month, which will take effect on January 1, 2027. This requirement has previously led to significant coverage losses in other states, raising concerns about its implementation in California.
Impact on Immigrant Communities
The One Big “Beautiful” Bill Act disproportionately impacts immigrant communities. It excludes certain immigrants from Medicare and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, complicating their access to essential services. The law also eliminates the Low-Income Special Enrollment Period for health insurance, restricting opportunities for low-income individuals to enroll in Covered California. Furthermore, starting August 31, 2025, Dreamers will no longer be eligible for ACA Marketplace insurance, affecting approximately 2,300 individuals in California.
State-Level Repercussions
States like Colorado are also feeling the effects of the federal budget cuts. Governor Jared Polis announced budget cuts totaling $783 million, primarily impacting the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. These cuts include a rollback of Medicaid provider rate increases, which the Colorado Hospital Association has criticized as detrimental to healthcare access.
In Solano County, California, it is estimated that up to 390,000 individuals could lose SNAP benefits due to the new eligibility criteria. The county anticipates a significant increase in costs associated with administering these programs, further straining local resources.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the One Big “Beautiful” Bill Act, including Pennsylvania's Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, argue that the cuts will lead to widespread suffering among vulnerable populations. Davis highlighted that millions of Americans, including seniors and children, will lose essential healthcare coverage. Health advocates warn that these changes will not only increase costs but also lead to a rise in chronic health issues and mental health disorders due to reduced access to care.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Millions of Americans including seniors in nursing homes and hundreds of thousands of kids will lose their health care coverage” — Austin Davis, Pennsylvania Lt. Gov.
- “These cuts mean seniors choosing between medicine, rent and a nursing home they can afford to live in; parents skipping meals so their kids can eat, hospitals closing and healthcare premiums across the board rising,” — Bob Harvie, Bucks County Commissioners President.
Conclusion
The One Big “Beautiful” Bill Act represents a significant shift in federal policy that threatens healthcare access and social safety nets for millions of Americans. As states grapple with the implications of these cuts, the long-term effects on public health and community well-being remain a pressing concern.
