UPDATE: “One Big Beautiful Bill” Signed into Law

This bill prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy and large corporations, while threatening healthcare, food security, and vital services for everyday Americans.

On July 4th, the President signed H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” into law. While it includes minor tax adjustments, it imposes severe cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) - programs millions rely on for healthcare, nutrition, and stability. Below, we outline the impacts and how you can prepare.

What Helps Patients?

• Senior Tax Deduction: Seniors over 65 with moderate incomes now qualify for a $6,000 tax deduction (up from $4,000).

• Rural Hospital Funding: $50 billion allocated over 10 years for rural hospitals. However, states must apply, and the funds are spread thin, offering limited relief compared to larger Medicaid cuts.

• Impact: Many rural hospitals may still face closures or reduced services.

• Clean Energy Adjustments: Some clean-energy tax credit rollbacks were postponed, but most clean-air protections are weakened.

What Hurts Patients?

• Medicaid Cuts ($863B): New 80-hour/month work requirements affect even working recipients (65% of enrollees already work). Past similar policies caused coverage losses due to paperwork issues, not lack of effort.

• SNAP Cuts ($295B): Reduced food assistance with new barriers will increase hunger for working families, seniors, and caregivers.

• ACA Marketplace Restrictions: Subsidy cuts and tightened eligibility, especially for immigrants, will raise costs and reduce coverage.

• Medicare Cuts ($500B): The bill’s $3-5 trillion deficit triggers automatic Medicare reductions starting in 2026, risking:

  • Hospital closures, especially in rural and underserved areas.

  • Longer wait times and reduced access to doctors and specialized care.

• Tax Breaks Skewed to the Wealthy:

  • Top 1% gain thousands in tax cuts.

  • Middle-income households may see ~$800 in benefits.

  • Low-income families often gain nothing and lose vital program support.

What You Can Do

1. Check Your Coverage: Monitor renewals and submit paperwork promptly to avoid losing benefits.

2. Access Community Resources: Local clinics, nonprofits, and food pantries can help bridge gaps.

3. Speak Up: Share your story with local representatives and media to highlight the bill’s impact.

4. Prepare for Changes: Stay informed. We’ll provide updates and connect you to resources.

5. Stay Engaged: Vote, advocate, and support efforts to restore critical programs.

This bill prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy while threatening care, food security, and support for everyday Americans. We’re committed to helping you navigate these changes with clear information and access to resources.

We are working closely with nonprofit organizations both within and outside our community, because there is strength in numbers. As these changes take shape, we will keep you informed on when they may take effect, how they could impact you, and how you can advocate for yourself and others.

We’re committed to making sure you have timely, accurate information and access to the resources you need. If you have questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here for you.