Fact Check: Would GOP Bill Strip Medicaid and Health Care from 13 Million Americans?
Overview of Senator Sanders’ Claims
In recent discussions surrounding a new Republican budget bill, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) contended that the proposed legislation would strip Medicaid and health insurance from approximately 13.7 million Americans. His statement, made in a post on social media platform X, has prompted widespread scrutiny and calls for a careful analysis of its accuracy.
The GOP Bill and Its Implications
The proposal in question, which has been labeled by some as the “big, beautiful bill,” aims to implement significant federal spending cuts. Democrats allege that these cuts could result in loss of Medicaid coverage for millions, including those who currently rely on the program to secure essential health services.
The figure of 13.7 million stems from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which provided various estimates as part of its analysis of the bill. According to the CBO, while 8.6 million Americans are projected to lose Medicaid coverage if the bill is enacted, the higher figure includes additional changes not formally tied to the current budget proposal.
Detailed Analysis of Coverage Loss
Joseph Antos, a healthcare specialist affiliated with the conservative American Enterprise Institute, noted that the real impact on coverage would hinge on the specifics of what is signed into law, how states implement program changes, and broader economic conditions. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the CBO’s estimates are sufficiently reliable for governmental assessments.
According to findings from KFF Health News, should the proposed changes take effect, the progress made in reducing the uninsured rate following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could be reversed.
Legislative Uncertainty
The future of the GOP legislation is uncertain. On May 16, 2025, the House Budget Committee rejected the comprehensive draft amid concerns from conservative Republicans regarding its provisions, especially related to Medicaid. Despite pressure from former President Donald Trump to unite around the legislation, some Republican senators have publicly expressed reservations about the current Medicaid alterations.
The budget plan adopted by House Republicans currently aims for large spending cuts to ensure the continuation of tax relief measures implemented during Trump’s presidency. Notably, while the plan does not mention Medicaid directly, it sets a target of cutting at least $880 billion from the deficit over the next decade, leaving Medicaid as the primary viable option for reductions.
CBO’s Role and Additional Estimates
The House Energy and Commerce Committee released their budget reconciliation plan shortly before the CBO’s evaluation. Their preliminary estimate suggested that 8.6 million people would lose health insurance by 2034 due to the legislation’s changes.
Democratic lawmakers have pushed for additional CBO analyses, which highlight that other proposals, such as the lapse of enhanced premium tax credits and the finalization of the Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Rule, could account for the larger figure of 13.7 million. The CBO also warns that its estimates remain subject to change based on the ongoing development of policies.
Dissecting the Numbers
Senator Sanders’ spokesperson acknowledged that not every part of the 13.7 million figure is due to the ‘big, beautiful bill.’ However, they argued that Republicans should be held accountable for not extending expiring premium tax credits crucial for expanding health insurance coverage.
The Inflation Reduction Act, enacted by President Biden, previously extended these subsidies through 2025. While some Republican senators have indicated support for extending these tax credits, the party’s overall approach has leaned toward limiting these enhancements.
Conclusion: PolitiFact’s Assessment
PolitiFact’s review of Sanders’ claim ultimately deemed it "Half True." While the assertion includes elements of truth, it skews the context by conflating the effects of the bill with broader policy impacts not directly encompassed by the legislation at hand. Specifically, the direct reductions in health insurance are pegged at 8.6 million, whereas the larger figure corresponds to additional policies, including those affecting immigrants in the U.S. illegally and the expiration of certain premium subsidies.
As lawmakers continue to navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape, understanding the nuances of these proposals will be crucial for those affected.
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