California lawmakers debate Medicaid cuts affecting 13 million residents

The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations convened on May 16, 2025, for a budget hearing focused on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The meeting primarily addressed the implications of proposed budget cuts to Medicaid and other health programs.

The discussion began with a contentious exchange regarding the impact of Medicaid cuts. One committee member highlighted that approximately 8 million people could be affected by changes related to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). They pointed out that there are about 1 million individuals illegally claiming Medicaid benefits across multiple states, which they described as theft. Additionally, they noted another million people receiving benefits under both the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, emphasizing that these issues were not directly related to the budget cuts being discussed.

The conversation shifted to the implications of a recent rule announced by the federal government, which would stop funding for illegal immigrants on Medicaid. This prompted a response from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who stated that the state would remove illegal immigrants from its Medicaid rolls in light of the new federal policy.

Another committee member countered these claims, arguing that the assertion that 13 million Americans would lose access to healthcare was inaccurate. They emphasized that many individuals in their district rely on Medicaid as a last resort for life-saving care and that the majority of those on Medicaid are working and seeking employment. They expressed concern that increased bureaucratic hurdles would prevent people from accessing necessary healthcare services.

The discussion concluded with a warning that if the proposed budget cuts were enacted, millions of vulnerable individuals, including children, mothers, and the disabled, would lose their health insurance. The committee members underscored the importance of ensuring that Medicaid remains accessible to those who need it most, highlighting the potential consequences of the proposed changes.

Overall, the hearing reflected deep divisions over healthcare policy and the potential ramifications of budgetary decisions on millions of Americans. The committee plans to continue discussions on these critical issues in future meetings.