Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) expressed concern in a recent interview, stating that the proposed changes to Medicaid by Republicans could lead to the deaths of numerous low-income and working-class individuals.
Quoting figures from the Congressional Budget Office, Sanders highlighted that over 13 million Americans could lose their health insurance, alongside a new $35 co-payment being instituted for many Medicaid recipients.
“If you earn $16,000 a year, that $35 is a burden you simply can’t bear. It makes visiting a doctor nearly impossible,” he pointed out, noting the tragic reality in the healthcare system where approximately 70,000 people pass away annually because they cannot access timely medical care. This statement was made during his appearance on MSNBC’s “All In with Chris Hayes” on Wednesday night.
“Kicking 13 million people off their health insurance while imposing costs on those who are already struggling—that’s effectively a death sentence. Many low-income individuals and workers will die due to this,” he warned.
Sanders’ comments came shortly after the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced a bill proposing significant cuts to Medicaid and related healthcare provisions. This legislation is part of a larger initiative by Republican lawmakers to support President Trump’s agenda.
The committee approved the bill by a narrow 30-24 vote after an extensive meeting. It’s now moving toward the House Budget Committee where it will be incorporated with other concurrent bills.
The Republican plan includes job requirements for adults aged 19-64 without children, with certain exceptions, and proposes penalties for Medicaid payments to undocumented immigrants. Additionally, it aims to eliminate taxes collected from healthcare providers for Medicaid funding.
Republican representatives asserted that the reduction in insured individuals would not significantly impact undocumented people and emphasized that “healthy” adults should engage in work.
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) voiced criticism of the Medicaid cuts, labeling them “morally wrong and politically disastrous.” He argued in an op-ed for the New York Times earlier this week that Trump has pledged to safeguard working-class tax cuts like Medicaid and social insurance, but emphasized concern over pressure from corporate Republicans to revert to outdated policies.
