Toure, Utah – Medicaid Concerns Amid Legislative Changes
President Trump’s recent “Big Beautiful Building” initiative touches on various topics, including Medicaid, which is the largest health insurance program in the U.S. The effects of potential cuts could have significant repercussions across Utah.
The Andersen family from Tooele is anxious about the implications of these cuts on their lives.
Jack Anderson, who was diagnosed with Leigh syndrome—a rare neurological condition—has a mother, Emily, who cherishes the time he spends at home, playing with toys, watching TV, and being with family and friends.
Typically, children with Leigh syndrome don’t survive past the age of two. Yet, Jack celebrated his third birthday this past April. Reflecting on her initial concerns after Jack’s diagnosis, Emily had a lot on her mind.
“Right after the diagnosis, one of the first things they handed us was a paper to apply for Medicaid,” Andersen recalled.
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Initially, Emily didn’t fully grasp how crucial Medicaid would be for them. She now understands it’s Jack’s lifeline, covering his hospital stays, treatments, and infusions.
The family’s primary worry regarding the recent Medicaid cuts revolves around the potential loss of home care through a technology-dependent exemption.
“I’m concerned for my own family, but I also think about others,” Andersen said. “I mean, $1 trillion is set to be cut because nursing is seen as an optional service. But what do you think gets cut first?”
Nate Crips from Salt Lake City’s Disability Law Center mentioned that fewer federal Medicaid funds will flow to the state as a consequence of the administration’s bill.
“We anticipate that soon we’ll need to discuss what the funding landscape looks like and what programs might face cuts,” Crips explained. “Historically, in times of limited funding, programs like the HCBS exemptions are often the first on the chopping block.”
While Crips noted no immediate changes are expected—initial adjustments mainly focus on introducing work requirements for those in the expanded Medicaid population—he did mention that these changes won’t take effect until late this year or in 2026.
For Andersen and her family, the thought of what these changes could mean in the future is daunting.
“These exemptions are critical for financing nursing, medical equipment, and treatments that private insurance won’t adequately cover,” Andersen said. “This isn’t a luxury; these exemptions are essential.”
At the Disability Law Center, resources offer more information about the implications of the bill and what people should be aware of.
