We have taken up this task to carefully examine each bill that is claimed to take away Medicaid and Medicare. These programs are essential to millions of Americans, including approximately 92 million Medicaid recipients and 53 million Medicare beneficiaries. Within these numbers, about 18.4 million Black Americans rely on Medicaid, while 7.2 million depend on Medicare for their healthcare needs. The continued fear-mongering surrounding these programs has caused unnecessary anxiety and stress, and we believe it is necessary to set the record straight with the facts.. We know how vital these programs are to seniors and the Black community. The continued fear-mongering is creating so much anxiety and stress that we thought it appropriate to set the record straight on each bill that is claimed to take away someone’s Medicare and Medicaid.
On March 11, 2025, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1968 – The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025. This bill keeps the government open and ensures continued funding for essential programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.
Does This Bill Take Away Medicare or Medicaid?
No. H.R. 1968 does not cut or eliminate Medicare or Medicaid benefits. If you are on these programs, you will continue to receive the same healthcare coverage as before.
What’s in the Bill for Medicare and Medicaid?
- Medicare Sequestration Explained:
- Medicare sequestration is a budget reduction process that automatically cuts payments to healthcare providers, hospitals, and insurance plans to reduce government spending.
- This does not reduce your Medicare benefits or what is covered, but it lowers the reimbursement rates for doctors and hospitals, which could lead some providers to limit Medicare patients.
- H.R. 1968 extends sequestration without increasing the percentage of cuts, meaning no new drastic reductions.
- Medicaid DSH Payment Reductions Delayed:
- The planned payment reductions for hospitals that serve Medicaid patients were originally part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), signed into law under President Obama.
- The ACA by Obama assumed that more Americans would have health insurance, reducing the need for hospitals to provide uncompensated care. As a result, the law included gradual cuts to DSH payments.
- However, because many states did not expand Medicaid, millions remain uninsured, and hospitals still depend on DSH payments to serve low-income patients.
- H.R. 1968 delays these cuts until 2028, ensuring that these hospitals can continue to receive funding and provide necessary care to Medicaid patients.
- Medicare programs like telehealth services and support for low-income beneficiaries are extended, so patients will continue to have access to care and assistance.
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Hakeem Jeffries’ Misleading Claims
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has claimed that H.R. 1968 slashes Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, but the facts do not support his statements. The bill does not cut or eliminate these programs. Instead, it ensures continued funding for Medicare and Medicaid while delaying previously planned Medicaid DSH cuts from the Obama Affordable Care Act (ACA). Jeffries’ rhetoric, suggesting that Republicans are taking a “chainsaw” to these programs, is political fear-mongering that does not align with the bill’s actual provisions.
There is no way that Jeffries could have read the bill in its entirety before making these claims. He stood on the House floor the same night of the vote and made false accusations about the bill’s content. Are we elected to govern responsibly, or are we elected to grandstand for the cameras without even reading the bills we vote on? This kind of reckless misrepresentation only adds to public anxiety and division. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has claimed that H.R. 1968 slashes Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, but the facts do not support his statements. The bill does not cut or eliminate these programs. Instead, it ensures continued funding for Medicare and Medicaid while delaying previously planned Medicaid DSH cuts from the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Jeffries’ rhetoric, suggesting that Republicans are taking a “chainsaw” to these programs, is political fear-mongering that does not align with the bill’s actual provisions.
There has been a lot of fear-mongering and misinformation about Republicans wanting to take away Medicare and Medicaid. This bill proves that is not happening. The passage of H.R. 1968 ensures that both programs continue without interruption or cuts to benefits.
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer
Following the House’s passage of H.R. 1968—the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025—by a narrow margin of 217 to 213, with only one Democrat voting in favor, the bill now moves to the Senate, where Democrats hold the majority. Senate Democrats, led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, will determine the bill’s progression, including potential debates, amendments, or votes. Given the lack of bipartisan support in the House, the Senate may propose modifications to the bill to address Democratic concerns. Any amendments made by the Senate would require the bill to return to the House for approval before proceeding to the President for signature. Now, if the government shuts down, it’s on the Democrats.
Bottom Line:
This is not a support for a Republican agenda; this is only in support of the truth. The facts matter, and misrepresenting legislation only fuels unnecessary fear and division.
This bill keeps Medicare and Medicaid running without taking away coverage. Some providers may see small payment adjustments due to sequestration, but the programs themselves remain intact.
If you are a Medicare or Medicaid recipient, you will continue to receive your benefits as usual. This bill ensures stability, not cuts, in government healthcare funding.
For those who still have doubts, read the bill for yourself. Here’s the full text of H.R. 1968 so you can see exactly what’s in it.
House Bill HR 1968 by damonkjones on Scribd
