00:00A high-stakes budget battle is unfolding in the Senate, with significant revisions to a massive
00:04reconciliation package that could fundamentally alter Medicaid. At the core of the debate is a
00:10push to make 2017 tax cuts permanent, requiring immense savings to offset the cost. Senate
00:17committees are now targeting Medicaid, proposing deeper cuts than initially envisioned by the
00:21House. A key provision attracting widespread concern is the proposed limit on how much states
00:27can tax Medicaid providers. The Senate version slashes the cap from the House's 6% to a
00:33stringent 3.5% by 2031. This seemingly technical change has profound implications, provider taxes
00:41are a vital mechanism for states to secure federal Medicaid dollars. Senator Susan Collins of Maine has
00:47been a vocal opponent, warning of a devastating effect on rural hospitals in her state, fearing
00:52potential closures. She's advocating for a provider relief fund to safeguard these essential
00:58facilities. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has also publicly decried the bill, arguing against
01:04cutting a major funding source for rural hospitals to finance other priorities. While the Senate's
01:10bill does offer some concessions, softening new Medicaid work requirements by exempting enrollees
01:15with dependents under 14, concerns about practical implementation persist. Senator Lisa Murkowski of
01:21Alaska, despite her state not using provider taxes, fears that new work and eligibility requirements
01:26would still hurt small and rural hospitals due to the sheer difficulty of implementation across her vast
01:32and unique state. The broader worry among some Republican senators is a potential shift too much of
01:37Medicaid, KESS costs onto the states and lower-income Americans, with President Trump demanding a July 4th
01:43deadline, intense negotiations are underway, and the future of Medicaid funding for millions remains uncertain.
01:49Money Explainers
01:51Money Explainers
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