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Welcome to The Logoff. Right now I’m targeted on Donald Trump’s blended messages on the destiny of Medicaid, the low-income medical insurance program that greater than 70 million Individuals rely on.
Trump says quite a lot of issues. Why does this matter now? As a result of Home Republicans handed a invoice on Tuesday that requires $2 trillion in spending cuts over 10 years. The invoice asks the committee that oversees Medicaid and Medicare to determine $880 billion in financial savings. Provided that Medicare (well being take care of seniors) is politically untouchable, that appears like a name for steep cuts to Medicaid.
Why give attention to “fraud”? Republicans have been reluctant to suggest structural adjustments to Medicaid, because it’s unpopular to remove medical insurance from individuals who want it — notably whereas chopping taxes for the rich. As a substitute, Trump and different prime GOP officers have pledged to root out “fraud.” That’s extra politically palatable, however the math doesn’t work. There’s merely not sufficient fraud within the system to get wherever close to the scope of financial savings Republicans are searching for.
What’s subsequent? Are Medicaid cuts coming? It’s method too quickly to know. This Home invoice solely units general numbers for tax and spending cuts. GOP lawmakers nonetheless need to craft a separate invoice that lays out what particular applications ought to get reduce. If Medicaid cuts make it into that invoice, then it’s an indication this system is on the chopping block.
However even then, it wouldn’t be sure that the cuts would ever grow to be legislation. Republicans have solely a tiny majority within the Home; they’ve to search out one thing mainly their complete caucus can agree on. Briefly, if even a handful of Republicans balk at chopping Medicaid, the low-income medical insurance program may emerge unscathed.
And with that, it’s time to log out …
It’s 62 levels proper now in DC, so for those who’re there, I can not suggest something on-line that’s going to match the psychic worth of going exterior. If the climate just isn’t as good the place you might be, my heartfelt condolences. As a comfort prize, right here’s a stunning essay about, effectively, being at peace with your self, imperfect although all of us are. Take excellent care as we speak. See you again right here tomorrow.
