Medicaid Proposals Released and Set for Mark-Up This Week

Sarah Hohman, Director of Government Affairs, NARHC

05/12/2025

Late Sunday night the Energy and Commerce Committee released their proposed bill text aiming to achieve their directive to find $880 billion worth of savings within their jurisdiction.

Most notably in their purview of the Medicaid program, the proposal would:

  • Cap provider taxes
  • Institute work requirements for many adults
  • Increase eligibility checks on Medicaid beneficiaries

The bill also blocks implementation of the Minimum Staffing Long Term Care rule and other Medicaid rules finalized under the Biden Administration.

The Energy and Commerce Committee plans to mark up this legislation tomorrow (Tuesday, May 13).

While these reforms would save the federal government money, they are also estimated to cause coverage losses for millions of Medicaid beneficiaries, according to initial estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.

The majority of these provisions will require states to change how they currently finance their share of Medicaid, and while we cannot anticipate exactly how this will play out, it will likely result in stricter eligibility, provider payment cuts, etc. as states are forced to make difficult budget tradeoffs.

Significant increases in the uninsured population could have negative financial viability impacts for Rural Health Clinics, as we do not receive funding support to treat this patient population.

We encourage RHCs whose House member sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee to use this tool to contact them today, prior to Tuesday afternoon’s markup. Help us urge the Committee to consider proposals that strengthen the Medicaid program, not result in the loss of coverage for millions. If you’re not sure if your Member sits on E&C, you can use the tool to confirm.

This is another step forward in the budget reconciliation process, with many still to go.

We hope you’ll join the NARHC D.C. team for an upcoming members-only webinar on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 2 PM ET where we will review the latest policy and advocacy updates that RHCs need to know. NARHC members can register here.

If you have any questions, please email Sarah.Hohman@narhc.org.

Sincerely,

National Association of Rural Health Clinics