One Big Beautiful Bill Proposes Medicaid Reforms to Protect Children, Elderly, Disabled and Address Misuse Among Able-Bodied

The recently introduced legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill aims to reform Medicaid by protecting vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and the disabled while addressing concerns about program misuse. Proponents argue that the bill includes commonsense provisions to ensure benefits are directed toward those in genuine need, including measures to prevent able-bodied individuals who refuse to work from receiving benefits. Supporters emphasize that these reforms are intended to sustain Medicaid's long-term viability and prevent the program from being weakened by overexpansion. Critics have noted that Medicaid has expanded beyond its original purpose, with approximately one in four Americans currently enrolled, which they argue has diluted the program's effectiveness. The bill has sparked debate over the balance between maintaining a safety net and implementing necessary reforms to improve efficiency and sustainability.