When it comes to healthcare in the US, it’s not just about medicines or doctor’s fees—it’s about people’s lives, their dreams, and the security of their future. At a time when economic inequality is growing and middle-class families are already struggling with inflation and unemployment, the Trump administration’s proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” has brought a new concern for many Americans. The bill proposes $1.1 trillion in healthcare cuts that could not only deprive millions of people of their insurance but could also leave many families with up to $22,800 in additional medical debt.
This debt isn’t just a number—it affects the dreams of a young couple looking to buy their first home, affects the medicines of an elderly woman who lives off her pension every month, and jeopardizes the education of a student who dreams of becoming a doctor in the future. That’s why the impact of this bill can’t be ignored as just a part of the budget.
$1.1 trillion cut: Whose health will be affected by this economic policy?
The $1.1 trillion cut in health services under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is focused on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), about 11 million American citizens may lose their health insurance if this proposal is implemented. This figure confirms that the biggest burden of this budget will fall on poor and middle-class families.
The CBO further said that about 4 million more people may be out of the scope of insurance due to the end of ACA subsidy, and 900,000 more people may lose their coverage due to changes in ACA rules. According to the Third Way report, adding all these figures, a total of 16 million people will be deprived of health insurance, out of which 7.8 million will be Medicaid beneficiaries and 8.2 million will be people covered under ACA. These figures show that this bill is not just a cut in government spending but has become a question of security for millions of families.
$50 Billion Liability: Medical Debt a New Epidemic in America
Another shocking fact has come to light in the report published by Third Way—if this bill is passed, the total amount of medical debt in America will reach $50 billion. Currently this figure is $340 billion, and due to the proposed changes, it can increase by 15%. This increase is not just an economic burden, but it can become a future uncertainty for millions of people who are already facing difficulty in living.
The report says that 5.4 million new people can join families that already have medical debt. Ending Medicaid coverage can put 2.2 million families in debt, while the changes in ACA can put 3.2 million people in additional debt. These numbers make it clear that the lack of access to health insurance can change the course of anyone’s life—and that too in the opposite direction.
Average debt of up to $22,800: The end of a family’s dreams?
The most worrying aspect of this report is that 87% of families who previously had no medical debt could incur a new debt of up to $22,800. On the other hand, families who already had debt could incur an additional burden of $8,790 on average, which would be added to the existing $13,490. This can lead to not just financial burden but also mental stress, social insecurity, and emotional breakdown.
Third Way’s senior policy expert David Kendall rightly said, “This debt can become a hindrance to people’s dreams. Whether it is college education, a secure retirement, or plans to buy their own home—medical debt is an obstacle in every direction.”
Government’s argument: A justification for the scam or turning away from reality?
The White House argues that the purpose of these spending cuts is to eliminate “waste, fraud and abuse” in government schemes. The Trump administration is calling it an “economic windfall” for “working- and middle-class Americans.” They say that this will lead to tax breaks, wage increases and increased income.
But the opposition has a completely different view. Democratic senators Jeff Merkley, Cory Booker, Chuck Schumer and Ron Wyden have written a letter to Republican leaders criticizing this bill and appealing to stop it. They argue that “reducing medical debt should be a national priority and there should be a consensus on this in both parties.” They also said that 16 US states have either forgiven medical debt or started the process of removing it from the credit report.
Why is it important to have insurance: facts and emotions together
Insurance is not just a piece of paper—it protects your life and future in times of crisis. A 2013 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that Medicaid coverage reduced medical debt by 13.28 percent. The study was based on experiences in the state of Oregon before Medicaid expansion.
When uninsured, people miss out on needed treatment, skip medications, cut back on food and other essential expenses, and often end up in debt. This impacts not just individuals but the entire economy—consumption falls, markets stagnate, and economic growth slows.
There’s still time: Can this be prevented?
The senators are clear—”If this bill becomes law, America’s working class will sink deeper into medical debt. But it’s not too late yet.” The truth is that sometimes pausing and thinking before making policy decisions can avert major tragedies in the future. If policymakers understand the needs of ordinary citizens, their struggles in life, and their dreams even now, then perhaps this crisis can be avoided.
Conclusion: Healthcare is not a luxury; it is a basic right.
Medical debt is not just an economic issue; it is a matter of social and moral responsibility. At a time when millions of people in America are already struggling with a lack of insurance, such a bill will further increase their troubles. It is important to understand that health care is not a privilege but a basic necessity, and it should not be used as a tool for politics.
If the government really wants to work in the interest of the common man, then it must make services like health insurance accessible, affordable and reliable—not limit them and put more burden on the public.
FAQs
Q. What is the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”?
A. It is a proposed Republican budget bill that includes $1.1 trillion in cuts to health care, targeting Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage.
Q. How many people may lose health coverage if the bill passes?
A. An estimated 16 million people could lose health insurance, including 7.8 million on Medicaid and 8.2 million with ACA coverage.
Q. How much could medical debt increase due to the bill?
A. Medical debt in the U.S. could rise by $50 billion, a 15% increase over current levels.
Q. What is the average new medical debt a family could face?
A. Families without prior debt could incur up to $22,800 on average, while those with existing debt may add around $8,790 more.
Q. Is the bill already law?
A. No, it has been passed by the House but is still under review in the Senate and has not been enacted into law.
