As Senate Republicans push forward with legislation aimed at reducing health care coverage for millions of Americans, Senator Bernie Sanders has released a report highlighting the potential consequences. The report focuses on President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” predicting it would lead to a significant rise in uninsured rates across the United States.
According to the findings, the bill could result in an increase in uninsured individuals in every state, nearly doubling rates in states like Florida and Louisiana. Sanders stated, “This report makes it abundantly clear that the reconciliation bill that Republicans are attempting to ram through the Senate this week would be a death sentence for working-class and low-income Americans throughout the country.”
The proposed legislation is expected to cut 19 people from their health insurance for each millionaire household receiving a tax break. Sanders warns of a national health care emergency, noting its impact on rural hospitals and community health centers.
Health care providers from various states have voiced concerns about the bill’s effects. A doctor in Texas expressed fear over potential hospital closures: “These cuts will cause rural hospitals in Texas to close entirely.” In Florida, another doctor warned that reduced services could result in child fatalities: “Plainly said, children will die as a result of these cuts.”
Sanders and Democratic members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee previously urged Chairman Bill Cassidy to hold hearings on the bill’s implications. However, Cassidy declined.
In his conclusion, Sanders emphasized his commitment to opposing the bill: “We cannot allow Republicans to take health care away from 16 million Americans in order to pay for more tax breaks to billionaires.” He reiterated his stance that health care should be considered a right rather than a privilege.
For further details on how uninsured rates may change by state due to this legislation, readers can refer to Sanders’ full report.
