Senator Bernie Sanders, the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), has reached out to health care providers nationwide for their input on the potential impact of a new budget bill proposed by Republicans. The bill, referred to as Trump’s “big, beautiful” budget bill, aims to reduce federal health care programs by over $1 trillion and could result in 16 million people losing their health insurance.
Sanders expressed concern that Congress has not fully evaluated the implications of these cuts before advancing the bill to the Senate floor. He noted that no committee hearings or markups have been held. “Ranking Member Sanders welcomes information from all health care providers,” he stated, encouraging submissions from various health institutions and professionals.
The deadline for responses is June 20, 2025. Providers can send their feedback to providerinput@help.senate.gov.
According to Sanders’ request letter, these cuts are unprecedented in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) history. Estimates from Yale School of Public Health and Leonard Davis Institute suggest over 51,000 annual deaths could occur due to these changes. Additionally, premiums may increase for seniors while children and individuals with disabilities might lose coverage.
Sanders criticized the Senate’s approach compared to when the ACA was enacted. Back then, extensive consultations were held with medical stakeholders. In contrast, this current process lacks similar engagement with those affected.
He urged providers to answer specific questions about how these provisions would impact patient care and operations within their facilities. Questions cover topics such as Medicaid work requirements and documentation needs under ACA enrollment processes.
In closing his letter seeking input from providers across America on what this means for organizations—and more importantly—their patients’ well-being amidst sweeping policy shifts contemplated within House reconciliation bills now poised toward passage through legislative channels soon thereafter: “Thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses,” wrote Senator Sanders respectfully addressing fellow citizens working tirelessly within our nation’s healthcare system today.”
