The Future of Medicaid: What RFK Jr.’s Nomination Means for Millions of Americans

Medicaid on the Chopping Block? What’s at Stake

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces confirmation hearings to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), his statements on Medicaid have sparked concerns about potential deep cuts to a program that provides health coverage for more than 80 million low-income Americans, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

While President Donald Trump has vowed to protect Medicare, his campaign made no such promise about Medicaid—and now, with congressional Republicans pushing for budget cuts, Kennedy’s leadership could signal major changes to the program.

With one in five Americans relying on Medicaid, the stakes could not be higher. What happens next will impact millions of lives, particularly those in vulnerable communities, including immigrants, rural residents, and seniors in long-term care.

Kennedy’s Medicaid Reform Plan: A Shift to “Personal Accountability”

During his Senate hearing, Kennedy said he does not have a comprehensive Medicaid proposal but supports “experimenting” with state pilot programs. His remarks suggest he would push for:

✔ Value-Based Care – Shifting Medicaid away from fee-for-service payments to an outcome-based system where doctors and hospitals are paid for patient health improvements rather than the number of procedures performed.

✔ Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) – Encouraging low-income individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars for health expenses, a move critics say benefits higher-income Americans more than Medicaid recipients, who already qualify for free or low-cost care.

✔ Health Cooperatives – Promoting community-based health organizations as alternatives to traditional Medicaid plans, though the funding and sustainability of these models remain unclear.

Kennedy also falsely claimed that premiums and deductibles are too high for Medicaid recipients, when in fact most Medicaid enrollees do not pay premiums or deductibles at all. His emphasis on “personal accountability” raises concerns that the Trump administration may impose new work requirements or cost-sharing measures that could limit access to care.

The Bigger Picture: Chronic Disease and Drug Prices

Kennedy framed chronic disease as the primary driver of Medicaid costs, arguing that the U.S. spends more on health care than other countries because Americans are sicker. He suggested that cutting costs without addressing chronic disease is like “moving deck chairs on the Titanic.”

While investing in preventative care is crucial, Medicaid’s core mission is to provide access to healthcare for those who need it most, regardless of their health status. If reform efforts prioritize cost-cutting over coverage expansion, the most vulnerable patients could be left without care.

On prescription drug prices, Kennedy claimed that Trump supports Medicare negotiations to lower costs under the Inflation Reduction Act—but the administration has yet to issue an executive order to confirm this commitment. With congressional Republicans working to repeal the law, access to affordable medications remains uncertain.

What This Means for Immigrants and Low-Income Families

For immigrants, refugees, and working-class families, Medicaid serves as a lifeline—providing everything from prenatal care to emergency services to long-term nursing home coverage.

If the Trump administration and congressional Republicans move forward with Medicaid cuts, the impact could be devastating:

🔴 Millions could lose coverage – Reductions in federal funding could force states to tighten eligibility, leaving low-income families, children, and seniors without healthcare.

🔴 Work requirements could return – Trump previously attempted to impose Medicaid work requirements, a policy that led to thousands of low-income individuals losing coverage in states that implemented it.

🔴 Fewer protections for noncitizens – Many immigrants, including Green Card holders, rely on Medicaid for coverage. Cuts could make it even harder for immigrant families to access the care they need.

🔴 Closures of rural hospitals and nursing homes – Medicaid funds nearly two-thirds of nursing home care in the U.S. Cuts could lead to closures of long-term care facilities and hospitals, particularly in rural areas.

How Amba Law Can Help

If Medicaid changes affect you or your family, it is crucial to understand your rights and options. At Amba Law Immigration Solutions, we are committed to helping immigrants and low-income families navigate these uncertain times.

✔ Medicaid Eligibility and Public Charge Concerns – We provide legal guidance on how Medicaid enrollment impacts immigration status, including public charge determinations.

✔ Healthcare Access for Immigrant Families – Understanding what benefits you qualify for is essential. We can help identify healthcare options available to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

✔ Legal Support for Healthcare Workers – Many immigrants work in healthcare and may be affected by Medicaid funding changes. We assist with work visa applications, renewals, and employment-based immigration matters.

📞 Contact us today for a consultation.

The Fight for Medicaid is Just Beginning

The confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary will shape the future of Medicaid. If Republicans in Congress push forward funding cuts and work requirements, millions of Americans—particularly immigrants, seniors, and low-income families—could see their access to healthcare reduced or eliminated.

But this fight is not over. Advocates, healthcare organizations, and legal professionals are mobilizing to protect Medicaid and ensure that those who need care the most are not left behind.

📞 For individuals and families facing questions about Medicaid, immigration status, or healthcare access, Amba Law is here to help. If you need legal assistance, contact us today to learn about your rights and options.

Healthcare is a right—not a privilege. The fight to protect it starts now

⚖️ Legal Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique. For legal assistance tailored to your specific situation, contact us today to schedule a consultation!