H.R.3321 - Ending Medicaid Discrimination Against the Most Vulnerable Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3321, the "Ending Medicaid Discrimination Against the Most Vulnerable Act," proposes to amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The bill aims to phase out the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for medical assistance provided to low-income adults under Medicaid. This phase-out would occur between 2027 and 2034, with complete elimination by 2035.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be a reduction in federal funding for Medicaid expansion, particularly impacting states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. States would need to either increase their own funding to maintain current coverage levels or reduce eligibility or services. Non-expansion states would not be affected unless they choose to expand Medicaid in the future.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in federal spending and national debt.
- May incentivize states to manage their Medicaid programs more efficiently.
- Could lead to greater state autonomy in healthcare decisions.
- May encourage states to explore alternative healthcare funding models.
- Could reduce the financial burden on taxpayers at the federal level.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential loss of healthcare coverage for low-income adults, especially in expansion states.
- Increased financial burden on states, potentially leading to cuts in other essential services.
- Could exacerbate health disparities and worsen health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
- May lead to increased uncompensated care costs for hospitals and healthcare providers.
- Potential for reduced access to preventative care and early diagnosis of health conditions.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Congress has the power to tax and spend for the general welfare (Article I, Section 8), which includes funding healthcare programs like Medicaid. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, which could support arguments for greater state control over Medicaid funding and eligibility. The bill does not appear to infringe on any individual rights explicitly protected by the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).