This week, Capitol Hill was buzzing with passionate protests as lawmakers wrestled with a controversial budget bill.
The proposal, dubbed the “big, beautiful bill” by some supporters, aims to reduce health care spending by nearly $880 billion over the next decade.
But behind the numbers lies a harsh reality: millions of vulnerable Americans could lose their health insurance, including low-income and disabled individuals.
One of the most powerful moments came from Olga, a woman from Youngstown, Ohio, who made her voice heard at the House Ways and Means Committee hearing.
Sitting in a wheelchair, Olga pleaded with lawmakers, shouting, “You will kill me if you cut Medicaid!”
She revealed she is HIV positive and relies on expensive medications costing $10,000 a month to survive.
Her presence was so impactful that Capitol Police eventually wheeled her out after she urged the committee to “Look at me!”
What’s at Stake? The Impact on Medicaid Recipients
The White House’s proposed budget, which is tied to President Trump’s ambitious $5 trillion tax cut plan, seeks to offset costs by slashing federal programs like Medicaid.
This means that people like Olga could face crushing medical bills without insurance coverage.
HIV medications such as Trogarzo and Lenacapavir can run between $9,000 and $12,000 a month—costs that are simply impossible to bear out-of-pocket for most people.
But it’s not just HIV patients who would suffer.
Medicaid supports tens of millions of Americans managing various health conditions, from high blood pressure to bipolar disorder and rheumatoid arthritis.
Many beneficiaries currently pay nothing out-of-pocket but could soon face thousands in medical expenses if these cuts pass.
The Controversial Work Requirements
Part of the Republican plan includes new “work requirements” for able-bodied Medicaid recipients.
They would have to work or participate in education or job training for at least 80 hours a month to remain eligible.
While exceptions exist for the disabled and pregnant women, critics warn these rules add red tape that could cause many to lose coverage simply due to paperwork errors.
Georgia’s experiment with work requirements offers a cautionary tale.
Instead of saving money or improving care, the state’s Medicaid spending per person skyrocketed due to the administrative costs of enforcing these rules.
Thousands lost coverage, and only a fraction of the projected new enrollees signed up—proving the system’s complexity often blocks those who need help most.
Protest and Political Pushback on Capitol Hill
The fight over Medicaid cuts spilled into several tense hearings this week.
Disability advocates and other protesters chanted “Protect Medicaid!” and challenged claims that the program is abused.
Their voices were so loud that Capitol Police had to remove dozens of demonstrators.
Notably, the bill hit a roadblock in the House Budget Committee.
Five Republicans broke ranks to join Democrats in opposing the measure, citing Medicaid cuts as a key issue.
Conservative representatives like Chip Roy and Ralph Norman opposed the bill on principle, while another member switched sides last minute to keep future negotiations open.
What Comes Next?
With the bill failing to advance out of committee, the battle over Medicaid and federal health spending is far from over.
Lawmakers face pressure from constituents like Olga and advocacy groups demanding protections for vital health programs.
The political fight will continue, with huge stakes for millions of Americans relying on Medicaid to survive.
Will Congress find a compromise that balances budget goals with health care needs?
Or will the harsh cuts move forward, leaving millions vulnerable?
The next steps will reveal how policymakers respond to the very real human stories behind the numbers.