The Congressional debate on President Trump's and the Republican Party's legislative agenda is heating up. This week the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee advanced its bll which would make significant cuts and changes to Medicaid. Among the changes are work requirements on childless adults 19-64 years old, ending state taxes on health providers, and shortening the Affordable Care Act enrollment period. 

The Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans have a long way to go to sure up support among those in their own party. But MassHealth warned this week that the proposed changes would have devastating effects on Massachusetts - 'hundreds of thousands of residents losing coverage', and the State losing upwards of $1 billion in Federal funds annually. The Healey Administration also unveiled a dashboard showcasing federal funding cuts across all MA programs and services. 

This is a marked shift in MassHealth's public statements in recent months - after repeatedly telling HCA that they were continuing their work as normal and 'keeping their head down.' As these proposals are put into writing and advanced out of committees, the reality of the situation is clearly becoming grave.