Trump’s Big Medicaid Cuts Are About to Get Very Real
Nebraska has become the first state to implement work requirements for Medicaid expansion enrollees, a policy stemming from President Donald Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill.' The change, effective May 1, could lead to thousands losing health coverage despite many already working or qualifying for exemptions. Amy Behnke, head of the Nebraska Health Center Association, is actively working to prevent coverage losses among the state's vulnerable populations.
- ▪Nebraska implemented Medicaid work requirements starting May 1, 2026, becoming the first state to do so under Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill.'
- ▪Over 70,000 Nebraskans gained Medicaid coverage through expansion after voters approved it via ballot measure in 2020.
- ▪Many Medicaid enrollees already work or are in school, and others may qualify for exemptions due to disabilities or caregiving duties.
- ▪Health officials and advocates are concerned that administrative hurdles could lead to eligible people losing coverage despite meeting exemption criteria.
- ▪President Trump, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and CMS head Mehmet Oz supported the broader Medicaid cuts that included these work requirements.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The BreakdownTrump’s Big Medicaid Cuts Are About to Get Very RealNebraska will be the first test of how many people lose insurance—and who they are.Jonathan CohnMay 03, 2026∙ PaidSharePresident Donald Trump, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Mehmet Oz smile in the Oval Office of the White House on October 10, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)OMAHA, NEBRASKA HAS BEEN BUSTLING with activity these past few days thanks to the annual Berkshire Hathaway weekend, when tens of thousands of investors from around the world gather to hobnob with Warren Buffett while they figure out how to maximize their portfolios.But inside one office, a woman named Amy Behnke has been preoccupied with something very…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Bulwark.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Bulwark
