Carbajal Warns GOP Budget Bill Could Slash Medicaid Coverage
Tracy Lehr
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Rep. Salud Carbajal and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra joined local health leaders Monday to warn that a Republican-backed budget bill in Congress could lead to sweeping cuts in Medicaid, known as Medi-Cal in California.
The roundtable discussion at CenCal Health comes as Congress considers the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which GOP leaders say will curb federal spending. Critics, including Carbajal and Becerra, argue it could have devastating impacts on health care access nationwide.
“You take a trillion dollars out of hospitals and from doctors throughout this country — there will be consequences,” Becerra said.
The bill, endorsed by former President Donald Trump and GOP congressional leadership, includes provisions that would reduce Medicaid funding by an estimated $792 billion over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The legislation would also impose stricter eligibility rules and expand work requirements for recipients.
Although Trump has publicly said he does not support cutting Medicaid, and GOP leaders claim the bill targets “waste, fraud and abuse,” nonpartisan analysts warn that the proposed changes would leave between 8 million and 10.9 million Americans uninsured.
CenCal Health CEO Marina Owen said the changes would disproportionately affect low-income residents in Santa Barbara County who rely on preventive care.
“People who lose access to health care will skip preventive care, which affects the overall health of our community,” Owen said.
Dr. Rene Bravo, representing the California Medical Association, said political rhetoric around the bill may discourage immigrants from seeking care.
“Don’t miss your appointments. Go to the doctor. Do not succumb to fear. We will do everything we can to protect you,” said Bravo, a pediatrician who expressed particular concern for children.
Carbajal, a Democrat who represents California’s 24th Congressional District, said veterans would also be impacted by Medicaid restrictions.
“This legislation means taking away their health care,” Carbajal said. “That’s why we’re here — to inform the community so they can voice their concerns.”
Jenna Tosh, CEO of Planned Parenthood California Central Coast, said the bill includes a provision that would defund Planned Parenthood from the Medicaid program.
Vanessa Kaelyn Acain of Access Support Network said people with disabilities could face “heartbreaking choices,” including going without caregivers, rationing medications or ending up in institutions.
Senate Republicans, led by Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo of Idaho, are seeking deeper reductions than their House counterparts, including tighter caps on state provider taxes and more aggressive cost-sharing requirements. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri has broken with GOP leadership, calling any cuts to Medicaid a “red line.”
Despite internal divisions, the bill continues to advance through Congress. Carbajal urged constituents to contact their representatives and speak out against the proposed cuts.
The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.