Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, released a statement in response to the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) latest update regarding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The bill aims to reform federal health programs and has been debated over its impact on coverage.
Guthrie emphasized that the legislation supports vulnerable Americans by “strengthening, securing, and sustaining our crucial federal health programs.” He addressed criticism from Democratic lawmakers who argued that the bill would result in significant coverage losses.
“The Democrat lies have been loud, but the truth is louder. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a win for American families—especially expectant mothers, their children, low-income seniors, and people with disabilities,” Guthrie said.
According to Guthrie, earlier claims that 17 million people would lose health care coverage due to OBBBA have been contradicted by new CBO data. The updated CBO estimate projects that 10 million individuals currently enrolled in federal health care programs will no longer be covered by 2034. Of these, 5.3 million are described as able-bodied adults choosing not to work; 3.7 million are expected to have access to other forms of insurance; and about 1 million will lose eligibility because they are not U.S. citizens or lawfully permanent residents.
“It’s easy to scare people with coverage loss estimates, but the facts are clear – the vast majority of these individuals are either choosing to lose coverage or aren’t actually eligible for Medicaid, and nearly all are eligible for other forms of coverage,” Guthrie stated.
Guthrie also commented on taxpayers’ responsibilities: “I think about Americans all across the country, who work hard every day but have to pay with their own taxpayer dollars for the health care of millions of able-bodied Americans who are choosing not to work. Republicans will continue to find commonsense solutions that ensure these programs are available for those who need them most, for generations to come.”
He thanked former President Trump for his support and leadership in signing legislation intended “to serve their intended purpose.”
The CBO’s analysis shows that by 2034 an estimated total of 10 million beneficiaries will become uninsured as a result of OBBBA’s provisions: approximately half due to new work requirements under Medicaid; others due either to eligibility restrictions or availability of alternative insurance options.
