Brasie

For the better part of three decades, my career was in healthcare administration. My focus was mostly within geriatrics, people with disabilities, and primary care.

During retirement I still monitor what is occurring with America’s challenging health care delivery system.

Recently, I reviewed aspects of the Big Beautiful Bill passed by Congress and signed by President Donald J. Trump into enactment in July 2025.

In my opinion, the legislation addressing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid is going to take a portion of the nation’s 342 million residents in the wrong direction.These reductions will be significant for many northeastern Michigan residents.

I fully agree that seeking fraud and abuse is important. Look for it and prosecute the relevant users and deliverers.

However, not offering quality nutrition and healthcare coverage at the front end is less expensive than implementing correctional services such as hospitalization, lack of attention or attendance at the work site or in education, family disruptions, and further complicating underlaying medical conditions.

SNAP

The Congressional Budget Office notes there are 42 million households participate in SNAP. Research from the Urban Institute reveals with this law’s enactment 22.3 million households will experience lower SNAP funding or entirely lose it.

The national average for monthly SNAP benefits is nearly $150.

What Congress passed will equate slightly under a $186 billion funding reduction over a ten-year period.

As the bill enacts later this year and into 2026, some of the immediate ramifications are:

· The state of Michigan will need to offer additional cost sharing and contribution

· With 600,000 households this reduction will also affect utility funding of perhaps $100 per month

· With age 18 to 54 participants some may be limited to only three months of SNAP

· Work requirements are mandated with several funding models – however, what happens if the participant’s employer undertakes lay-offs or a dire illness or injury occurs within the household?

MEDICAID

In-depth research from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association and the American Medical Association note in the coming years up to ten million people could lose their Medicaid health care coverage. This includes people currently covered under the Affordable Care Act (AKA Obama Care).

These financial reductions and service access affects children, adults, people with disabilities, and veterans. Over the better part of a decade this equates to a one trillion-dollar funding reduction.

Michigan administers Medicaid funding backed by Federal funds.

M-Live media research indicates by 2028 171,000 Michiganders will lose Medicaid coverage.

The negative ramifications are almost endless. However, here are a few:

· The state of Michigan will need to seek new funding. Perhaps in cost cutting in other areas or raising taxes. The Governor and both Houses are diligently seeking options.

· Health care providers such as hospitals and long-term care facilities will receive lower funding, causing programs to be ceased or actual closures. Not to overlook funding any capital improvements such as equipment and buildings.

· Michigan has 138 hospitals. The respected Beckers Hospital Review notes that at least 13 Michigan hospitals are at risk of ceasing operation.

· Professionals and paraprofessionals, in the healthcare profession; such as nurses, physicians, housekeepers, nursing assistants, and dietary aides will face tougher income and benefit increases. On top of this, many of these individuals are in the 50 and 60 year age groups. They will be seeking retirement. These retirements are big in numbers. The recruitment and backfill, at this time, looks challenging. Also, U.S. Department of Education loan funding for many professions has been reduced by thousands of dollars. On top of this, Michigan has an aging population base to serve.

What the Affected Consumer Must Do

Research the facts and learn how these changes might affect you and your loved ones.

Visit the web sites, write letters or emails, telephone the American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, Michigan Osteopathic Association, Michigan State Medical Society, your elected U.S. Congressperson and Senators dedicated healthcare staff member, state of Michigan House and Senate representatives, Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office, and research established and reputable media sites. Avoid unsubstantiated blogs.

A detailed fact and question/answer site on these two issues can be found at; The “Big Beautiful Bill” Impact: Medicaid Cuts, SNAP Changes, Work Requirements, and Timeline – SNAP Eligibility Calculator

Jeffrey D. Brasie is a retired health care CEO who frequently writes feature stories and op-eds for Michigan newspapers. A Vietnam-era veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve and worked on the public affairs staff of the secretary of the navy. He grew up in Alpena and now lives in suburban Detroit