Coverage Cancelled: Politics Behind the Health Care Cut

Written By Margaret Lill

Most voters think they’ll see a bad law coming. That it’ll be debated, televised, and voted on in broad daylight. But what’s happening now—especially in healthcare—is quieter, slower, and far more dangerous. Laws are being passed with delayed triggers, vague language, and no public warning. By the time they take effect, the next midterm election will be over, and the damage will be done.

This isn’t just a partisan issue. Whether you’re a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, you probably care about your doctor, your prescriptions, your parents’ nursing home, or your child’s vaccine schedule. What’s unfolding in Ohio and across the country affects everyone.

❓ Why are doctors dropping Aetna?

CVS Health, which owns Aetna, is pulling all ACA individual and family plans by the end of 2025. But some providers aren’t waiting. University Hospitals, one of Northeast Ohio’s largest healthcare systems, is ending its contract with Aetna on October 1, 2025—months before the official exit.

This means thousands of patients will lose in-network access to their doctors, specialists, and hospitals. The reason? Reimbursement disputes and consolidation trends that prioritize corporate profit over patient care.

“When you see a major insurer exit the market, it’s not just about profit—it’s about control,” said Dr. Levin. “Patients lose access, and providers lose autonomy.”

Resource:

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/d/aetna-exit-aca-2026-impact/

❓ What’s happening to Medicare?

Medicare is being quietly reshaped through privatization. Under models like WISER, patients are being nudged—or outright shifted—into private gap insurance plans. These plans often come with narrower networks, higher out-of-pocket costs, and less transparency.

The Build Back Better bill included cuts and structural changes that signal this shift, even if not explicitly labeled as “privatization.” The language is vague, but the impact is clear: traditional Medicare is being hollowed out.

“The language is vague on purpose,” Dr. Levin warned. “It’s designed to sound like reform, but it’s really erosion.”

This matters because Medicare isn’t just a senior benefit—it’s a lifeline for millions of Americans with disabilities, chronic conditions, and limited income.

Resource:

❓ What about Medicaid?

Medicaid is facing a two-pronged attack: delayed cuts and complex requalification processes. This tactic was used in Arkansas, where 20,000 people lost coverage after being required to reapply under confusing new rules. Ohio is now following suit.

Ohio’s Medicaid expansion covers over 700,000 people—including half of all births and immunizations in the state. But instead of notifying recipients directly, the state is shifting the burden onto individuals to requalify, often without clear instructions or support.

“If you make the process harder, fewer people will succeed. That’s the point,” said Williams. “It’s disenfranchisement through paperwork.”

This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—it’s a deliberate strategy to shrink the safety net without public debate.

Resources:

❓ What’s the impact on nursing homes?

If Medicaid cuts go through, 1 in 4 nursing homes may close, especially in rural and low-income areas. Medicaid is the primary payer for long-term care in the U.S., covering services like skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitation.

Without adequate funding, facilities can’t accept new patients, leading to overcrowded emergency rooms, delayed hospital discharges, and increased mental health crises—especially for older adults and people with disabilities.

This isn’t just a healthcare issue—it’s a housing crisis, a workforce issue, and a moral one.

Resources:

❓ What’s happening with vaccines?

RFK Jr., now a presidential candidate, has replaced the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ASIP) with appointees who lack medical or scientific credentials. This threatens the integrity of vaccine recommendations and could lead to reduced coverage for essential vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella).

MMR requires 95% community uptake to prevent outbreaks. Undermining ASIP could lead to lower vaccination rates, increased liability for providers, and reduced access for families.

“We’re seeing science replaced with ideology,” Dr. Levin said. “That’s not just dangerous—it’s deadly.”

This shift isn’t just about one candidate—it’s part of a broader trend of politicizing public health and dismantling expert-led systems.

Resources:

❓ What’s the broader strategy?

The GOP is using trigger language—laws passed now, activated later—to avoid electoral backlash. These laws are often buried in budget bills or administrative rules, with activation dates set for after major elections.

“It’s a bait-and-switch,” Williams explained. “They pass the law, delay the pain, and hope voters don’t connect the dots.”

This tactic has historical precedent. In 2018, Arkansas quietly purged Medicaid rolls. In 2023, Ohio inserted trigger language into its budget. In 2026, the consequences will hit—and many voters won’t know what happened or why.

Resources:

Panelist Bios

👩‍⚕️ Patrice Williams

Role: STNA (State Tested Nursing Assistant) at Majestic Care, Columbus, OH

  • Over 5 years of experience in long-term care and memory support

  • Specializes in pressure ulcer prevention, emotional support, and hygiene assistance

  • Known for compassionate care and strong HIPAA compliance

  • Volunteer experience with Heart Organization, Inc., supporting child advocacy and forensic interviews

  • Currently pursuing LPN licensure through Hondros College of Nursing (expected 2025)

🏛️ Sue Durichko

Role: Councilmember, Parma Heights City Council – At Large Background:

🩺 Dr. Seth Levin, DO

Specialty: Gastroenterology Affiliations:

🗝️ Keyword Terms

Trigger Law

A law that’s passed but doesn’t take effect until a specific event or date—often used to delay public backlash. Example: Medicaid cuts passed in 2023 but triggered in 2026.

Privatization

When public services like Medicare or Medicaid are shifted to private companies. This can reduce access and increase costs for patients.

Gap Insurance

Extra insurance that covers what Medicare doesn’t. Often sold by private companies and may replace traditional Medicare coverage.

ASIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices)

A group of medical experts who recommend which vaccines are safe and necessary. Replacing them with non-experts can lead to unsafe policies.

Thimerosal

A mercury-based preservative once used in vaccines. It’s been removed from nearly all U.S. vaccines since 2025 due to public concern, even though studies showed it was safe.

MMR Vaccine

Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Requires 95% community uptake to prevent outbreaks.

Requalification (Medicaid)

The process of proving you still qualify for Medicaid. Often made harder through paperwork or unclear instructions, leading to loss of coverage.

Vaccine Uptake

The percentage of people in a population who get vaccinated. High uptake is needed to prevent disease spread.

Consolidation (Healthcare)

When hospitals or insurance companies merge, reducing competition and often limiting patient choice.

Trigger laws aren’t new. They’ve been used to delay abortion bans, suppress voting rights, and now, quietly dismantle public health systems. The strategy is simple: pass the law now, activate it later, and hope voters don’t notice until it’s too late.

In 2018, Arkansas used this tactic to purge Medicaid rolls. In 2023, Ohio inserted trigger language into budget bills. In 2026, the trap is set—and the countdown is ticking.

This isn’t just about policy—it’s about trust. When lawmakers hide the consequences until after the election, they’re not just playing politics. They’re stealing time, choices, and care from the people who need it most.

So before you vote, ask yourself: Who benefits from delay? And who’s left paying the price?

Margaret Lill https://www.bereadems.org
Previous

Short-Term Rentals and the Long-Term Impacts
Next

Making Laws from Street to State