The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” now before the Senate, could result in more than 18,000 preventable deaths annually among Medicare enrollees. Health scholars warn this would stem from low-income beneficiaries losing Medicaid, and with it, automatic access to Medicare’s Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) for prescription drugs.
The bill would delay the implementation of rules that simplify and streamline Medicaid enrollment for older adults and people with disabilities. Without these protections in place, nearly 1.4 million Medicare beneficiaries will lose Medicaid—and likely LIS—making vital medications unaffordable.
Researchers applied mortality data tied to loss of LIS. They estimate that the legislation will cause an additional 18,200 deaths each year among Medicare beneficiaries, primarily those living in the community.
As the researchers note “public insurance saves lives.” The Center for Medicare Advocacy strongly opposes the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” It is a matter of life and death.
May 29, 2025 – A. Bers