THE VBP Blog
A Brewing Crisis: Current Administration’s Healthcare Policies Can Put Consumers at Risk
Examining policy shifts under the current Administration that threaten healthcare access, disability rights, and public health infrastructure.
April 24, 2025 – Over the past several months, there has been upheaval in the healthcare industry. Significant policy changes being implemented or proposed by the Administration have threatened to disrupt Medicare and Medicaid programs and created uncertainty and instability that directly endanger the health and well-being of millions of Americans. Consumers and healthcare providers are facing confusion and anxiety as they navigate a rapidly changing landscape marked by proposed Medicaid work requirements, budget cuts, and aggressive deregulation of Medicare Advantage.
That’s not all, for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), these shifts are particularly alarming. The rollback of ADA compliance measures, coupled with the dismantling of essential diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives, undermines decades of hard-won progress toward equality and independence for this vulnerable community.
These policy decisions risk limiting access to healthcare and exacerbating existing health disparities, ultimately leading to poorer outcomes and reduced quality of life. As advocates, we feel r We are responsible for speaking up, keeping people informed, and serving as a voice for consumers. That’s why we’re launching a new blog series—to take a closer look at how these Administration policy changes are unfolding, what they mean in real terms for consumers, especially seniors, low-income families, and the IDD community, and why it’s critical to stay engaged and proactive in the face of these growing threats.
What to Expect in Our Series Covering the Administration’s Approach to Change Healthcare
In the coming weeks, we will explore specific policy shifts by the Administration that pose direct risks to healthcare access and quality. Each blog will highlight critical areas of concern, providing clear information about their potential impacts and implications for consumers and particularly vulnerable communities.
- Medicaid Funding & State Budgets at Risk: Examining how proposed Medicaid possible cuts, block grants, and funding caps, and changing FPL requirements could strain state budgets, forcing cuts to vital healthcare services and jeopardizing care for millions of Americans.
- Public Health Infrastructure: Analyzing significant budget cuts and staffing reductions at major health agencies like the CMS, ACL, CDC and NIH, and the potential consequences for disease prevention, drug safety, and public health readiness.
- Disability Rights Roll Back: Reviewing the detrimental impacts of rolling back ADA compliance guidelines and dismantling diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs on the rights and daily lives of the IDD community.
- Medicaid Work Requirements and Their Consequences: Highlighting the practical, real-world effects of Medicaid work requirements, including coverage losses, disruptions in care, and increased uncertainty for low-income and disabled individuals.
- Expansion of Medicare Advantage: Discussing the deregulation and rapid expansion of Medicare Advantage plans, focusing on transparency concerns, potential hidden costs, and reduced protections for beneficiaries, particularly seniors and people with chronic health needs.
Administration’s Approach to Healthcare Continues from First Term
While it is important to note that some of these proposals are just that, proposals that have not been enacted yet, they still must be taken seriously. Attacks on the healthcare industry and vulnerable populations are nothing new for President Trump. During his first term, several healthcare policies created significant challenges affecting millions today.
One of the administration’s most controversial actions was approving state requests for Medicaid work requirements. Arkansas implemented these work requirement rules in 2018, resulting in more than 18,000 beneficiaries losing coverage within seven months, primarily due to confusion around new reporting guidelines or inability to meet strict documentation standards. Additionally, the Administration’s repeated attempts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) raised serious concerns among states, healthcare providers, and consumer advocates.
The Administration also reduced funding and support for crucial public health infrastructure well before the COVID-19 pandemic, weakening America’s preparedness. Furthermore, substantial budget cuts were proposed to agencies like the CDC and NIH, hindering vital public health programs, research efforts, and disease surveillance capabilities. In the 2020 budget, the Administration proposed a further 10% cut in CDC funding, equivalent to $750m, which also zeroed out funding for epidemiology and laboratory capacity at state and local levels. This occurred just before COVID-19 began its devastating spread across the globe.
During its first term, the Administration also approved a Wisconsin Medicaid waiver proposal that allowed the state to remove coverage from certain individuals with incomes below the federal poverty line (FPL) if they do not pay an $8 monthly premium. This is despite research showing that premiums significantly reduce low-income people’s participation in health coverage.
During its first term, the Administration also rolled back regulatory provisions protecting against discrimination in healthcare. Section 1557 of the ACA prohibited discrimination against people on the basis race, color, national origin, language proficiency, sex, sex stereotypes, gender identity, age, and disability. However, in 2020, the Administration issued a final rule that gutted many of those provisions. Coupled with the “conscience objection” rule announced in 2019 that allowed for discrimination in healthcare on the basis of religious beliefs.
These initial policy shifts underscore why renewed advocacy and vigilance remain critically important to protecting healthcare access, maintaining disability rights, and ensuring better health outcomes for all Americans, especially vulnerable populations.
Advocate’s Perspective
As consumer and disability advocates, we recognize the threat that the Administration and its policies pose to healthcare access, disability rights, and overall health outcomes across the country. We will stand up to protect hard won improvements in healthcare coverage, public health preparedness, and disability protections, setting back progress by decades. Vulnerable populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families, would suffer the most from these setbacks. We remain committed to closely monitoring developments and standing firmly on the side of consumers and communities whose lives and well-being depend on equitable and accessible healthcare.
Onward!
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About the Author
Fady Sahhar brings over 30 years of senior management experience working with major multinational companies including Sara Lee, Mobil Oil, Tenneco Packaging, Pactiv, Progressive Insurance, Transitions Optical, PPG Industries and Essilor (France).
His corporate responsibilities included new product development, strategic planning, marketing management, and global sales. He has developed a number of global communications networks, launched products in over 45 countries, and managed a number of branded patented products.
About the Co-Author
Mandy Sahhar provides experience in digital marketing, event management, and business development. Her background has allowed her to get in on the ground floor of marketing efforts including website design, content marketing, and trade show planning. Through her modern approach, she focuses on bringing businesses into the new digital age of marketing through unique approaches and focused content creation. With a passion for communications, she can bring a fresh perspective to an ever-changing industry. Mandy has an MBA with a marketing concentration from Canisius College.