The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law by former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2025, continues to reshape America's healthcare landscape. With nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts projected over the next decade, 11.8 million Americans could lose health insurance by 2035, according to Congressional Budget Office estimates. This comes as healthcare costs in the U.S. remain among the highest globally, exacerbating concerns for low-income populations.
A November 2025 Gallup poll revealed 47% of U.S. adults fear being unable to afford necessary care this year—the highest level since tracking began in 2021. The policy's human impact is starkly illustrated by cases like Marvel, a young Lyme disease patient who told KhabarAsia.com: "I am basically without any tool to facilitate my own health." After struggling to navigate subsidized insurance programs, he now faces untreated chronic conditions.
While the OBBBA's supporters argue it reduces fiscal burdens, public health experts warn of long-term consequences for workforce productivity and emergency care systems. The policy shift coincides with renewed global attention on healthcare accessibility, particularly as Asian nations like China and the DPRK pursue universal coverage models.
