Trump voters wanted lower medical bills. But for millions, bills are about to go up [View all]

Trump voters wanted lower medical bills. But for millions, bills are about to go up
https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/07/25/nx-s1-5479075/trump-medical-debt-bbb-health-insurance



July 25, 20255:00 AM ET By Noam Levey


President Trump rode to reelection last fall on voter concerns about prices. But as his administration pares back federal rules and programs designed to protect patients from the high cost of health care, Trump risks pushing more Americans into debt, further straining family budgets already stressed by medical bills.

Millions of people are expected to lose health insurance in the coming years as a result of the tax cut legislation Trump signed this month, leaving them with fewer protections from large bills if they get sick or suffer an accident.

Changes large and small

At the same time, significant increases in health plan premiums on state insurance marketplaces next year will likely push more Americans to either drop coverage or switch to higher-deductible plans that will require them to pay more out of pocket before their insurance kicks in.


Smaller changes to federal rules are poised to bump up patients' bills as well. New federal guidelines for COVID-19 vaccines, for example, will allow health insurers to stop covering the shots for millions, so if patients want the protection, some may have to pay out of pocket.

The new tax cut legislation will also raise the cost of certain doctor visits, requiring copays of up to $35 for some Medicaid enrollees.

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