A recent analysis published in The Lancet reveals that potential reductions in Medicaid access could significantly impact mortality rates and financial stability for millions of Americans.

The study suggests that over 600,000 Americans aged 25 to 64 may face catastrophic healthcare expenditures if Medicaid coverage is curtailed.

Researchers estimate that such cuts could lead to approximately 14,660 additional deaths among working-age Americans within a year, with low-income rural populations being particularly vulnerable.

Reversing Medicaid expansion could result in 8.7 million individuals forgoing necessary medical care, which would likely deteriorate health outcomes over time.

The research highlights that cuts to Medicaid funding could jeopardize the viability of hospitals in underserved rural areas, threatening community access to essential healthcare services.

Medicaid currently provides vital health insurance to over 70 million individuals in the U.S., covering a significant proportion of births.

The analysis underscores that preventative care and comprehensive health coverage are cost-saving measures in the long run, potentially preventing larger future healthcare costs.

The research letter was authored by Brooke Nichols from Boston University and Amsterdam University, with contributions from co-authors including Jennifer Dodge from USC.