MGMA weighs in on Washington’s political turmoil, Medicaid cuts and healthcare policy uncertainty
The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) is raising concerns over the rapid pace of healthcare policy shifts in Washington, noting both the immediate and long-term implications for physician practices and patients.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” said Anders Gilberg, senior vice president of government affairs at MGMA. “Rarely do we have an administration come in and do so much in such a short period of time.”
Since the Trump administration took office alongside a Republican-controlled Congress, policy activity has spanned everything from executive orders and voluntary pledges by insurers and health IT companies, to more binding legislative changes. Gilberg noted that, while some voluntary industry commitments such as reforms to prior authorization or patient data access garner headlines, they often mirror regulatory requirements already scheduled to take effect.
“The marquee Republican achievement that is pretty impressive for such a short period of time was the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which had a number of healthcare provisions in it related to Medicaid especially. And so those are legitimate policy proposals that we are watching very closely,” Gilberg said.
Unlike voluntary pledges, some proposals carry significant weight and could reshape healthcare access in the coming years.
Among the most controversial provisions are cuts to Medicaid, which the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates could affect up to 10 million people. While the changes primarily take effect in 2027 and 2028, after the next congressional election, MGMA has already heard reports from members that practices are making decisions today based on the anticipated reductions.
“Some practices in underserved communities that were already operating at a loss have chosen to close locations,” Gilberg explained. “Even the perception of future Medicaid cuts is having ripple effects now.”
Gilberg emphasized MGMA’s bipartisan approach, working with both parties to ensure policies reflect the realities of healthcare delivery. But he warned that the financial burden of reduced Medicaid coverage will not disappear. Instead, it will shift.
“If somebody shows up in the emergency room, physicians are required by law under EMTALA to treat that patient. Somebody pays the bill,” he said. “If it’s not the state or federal government, it ends up being the providers or the system itself.”
Looking ahead, Gilberg expects political pressures to keep Medicaid policy fluid, with lawmakers in states heavily dependent on Medicaid already proposing rollbacks to portions of the legislation. For now, MGMA is urging its members to prepare for uncertainty, as both policy reality and political perception shape the healthcare landscape.
Dave Fornell has covered healthcare for more than 17 years, with a focus in cardiology and radiology. Fornell is a 5-time winner of a Jesse H. Neal Award, the most prestigious editorial honors in the field of specialized journalism. The wins included best technical content, best use of social media and best COVID-19 coverage. Fornell was also a three-time Neal finalist for best range of work by a single author. He produces more than 100 editorial videos each year, most of them interviews with key opinion leaders in medicine. He also writes technical articles, covers key trends, conducts video hospital site visits, and is very involved with social media. E-mail: [email protected]