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Our mission is to empower people living with neuromuscular diseases to live longer, more independent lives.
Senate Passes Deeper Cuts to Care; MDA Urges House to Reject Bill
Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 1, 2025 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) released the following statement today, expressing concerns about Senate passage of legislation that makes further substantial cuts to Medicaid and weakens access to coverage through Medicare and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Non-partisan evaluators estimate this legislation could raise the number of uninsured Americans by at least 16 million, a figure that could include children and adults affected by neuromuscular diseases.
The Medicaid proposals passed by the Senate cut nearly $1 trillion from the program and are anticipated to generate longer delays and outright denials for home and community-based services, higher out-of-pocket costs, fewer specialists, and rural hospital closures. The proposed rural hospital stabilization fund to offset these cuts is substantially less than the financial impact the legislation will impose on the nation’s health care system.
Proposals passed by the Senate that expand on House-passed cuts include:
- New work reporting requirements with even more limited exceptions than the House bill
- Increased cost-sharing for certain services
- More reduced flexibility for states to fund their Medicaid programs
- Eligibility and enrollment barriers
- Further limited retroactive coverage for Medicaid recipients
This legislation rolls back access to private health insurance ACA plans by shortening enrollment windows, ending automatic re-enrollment, and imposing stricter eligibility verification while also failing to extend enhanced ACA subsidies that make coverage more affordable. The Senate bill also makes harmful changes to Medicare by preventing the implementation of a rule that would have lowered premiums and cost sharing for beneficiaries, streamlined certain enrollment processes, and expanded access to low-income subsidies. The bill could also force as much as $500 billion in cuts to Medicare over the next 10 years, likely limiting access to care and services for the neuromuscular community.
The legislation now moves to the House for consideration of the Senate’s changes. MDA strongly urges the House to reject the deeper cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and the ACA marketplace included in the Senate’s version of the legislation. We stand ready to work with Congress on solutions that make health care more accessible and affordable for the neuromuscular community.
MDA will keep the neuromuscular community informed as the legislative process continues. In the meantime, we ask the community to please stay engaged, speak out, and contact their House members to express their concerns at MDA.org/Medicaid.
Media contact press@mdausa.org.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization. As strategic partners with the federal government, we work with public officials and administrations of all parties to advance policies that protect the rights, inclusion, dignity, and agency of people with neuromuscular disease. We do not endorse or support candidates or engage in political campaigns or activities. For questions regarding our advocacy work or policy positions, contact advocacy@mdausa.org.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions. For 75 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating support and inclusion of families living with neuromuscular disease. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube
About Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 75th Anniversary
In 2025, the Muscular Dystrophy Association proudly marks 75 years legacy, impact and momentum in the fight against neuromuscular diseases. Since our founding, MDA has been at the forefront of research breakthroughs, providing access to comprehensive care, and championing the rights of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular diseases. This milestone has been made possible by generations of dedicated support from people living with neuromuscular disease, their families, researchers, clinicians, volunteers, and donors—who boldly drive our mission forward. As we look ahead, we remain committed to honoring this legacy, building on the impact we’ve made together, and continuing our momentum toward transformative progress for people living with neuromuscular disorders. Learn more at MDA75.org.
