What are the expected impacts of the Big Beautiful Bill on Medicaid?

• A. Expanded physician networks nationwide with no cost
• B. Reduced federal oversight
• C. Provides universal coverage for all citizens
• D. Increased verification of eligibility, work requirements, and cost sharing, potentially leading to more uninsured individuals.

Answer: (D)

This item tests how policy design influences Medicaid access, specifically when a bill adds stricter eligibility verification, work requirements, and more cost sharing. Tightening verification can cause eligible people to be delayed or denied due to paperwork or data mismatches, and work requirements create a gate that people must meet to stay enrolled. Increased cost sharing raise the out-of-pocket costs for care, which can deter enrollment or renewal, especially for those with very low incomes. When these barriers accumulate, fewer people stay enrolled or qualify, leading to more uninsured individuals. The other ideas imply broader or alternative effects that don’t align with how stricter eligibility checks, work criteria, and cost sharing typically impact enrollment.