Healthcare and hunger relief programs may avoid further harmful federal cuts this year. But Alabama Arise members should remain vigilant and keep speaking out against proposed cuts, both now and in the future.
Congress is moving quickly on a budget reconciliation bill, with leadership aiming to pass it by June 1. Senate Republicans on April 21 introduced a proposal that excludes spending cuts and narrowly focuses on funding for ICE and the Border Patrol. However, we worry that other lawmakers may push for cuts to health coverage or food assistance. This could put healthcare and food access at risk for millions of Americans, including here in Alabama.
Budget reconciliation bypasses the Senate filibuster and allows legislation to pass with a simple majority. This means decisions with far-reaching consequences could move quickly, with limited opportunity for debate or compromise. This is the same process used last year to make major nationwide cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, under HR 1, the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Further cuts would hurt those with greatest needs
Medicaid plays an important role in providing health coverage to those who need it most in Alabama. The program primarily serves children, seniors, people with disabilities and pregnant women. Alabama already operates one of the country’s most bare-bones Medicaid programs. Our program has little to no room for cuts without directly impacting people who rely on it for life-saving care.
Because we have not yet expanded Medicaid to cover adults with low incomes, Alabama largely avoided major Medicaid cuts under HR 1. While that softened the immediate impact, it also means further cuts would fall squarely on Alabamians with the greatest needs. That includes children who rely on routine care, seniors in nursing homes, and individuals with disabilities who depend on consistent treatment and support.
Alabama’s healthcare system is under strain
Other parts of the healthcare system are also under strain. Congress allowed enhanced Premium Tax Credits for Healthcare.gov coverage to expire in December, making Marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) more expensive. At least 20,000 fewer Alabamians enrolled in these plans in 2026 as a result. Many who enrolled had to select a lower-quality plan with higher out-of-pocket costs to stay insured.
This increase in the uninsured and underinsured population harms our whole healthcare system. Hospitals, especially in rural areas, face growing financial pressure as they provide care to more uninsured patients while receiving less reimbursement.
These challenges are interconnected. When people lose coverage, they often delay care until conditions worsen. That leads to more serious health issues and higher costs down the line. Hospitals absorb much of this burden. And in communities where margins are already thin, this can threaten access to care for everyone. More cuts to Medicaid or ACA coverage would only deepen these problems.
Your voice matters
This is a critical moment. Congress is acting quickly, and the outcome will have lasting consequences for Alabama families and communities. That is why your voice matters right now. Lawmakers need to hear directly from you about the importance of protecting access to food and healthcare.
Please take action today. Contact your members of Congress and tell them to oppose any cuts to food assistance, Medicaid and ACA coverage. The health and well-being of our communities depend on it.