The Trump administration is making major changes to Medicaid and Medicare, and if you rely on these programs for healthcare, your coverage could be at risk. With work requirements for Medicaid, stricter eligibility rules, and funding cuts, millions of low-income families, seniors, and disabled individuals could face higher medical costs or lose their benefits entirely.
If you’re worried about how to afford healthcare in 2025, keep reading. We’ll break down what’s changing, who’s at risk, and what you can do if you lose coverage. If you’re also struggling with housing, eviction protection, or finding a stable place to live, check out these resources:
- Top 5 Charities Providing Free Housing for Those in Need
- Eviction Protection Grant Program
- How to Find a Rent-Free Sober Living
What’s Changing with Medicaid and Medicare?
1. Work Requirements for Medicaid
The administration is bringing back work requirements for Medicaid. This means that to qualify for coverage, you’ll have to prove you’re working, volunteering, or in job training. If you don’t meet the requirement, you could lose your Medicaid coverage.
- Who’s at risk? Low-income adults, parents, and people with disabilities who don’t meet the work requirement.
- Where will this happen? States have to apply for approval, but in Trump’s first term, 13 states got permission to enforce work rules. More states are expected to follow in 2025.
If you’re worried about losing Medicaid because you can’t work, some states offer exemptions for caregivers, students, and people with disabilities, but many people could still fall through the cracks.
2. Stricter Medicaid Eligibility Rules
The government is also cracking down on who qualifies for Medicaid. Even if you met the income requirements before, new rules might make it harder to stay on the program.
- They’re increasing fraud investigations. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, is looking for people who “shouldn’t” be on Medicaid.
- This could push thousands of people off the program, even those who still qualify.
3. Medicare Restructuring for Seniors
Medicare is also on the chopping block, with plans to increase out-of-pocket costs for seniors. If you rely on Medicare for healthcare, you could see:
- Higher costs for prescriptions and doctor visits.
- Fewer coverage options, forcing you to pay more for private insurance.
For many seniors on a fixed income, these changes could make it harder to afford medical care.
Who Will Be Affected?
These changes will hit the most vulnerable groups the hardest:
- Low-income families – Work requirements and stricter rules could mean millions of people losing Medicaid coverage.
- Disabled individuals – If you depend on Medicaid for specialist care, therapy, or medical equipment, you might lose access to essential services.
- Seniors – Increased Medicare costs could make it harder for seniors to afford medication and healthcare.
If you’re already struggling with housing and facing discrimination in HUD programs, check out Is DiscriminationBlocking Your Access to HUD Housing? The Truth to learn how to fight back.
What to Do If You Lose Medicaid or Medicare
If these cuts go through, you need a backup plan. Here are some alternative healthcare options if you lose Medicaid or can’t afford Medicare:
1. Health Insurance Marketplace (Obamacare)
- You can apply for a Marketplace health plan within 60 days of losing Medicaid.
- The government offers discounted plans based on income, so some people can get low-cost or free coverage.
- Coverage starts the month after you sign up, so don’t wait if you lose Medicaid.
Apply at HealthCare.gov.
2. Reapply for Medicaid or CHIP
- Even if you lose Medicaid, you might still qualify if your income changes or if you’re in a different category (like being pregnant or disabled).
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is still available for kids in many low-income families.
Apply anytime at Medicaid.gov.
3. Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
- If you or a family member has a job that offers insurance, this may be an option.
- Employers often pay part of the premium, making it cheaper than private insurance.
Check with your employer about enrollment periods.
4. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
- These clinics provide low-cost medical care—even if you don’t have insurance.
- Services include doctor visits, mental health care, and prescriptions at reduced rates based on income.
Find an FQHC near you by searching online or checking with your local health department.
5. Free and Low-Cost Clinics
- Many charities and nonprofits offer free medical care to people without insurance.
- Services may include check-ups, vaccinations, and medications.
Check out local free clinics or nonprofits like The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities.
How Healthcare Cuts Could Increase Homelessness
Without Medicaid or Medicare, low-income families could lose access to medical care, fall into debt, and even face eviction.
- Medical debt is a top reason people become homeless in the U.S.
- Without Medicaid, people with chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, or disabilities may lose stable housing.
- Low-income seniors hit with higher Medicare costs may be forced to choose between rent and medicine.
If you’re at risk of eviction, don’t wait. Eviction Protection Grant Program may be able to help.
Stay informed
The 2025 Medicaid and Medicare changes could leave millions of low-income Americans without healthcare. If you’re at risk of losing coverage:
- Check if you still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
- Apply for a low-cost Marketplace health plan through HealthCare.gov.
- Find a free or low-cost clinic for medical care.
- If you’re struggling with both healthcare and housing, look into programs that offer free or low-cost housing:
Don’t wait until you lose coverage to start looking for alternatives. Stay informed and take action now to protect your healthcare and housing in 2025.