How the Republican health care bill could play out would look different from state to state. Some states would pursue waivers, meaning they wouldn’t need to cover certain health services. Others, like New York, are not expected to pursue the option to drop coverage programs – but still, the proposed federal budget cuts may force some difficult decisions.
"It’s unlikely that in the context of what Congress is calling flexibility that New York would apply for increased flexibility to cut benefits. On the other hand - the other piece of the equation is the amount of funding and the partnership between the state and federal government," says Kate Breslin, president and CEO of the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy.
President Trump’s budget proposal included large cuts to Medicaid funding. While experts say they don’t expect New York would try to cut benefits - less money from the federal government might not leave lawmakers with a choice.
“In the face of such massive, massive reductions in funding - New York state will have to figure out what to do,” Breslin says.
The federal budget proposal as is, Breslin says, would mean change – and not just in health insurance.
“It is without question that New York would have to do something – either significantly raise taxes, raise revenue, or majorly cut any number of programs and services for kids and families. And particularly those who are most vulnerable,” Breslin says.
The American Health Care Act still has several steps to go before it could become law.
