GOP Faces Internal Struggles Over Medicaid Budget Cuts, Trump Drug Pricing Policy, and Abortion Pill Case

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Republicans Split on Medicaid Reductions as Budget Deadline Approaches

After narrowly passing a budget resolution that signals deep Medicaid spending cuts, congressional Republicans are facing internal conflict on how to implement those reductions. Hardline conservatives are demanding significant rollbacks, while moderates from Medicaid-dependent districts are resisting proposals that could hurt their constituents. As House leaders eye a Memorial Day deadline, the GOP remains divided on which aspects of the $880 billion target over 10 years to pursue without cutting essential benefits.

The Medicaid debate is also entangled with the fate of President Donald Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill,” which aims to combine tax cuts and strict immigration policies. However, a Medicaid compromise remains elusive and could stall the broader legislative package.

Trump Replaces Surgeon General Nominee Amid Controversy

Trump has withdrawn his nomination of Janette Nesheiwat for U.S. surgeon general following questions about her academic record and backlash from far-right conservatives. He has instead nominated Dr. Casey Means, a vocal proponent of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement and a known ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Executive Order to Target Prescription Drug Pricing

Trump is preparing to sign an executive order mandating federal agencies to investigate “most-favored-nation” drug pricing — a move that would tie U.S. drug prices to the lowest rates in comparable countries. This echoes his first-term efforts, which faced legal pushback from the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, Trump plans to implement new tariffs on pharmaceuticals and their ingredients, escalating tensions with drug manufacturers.

Abortion Pill Legal Case Takes an Unexpected Turn

In a surprising move, the Trump administration has aligned with the Biden administration in urging a Texas court to drop a legal challenge to the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. While the administration insists the decision is purely procedural, it has created confusion among both pro-life and pro-choice advocates regarding Trump’s long-term intentions on abortion policy.

Senate Set to Question HHS Secretary Kennedy

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will soon appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee for the first time since his confirmation. Republican committee chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy — a physician — previously expressed concern over Kennedy’s vaccine views and could pose tough questions during the hearing.

Hidden Costs of Preventive Care Highlighted in KFF’s “Bill of the Month”

KFF Health News’ Lauren Sausser spotlighted a case in which a patient received an unexpected bill for a preventive care visit. The story highlights a recurring issue in American health care — patients facing surprise charges for routine services. KFF invites readers to share their own confusing or outrageous medical bills.

Recommended Health Policy Reads from the Panel

Julie Rovner: NPR’s “Fired, Rehired, and Fired Again: Some Federal Workers Find They’re Suddenly Uninsured” by Andrea Hsu.

Maya Goldman: Stat’s “Europe Unveils $565 Million Package To Retain Scientists, and Attract New Ones” by Andrew Joseph.

Anna Edney: Bloomberg’s “A Former TV Writer Found a Health-Care Loophole That Threatens To Blow Up Obamacare” by Zachary R. Mider and Zeke Faux.

Sandhya Raman: Louisiana Illuminator’s “In the Deep South, Health Care Fights Echo Civil Rights Battles” by Anna Claire Vollers.

Also spotlighted:

• ProPublica’s Pulitzer-winning series “Life of the Mother”
• The New York Times’ piece on a Medicaid funding loophole
• KFF’s report on hospital tax strategies
• Axios’ article detailing $98B in 2024 out-of-pocket drug spending

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