The bill represents the largest healthcare cut in history
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This morning, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the Big, Beautiful Bill Act—legislation that would require states to make unprecedented cuts to Medicaid, institute costly new paperwork requirements and create a maze of barriers to health coverage for the nearly 100 million Americans who rely on Medicaid or the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces for their health coverage. Yesterday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the bill also would force $500 billion in cuts to Medicare, an essential program for older patients. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) strongly condemns the bill, which would threaten access to care for millions of people, including blood cancer patients.
LLS issued the following statement from Dr. Gwen Nichols, chief medical officer, in response to House passage of the legislation:
“We are deeply alarmed that the House has passed a bill that represents the largest healthcare cut in history, terminating health coverage for at least 15 million people—including children, seniors, people with disabilities, caregivers, working adults with low incomes, and patients with complex health conditions, including blood cancers. Despite promises to spare older adults on Medicare from harmful cuts, we now know that the bill would require $500 billion in automatic cuts to Medicare—threatening seniors’ access to cancer care. These cuts would unravel years of progress in helping people across the country gain access to lifesaving healthcare.
“For months, House leaders promised the public this bill would not harm the most vulnerable or cut healthcare benefits, but that’s exactly what it would do. Seniors, kids, and people with cancer are facing devastating cuts to their care.
“Blood cancer patients are worried—and for good reason. For many, this bill poses a direct threat to their survival. Imagine receiving a cancer diagnosis or undergoing costly chemotherapy treatment, only to lose access to the care that keeps you alive. Picture caring for a child with cancer—a round-the-clock responsibility—while being forced to navigate complex bureaucratic red tape just to maintain health coverage. These are not hypotheticals—they’re the everyday realities for cancer patients and their families who count on Medicaid, Medicare or the ACA to get the care they need when they need it. Their lives will be turned upside down if this bill becomes law.
“People across the country are clamoring for lawmakers to make healthcare more affordable, but the House has passed a bill that would make it more expensive, undercut its quality, and put it entirely out of reach for millions of people. It’s not what people want—and it’s not what they deserve.
“LLS strongly opposes this bill, and we urge the Senate to reject these dangerous policies, honor their promises to protect vital health insurance programs and reaffirm their commitment to the dignity, health and survival of all.”
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About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the global leader and innovator in creating a world without blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. LLS is focused on accelerating research, providing free support and services, and advocating for policies to ensure access to quality, affordable care. For more than 75 years, LLS has been helping blood cancer patients live longer, better lives. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org
Media contact: Kathy Melley, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, (617) 791-0708