The midterms are approaching fast, and polls paint a grim picture for Republicans. GOP candidates are struggling to win over voters concerned about healthcare costs.

Since President Trump returned to office, congressional Republicans have enacted several significant healthcare reforms. Some aim to restrain government spending. Others could put more money in patients' pockets, expand their control over healthcare expenses, or address practices that contribute to high prices.

Consider the Medicaid reforms included in last year's Working Families Tax Cut legislation.

Medicaid spending more than doubled between 2010 and 2024, rising from $397 billion to $932 billion. The new law seeks to restrain that growth, in part by requiring certain working-age beneficiaries to work, volunteer, or participate in education or job training for at least 80 hours per month to maintain their coverage. The requirements generally take effect in January 2027. 

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the requirements will reduce federal Medicaid spending by more than $325 billion over 10 years. 

Those are real savings for current and future taxpayers.

Another provision in the 2025 law cracks down on the use of "provider taxes" to obtain additional federal funding.

Medicaid's........

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