Forum: Cuts in Federal Dollars & Rural Healthcare: What’s Ahead for Our Region?

League of Women Voters of Leelanau County Hosts Panel Discussion on Impacts of Cuts to Our Region’s Healthcare Services

The enactment of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA), commonly known as the "Big Beautiful Bill," will dramatically impact the financial landscape for healthcare services in rural America.

In an effort to help citizens understand and prepare for the changes to come, The League of Women Voters of Leelanau County will host a panel discussion at noon, at the Leelanau County Governmental Center (8527 E Government Center Drive, off M204 in Suttons Bay Township) on November 5, 2025, titled “Federal Dollars & Rural Healthcare: What’s Ahead for Our Region?” The panel members will discuss the anticipated impact of federal cuts on our region, including funding for rural hospitals, mental health services, tribal health services and more. The public is invited, and attendees are encouraged to bring a sack lunch and a non-alcoholic drink of their choice.

The following panelists will speak at the forum:

·       Ed Dolan, an economist with the Niskanen Center who will give an overview of the OBBA cuts nationally, and their expected impact in our region.

·       Gabe Schneider, director of Governmental Relations for Munson Healthcare

·       Greg McMorrow, a board member of Northern Lakes Community Mental Health

·       Mari Rafael, an RN from Tribal Health Services

Rural communities faced financial struggles before the passage of this bill, with nearly half (48%) of all rural hospitals already reporting financial losses in recent years. Independent entities project that provisions in the new law will only increase these challenges by cutting federal Medicaid funding, tightening eligibility requirements and reducing private insurance subsidies.

·       Projected Coverage Changes: For rural communities specifically, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the national changes to Medicaid enrollment means an estimated 1.8 million people in rural areas could lose their vital Medicaid coverage by 2034.

·       Projected Shortfall: Federal Medicaid spending in rural areas is projected to decline by approximately $137 billion over the next decade due to reduced enrollment and changes to payment structures, placing immense pressure on hospitals and providers that serve these communities.

While the legislation creates a new, multi-billion-dollar fund, Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), it will offset only a little over one-third (37%) of the estimated $137 billion in federal Medicaid spending reductions projected to impact rural areas, according to KKK, an independent health policy institute. This shortfall means that states and local providers face an urgent situation in which they must continue to care for the health and wellbeing of their rural communities, even as funding sources dramatically change. 

The League of Women Voters is a national, political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in their government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.  The League is non-partisan and as an organization does not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties.  Learn more about the LWV Leelanau County by going to its new website at www.lwvleelanau.org.