美媒：削减政策令美国医保雪上加霜

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the impending negative impact of U.S. government budget cuts on healthcare, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as disabled individuals and low-income families [1][4]. Group 1: Impact on Healthcare Access - Proposed budget cuts to Medicaid and other healthcare programs are expected to exacerbate the already dire state of the U.S. healthcare system, potentially leading to the deaths of 51,000 Americans annually due to loss of insurance [1]. - The "Build Back Better Act" could result in approximately 15 million Americans losing their health insurance, which is closely linked to premature mortality [1]. Group 2: Personal Stories and Financial Strain - Melinda Price, a middle-aged woman with disabilities, exemplifies the struggles faced by many; despite having insurance, her medical bills exceed her income, leading to significant debt and loss of housing [2]. - Millions of Americans, including those with diabetes and hypertension, rely on the "food stamp" program for survival, but the proposed cuts could strip about 4 million people of their benefits, leading to an estimated 93,000 premature deaths by 2039 [2]. Group 3: Public Health Consequences - Budget reductions not only limit access to clinical services but also hinder vaccination efforts and addiction-related public health support, potentially increasing the number of untreated substance abusers by 101,000 annually [3]. - The attempt to eliminate funding for the Public Health Service Act's Section 10 would deprive nearly 3 million low-income Americans of essential services like cancer screenings and STD treatments [3]. Group 4: Societal Implications - The dismantling of the social safety net is placing American lives at risk, moving away from the need for a comprehensive healthcare system that covers all citizens [4].