AAPA Statement on the 'One Big Beautiful Bill'
On July 3, 2025, the President and Chair of the Board of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), Todd Pickard, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, FASCO, shared an urgent statement regarding the passage of H.R.1, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." This legislation has raised substantial alarms within the healthcare community, particularly among advocates for vulnerable populations who depend on essential health services.
Grave Consequences for Healthcare in America
The AAPA believes that this bill will have dire implications for the healthcare landscape in the United States. One of the most alarming aspects is the proposal to slash approximately $930 billion from Medicaid funding, alongside $230 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). As a direct consequence, it is estimated that about 12 million Americans may lose their health coverage, significantly increasing the strain on states and healthcare providers.
"Medicaid serves as a crucial safety net for various demographics, including children, the elderly, those with complex medical conditions, and many residents in rural areas," Pickard stated. "The proposed cuts risk destabilizing rural health clinics and hospitals, leading to overwhelmed emergency services and exacerbating difficulties for state governments tasked with making tough choices about healthcare provision."
Impact on Food Security and Overall Well-being
In conjunction with the cuts to Medicaid, the anticipated reductions to SNAP will likely worsen food insecurity for many families—especially those already facing challenges accessing healthcare. Food security is directly linked to health outcomes, and marginalized communities will disproportionately suffer from these dual cuts. "Patients who utilize both Medicaid and SNAP will face even greater obstacles in maintaining their health and well-being," warned Pickard.
Erosion of Recent Healthcare Gains
The legislation also proposes reinstating restrictions on Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits and limiting enrollment periods, which could reverse recent progress made in expanding health coverage. Low and middle-income families now find themselves in jeopardy of slipping through the cracks in a system that previously offered them much-needed support. "The potential rollback in access to ACA provisions undermines years of efforts aimed at ensuring that vulnerable populations receive essential medical care," he emphasized.
Insufficient Resources for Healthcare Providers
The AAPA underscores that while the demand for healthcare continues to rise, the resources available to Physician Assistants (PAs) and their medical counterparts will dwindle as a result of these legislative changes. "PAs play a vital role in delivering quality healthcare to patients across multiple settings,0;the inability to secure adequate guidance and support in a changing healthcare environment could have lasting repercussions on patient care excellence," noted Pickard.
The Future of Healthcare
As the AAPA anticipates the potential ramifications of the One Big Beautiful Bill, the urgency to advocate for those impacted intensifies. PAs are committed to ensuring patient-centered, team-based care remains a priority; however, the ongoing turbulence in healthcare policy presents significant challenges ahead. The next steps hinge on strong advocacy efforts aimed at preserving vital healthcare access for all. For more information about the AAPA and its mission, visit
aapa.org and join the conversation through various social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.
In these uncertain times, the AAPA stands poised to represent the interests of patients and healthcare providers alike amidst an evolving legislative landscape. We must collectively ensure that healthcare remains equitable and accessible to every American.