Last week, Robert Rubin and I expressed our concerns regarding the potential macroeconomic risks associated with the domestic policy bill signed into law by President Trump. Our analysis suggests that the bill is likely to hinder economic growth, increase the risk of a financial crisis, worsen trade deficits, and weaken national security by depleting the government’s borrowing capacity. This context raises significant reasons to regret its enactment.
After discussions with health professionals, including my daughters who work in medicine and social work in rural New Hampshire, it has become increasingly clear that we must shift our focus from macroeconomic indicators to the tangible human consequences of this legislation. I cannot recall feeling as ashamed on a past Fourth of July for a decision made by our country.
During the holiday weekend, while the president celebrated tax cuts benefiting the wealthiest families with an average of over $1 million over the next decade, healthcare professionals grappled with pressing concerns regarding vulnerable populations. They pondered what to communicate to seriously disabled patients who rely on Medicaid for transportation to medical appointments, as they now face losing that support.
They also reflected on how to advise families caring for low-income patients at home, particularly in light of the potential loss of funding for home health aides. Additionally, questions arose about the ethical implications of discharging patients who can’t afford rehabilitation or nursing accommodations and are currently occupying hospital beds urgently needed by critically ill individuals.
This predicament raises troubling inquiries about the core values that underpin medical professionals’ commitments to caring for the most marginalized—especially when policies prioritize the economic wellbeing of the rich over the needs of the vulnerable.
Addressing these challenges calls for reflection on historical precedents in American social policy, particularly in times when the safety net has been diminished. The outcomes of past decisions serve as reminders of the potential repercussions of such legislative actions.
This article brings to light significant issues surrounding the wellbeing of society’s most vulnerable, advocating for a reconsideration of priorities in policy-making. The acknowledgment of these impacts provides a platform for future discussions on ensuring that the needs of all citizens are adequately met, thereby fostering a more equitable society for everyone.