Protect Medicare From Automatic Cuts Triggered by H.R. 1
Despite repeated promises from President Trump and Republican lawmakers that Medicare would be left untouched, the recently passed H.R. 1 — dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill" — puts Medicare directly in the crosshairs. The legislation is projected to add approximately $3.4 trillion to the federal deficit, which sets off a chain reaction with serious consequences for seniors and healthcare providers across the country.
Under the 2010 Pay-As-You-Go Act (PAYGO), any legislation that significantly increases the federal deficit must be offset by equivalent spending cuts or new revenues. Because H.R. 1 does not include those offsets, the Office of Management and Budget will be required to issue automatic spending cuts — known as "sequesters" — by January 2026. Unlike Social Security and SNAP, Medicare is not protected from these sequesters, meaning it faces an estimated $490 billion in cuts over the next decade. In the near term, that translates to a 4% reduction in Medicare payments to hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare providers.
Congress had the opportunity to include a PAYGO waiver in H.R. 1, but doing so would have required 60 bipartisan votes rather than a simple majority. Instead, the burden now falls on lawmakers to pass separate legislation exempting Medicare from these automatic cuts. Without action, seniors who depend on Medicare could face reduced access to care as providers absorb significant payment reductions.
Your representatives need to hear from you. Urge them to sponsor and support legislation that shields Medicare from the PAYGO sequester triggered by H.R. 1 — and to honor the promise that Medicare benefits will not be cut.
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Live Call Script
Hello, I am an assistant calling on behalf of a constituent, {{first_name}} {{last_name}} from {{city}}, {{state}} zip code {{zip_code}}. I'm calling to urge Representative {{representative_name}} to sponsor and support legislation that would exempt Medicare from the automatic spending cuts triggered by H.R. 1 and the Pay-As-You-Go Act. The bill's massive deficit increase will force a 4% cut in Medicare payments to hospitals and doctors by January 2026 — and that will directly hurt seniors in our community. Lawmakers made a clear promise not to touch Medicare, and it's time to keep that promise by passing a Medicare PAYGO exemption. Thank you so much for your time.
Voicemail Version
I am calling on behalf of {{first_name}} {{last_name}}, a constituent from {{city}}, {{state}} {{zip_code}}. I'm calling to urge {{representative_name}} to support legislation exempting Medicare from the automatic cuts triggered by H.R. 1 and the Pay-As-You-Go Act. Seniors are counting on their Medicare benefits, and Congress must act before these cuts take effect in January 2026. Please pass along this message. You may contact me at {{phone_number}} to discuss further.