MCMS Opposes "One Big Beautiful Bill," Citing Concerns for Patient Healthcare Access
“Now that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has been signed into law, we face unprecedented challenges: deep cuts to Medicaid will directly impact physicians’ ability to serve patients and stretch our healthcare system to the breaking point. As Board President, I urge our community to unite in advocacy because protecting patient access, private practices, physician autonomy, and the very democracy of our healthcare is more critical than ever.”
— Dr. Jane Lyons, Board President, Maricopa County Medical Society
For Release: Monday, July 11, 2025
Phoenix, Arizona – Maricopa County Medical Society (MCMS), which represents over 13,100 physicians across Maricopa County is issuing a strong statement today opposing the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that was passed through Congress and signed into law by the United States of America President, Donald J. Trump, on July 4, 2025. Although the legislation is being presented as a comprehensive solution to healthcare challenges, it is poised to cause more harm than good—significantly restricting access to care for underserved and vulnerable populations, while placing additional strain on our already fragile healthcare system and the medical professionals who help sustain it.
MCMS has outlined several key issues:
Cuts to Safety Net Programs
The bill proposes major reductions in federal funding for Medicaid expansion and community health centers. These programs are often the only source of care for low-income individuals, rural residents, and those without employer-sponsor insurance.
New Barriers to Coverage
Within the OBBBA, beneficiaries will be ensnared in a web of red tape and bureaucracy. The law requires more frequent eligibility re-verifications, complex document submissions, and tighter reporting deadlines each step increasing the likelihood of administrative disenrollment. States can impose stringent work or community engagement mandates, complicating renewals and funneling applicants into convoluted exemption processes. At the same time, cuts to ACA marketplace subsidies through reduced premium tax credits and the elimination of cost-sharing reductions will drive up costs and force families to navigate a maze of paperwork just to keep their coverage. These combined barriers threaten to push millions off their existing health plans and deepen disparities in access to care.
Erosion of Public Health Infrastructure
Provisions within the bill significantly scale back federal investments in preventive services, maternal health, and chronic disease management services that are proven to reduce costs and save lives.
Politicization of Medical Practice
Language in the bill allows for political interference in clinical decision-making, infringing on the physician-patient relationship and challenging the autonomy of providers to deliver evidence-based care.
Misrepresentation of Healthcare Reform
The bill’s packaging of unrelated policy items into a single “omnibus” format obscures its real consequences and prevents informed public debate.
We urge all physicians to stay informed and consider how this legislation could reshape the landscape of care, particularly for Medicaid-reliant populations and small or independent practices.
About MCMS:
Founded in 1892, MCMS is Arizona’s oldest and most respected medical association. For over 133 years, MCMS has fostered meaningful connections among physicians, healthcare professionals, dignitaries, and business partners across the county and state.
Our Mission at MCMS: to promote excellence in the quality of care and the health of the community, and to represent and serve its members by acting as a strong, collective physician voice.
A strong, collective physician voice. #MCMSStrong
Contact:
Edward Araujo, Director of Marketing & Communications for the Maricopa County Medical Society (MCMS), (602) 417-2303 or email at earaujo@mcmsonline.com.