Michigan Families Worry About Affording Vital Prescriptions Under Medicaid Cuts

With new Trump administration tariffs on certain drug manufacturers taking effect this week, some patients could face higher prescription prices going forward. This comes as Michiganders are dealing with health care costs that are increasingly unaffordable, and they could see costs rise even more because of the Republican Tax Law that made the largest cuts to Medicaid in the history of the program. Michigan residents who are low-income, as well as children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities, use Medicaid for their health coverage, including access to lifesaving prescription drugs. 

“Medicaid has been a lifeline that helps our family afford the doctor’s appointments and the prescription medication I need to take every day to stay healthy,” said Keith, who lives in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. “Everything has become so unaffordable these days, from putting food on the table to our utility bills. I’m worried about how we’ll afford my health expenses going forward, and so many other families are in the same position as us, with health care costs that have been climbing for months.”

The Medicaid cuts in the Republican Tax Law could result in up to 355,000 Michiganders losing access to their health coverage. Michigan Representatives Tom Barrett (MI-07), John James (MI-10), and Bill Huizenga (MI-04) voted for the law, which passed in July 2025. Medicaid enrollment in Michigan has already dropped since then, but 2027 will likely bring a steep decline, as harsh new requirements will make more people ineligible for coverage. As more Michiganders lose coverage, many could end up paying more for—or even going without—the medications they rely on.