Medicaid & CHIP Programs

Synthesis:

Over the last 24 hours, major value-based care stakeholders are reacting to the Trump administration’s FY2026 budget proposal, which has drawn sharp criticism from healthcare policy leaders for projected Medicaid funding cuts and structural changes that could affect access, coverage, and provider payment under Medicaid and CHIP programs. These proposed reforms—unveiled by CMS leadership—are heightening tensions heading into the AHA Annual Membership Meeting, where hospital and health system leaders are preparing to advocate for stable funding and supportive policy frameworks essential to sustain population health initiatives and value-based payment models. For VBC leaders, the evolving budget debate signals significant uncertainty for Medicaid-led ACOs and alternative payment arrangements reliant on predictable federal support. Healthcare Policy Leaders Condemn Trump’s Budget Proposal, [AHA Annual Membership Meeting: Three Issues that Require Attention](https://paulkeckley.com/the-keckley-report/2026/4/12/the-aha