States are cutting Medicaid provider payments long before Trump cuts hit

North Carolina and Idaho have made significant cuts to their Medicaid programs, raising concerns about the potential impact on healthcare access for patients. These reductions come as states attempt to address budget shortfalls, but they also spark fears that providers may refuse to accept Medicaid patients and that hospitals could face closure. This situation is particularly alarming as it unfolds ahead of anticipated federal tax and budget changes, which could exacerbate the challenges faced by healthcare systems.