More than 1/3 of Genesee County Residents to Lose Health Insurance: Will You?

On July 4th, President Trump signed a controversial bill that introduces sweeping changes to the way federal agencies operate. While some programs are being trimmed, others are being eliminated entirely—sparking concern from healthcare leaders across Michigan.

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What the New Law Changes in Michigan

One of the most alarming consequences is the impact on medical assistance programs. Dr. Dave Vanderberg, Chief Medical Officer and internal medicine physician at Trinity Health in Ann Arbor, painted a grim picture:

"There are days when we don’t have enough rooms in the ER to take care of the sick patients who are coming in with new, acute illnesses and emergency medical conditions. We’re holding in-patients in our space, and if people lose access to Medicaid, the ER will become their first thing, so we’ll be overwhelmed."

Michigan Medicaid by the Numbers

According to the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, more than 2.6 million Michiganders—about 26% of the state’s population—were enrolled in Medicaid as of May. Some counties are seeing much higher enrollment rates:

• Wayne County leads the state with 41% of its residents on Medicaid.

• Genesee County and Oscoda County are tied at 35%.

  • In Oscoda County, 2,902 of 8,404 residents are enrolled.

  • In Genesee County, 139,551 of 401,983 rely on the program.

• Leelanau and Livingston Counties reported the lowest enrollment statewide at 11%.

Michigan Doctors Warn of ER Overload Due to Medicaid Cuts

Last month, lawmakers heard testimony from medical professionals about the real-life consequences of these cuts. Representative Debbie Dingell (D–Ann Arbor) expressed concern:

"The communities you serve could potentially be very impacted. It’s children. It’s pregnant moms. It’s seniors, and it’s many other people."

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These cuts could leave thousands of vulnerable Michiganders without reliable access to healthcare.