This bill would stop Congress from using the fast-track budget “reconciliation” process to change Medicare or Medicaid. In short, any plan to alter these programs could not be tucked into a reconciliation bill; it would have to be handled another way. The text amends the budget law to add a clear ban on including Medicare or Medicaid changes in reconciliation legislation .

• Key points
  • What changes: Blocks any Medicare or Medicaid policy changes from being part of a reconciliation bill .
  • Who is affected: People who rely on Medicare and Medicaid, states that run Medicaid, and lawmakers drafting budget bills .
  • Why it matters: Keeps major health coverage changes out of fast-track budget packages, requiring a separate path for any Medicare or Medicaid changes .