When 15 million people lose healthcare coverage and more than a trillion dollars in federal funding disappears, every employer feels the impact.

Host Kirk Czonstka talks with Patricia Boozang, Senior Managing Director at Manatt Health, about the sweeping effects of H.R. 1—from coverage losses and premium increases to new Medicaid work requirements.

They discuss what these changes mean for employer-sponsored coverage, workforce wellbeing, and how businesses can prepare for the shifts ahead.

Key Takeaways:

• 15M people could lose coverage under H.R. 1, pulling $1T+ from the healthcare system.
• Employers can expect higher premiums and cost-shifting from public to private coverage.
• Medicaid work requirements (2027) will hit lower-income and hourly employees hardest.
• Employers should help workers navigate eligibility, maintain predictable schedules, and engage with state Medicaid agencies.
• Digital health, AI, and innovation can help offset rising costs and preserve access to care.

00:00 – Intro: The cost of losing coverage

01:10 – What’s inside H.R. 1 (“The One Big Beautiful Bill”)

03:30 – How 15M coverage losses impact employers

06:40 – Medicaid work requirements and 2027 changes

09:40 – What employers can do right now

12:55 – ACA marketplace shifts and premium hikes

15:20 – The trillion-dollar funding gap

18:00 – Rethinking affordability and innovation

20:45 – The rural health impact and digital care solutions

22:50 – Final thoughts: Why employer action matters