The So-Called "Big Beautiful Bill" (that's anything but that...)

In Washington, it’s called the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

But out here in the Shenandoah Valley—and in rural communities across Virginia—it’s anything but beautiful.

Behind the political fanfare, the bill includes devastating cuts to Medicaid. For thousands of working families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities in Virginia, this isn’t just policy. It’s a threat to their health, their dignity, and their lives.

Here’s what they aren’t telling you: buried in the fine print is a dangerous “trigger” in Virginia law. It rolls back Medicaid expansion funding, with a trigger that automatically wipes out Medicaid expansion in our state.

No vote. No debate. Just gone.

That means thousands of Virginians who gained coverage under Medicaid expansion—including many right here in our community—would lose access to care.

That includes cancer screenings, mental health services, addiction treatment, and doctor visits for chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

Let’s be clear: rural Virginia stands to lose the most.

Our hospitals already operate on razor-thin margins. If thousands of neighbors lose coverage, our local hospitals and clinics could be forced to close their doors.

That’s not just bad for public health; it’s bad for our economy. Healthcare is one of the largest employers in many rural areas. These cuts put jobs, lives, and futures at risk.

I’ve seen firsthand what happens when parents can’t afford insulin, when veterans can’t access mental health care, and when working people delay treatment because they’re scared of the cost.

We need real solutions to strengthen care, lower costs, and support rural communities.

I’m standing up for rural Virginians. I hope you’ll stand with me.

Dr. Jena Crisler