WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - The sweeping Medicaid changes in President Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will affect hospitals across New York state, including the north country.

The bill contains just over a trillion dollars in cuts to health care and food assistance over the next decade.

Much of that money will come from Medicaid.

“One in four of all of our patients are Medicaid patients. That’s a very high percentage,” said Leslie DiStefano, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the hospital.

Starting in 2027, the bill requires able-bodied workers, who are not 65 and older, to check in and prove they are eligible for Medicaid.

Under the bill, those who are able-bodied would need to essentially prove they are working or looking for work every six months.

If they don’t, th

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