"One Big Beautiful Bill" has Ugly Implications for Moms and Families

By Elizabeth Stallone‑Lowder, MSW, LCSW(Perinatal trauma therapist in MO, IL & CO)

What’s in the bill — and what it means for families

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law—a sweeping budget-and-tax package with sweeping cuts. Most notably:

• Over $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and SNAP over ten years(Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health)

• Introduction of Medicaid work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks(Crowell & Moring - Home)

• Block on Medicaid funds to providers like Planned Parenthood(Them)

• Promise of $50 billion for rural health transformation, but far below the projected needs(Holland & Knight)

  
  

Although the White House insists there are “no cuts to Medicaid for pregnant women or children”(The White House), the Congressional Budget Office projects 10–11 million Americans could lose Medicaid coverage, threatening access to prenatal, postpartum, and mental health services.

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Immediate impacts on perinatal mental health

Even though perinatal Medicaid coverage isn't explicitly cut, families will feel secondary effects:

1. Increased barriers to care for vulnerable moms

• Work and reporting requirements introduce stress and the risk of coverage loss even for pregnant or parenting individuals.

• Rural and community providers—already operating on thin margins—may close or stop accepting Medicaid, reducing access to trauma-informed care(Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health).

  
  

2. Cuts to SNAP add to stress burdens

• SNAP changes affect low-income families, even if perinatal exemptions remain. Increased food insecurity is a risk factor for anxiety, depression, and perinatal stress.

  
  

3. Higher risk of losing reproductive and mental health services

• Defunding Planned Parenthood could limit access to prenatal screenings, contraception, STI testing—all essential layers in holistic perinatal mental health care.

• Mental health parity exists on paper—but eroded Medicaid funding translates into fewer providers, longer wait times, and higher out-of-pocket costs.

  
  

What moms may feel soon — and later

Timeline	Near Future	Long-Term Outlook
Healthcare timing	Skipped WIC/SNAP renewals; missed mental health appointments; elevated anxiety about coverage	Chronic stress, untreated postpartum depression/trauma, compounding maternal mental health issues
Financial reliability	Extra paperwork leads to weariness; childcare/personnel left on hold until coverage confirmed	Deepening distrust in the system; increased disconnection from care systems and worse health outcomes
Family dynamics	Emotional strain exacerbated for moms juggling eligibility rules	Intergenerational impacts: adverse childhood experiences tied to maternal mental health

Why this matters to Moms we serve at Sage Tree

In Missouri, Illinois, and Colorado, we have made great strides expanding perinatal mental health services—but this bill threatens that progress:

• Missouri and Illinois rely heavily on Medicaid for maternal services, especially in rural regions

• Colorado’s Front Range networks struggle to backfill gaps already growing from provider shortages

• Even a single provider dropping Medicaid means less continuity for trauma-sensitive therapy, EMDR, and support groups

  

A hopeful way forward

As a clinician, I’m seeing both grief and resolve among moms. Here’s what helps:

• Stay ahead of paperwork: Set calendar reminders for Medicaid/SNAP renewals; ask your provider to support documentation.

• Access community care: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and certified rural health clinics often maintain mental health services even during cutbacks.

• Seek virtual/telehealth support: Some low-cost or sliding-scale telehealth options remain outside Medicaid systems.

• Engage in advocacy: Contact your state representatives to preserve perinatal Medicaid and SNAP exemptions.

• Connect with peers: Parent-led support groups and peer specialists help reduce isolation and antifragility in hard times.

  
  

In the long run: systemic change is possible

• Rural Health Transformation Fund ($50 billion from 2026–30) could be leveraged to build maternal mental health capacity—if states prioritize that in planning(The White House, Holland & Knight).

• Community advocacy is opening legislative dialogue in our states; mother-advocacy groups are positioned to safeguard perinatal coverage extensions.

• Innovations like mobile mental health clinics and peer-support networks can thrive with strategic grants and state investment.

  
  

  

This law will bring real hardship—but perinatal mental health is too critical to let falter. As a trauma-informed therapist, I see the resilience and creativity of families every day. With proactive care, community connection, and persistent advocacy—protesting and spreading awareness in your community, speaking up with providers, and contacting lawmakers—we can fortify maternal mental health across Missouri, Illinois, and Colorado.

By the way, I've been getting these emails daily and they really help break down what's happening and how I can take actionable steps that help me feel like I'm making a real difference locally and nationally. I encourage you to sign up! https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/

To every parent reading this: your well-being matters, and it’s worth fighting for. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out—to your therapist, an FQHC, or parent support network. We’re in this together, and with compassion and action, more beautiful days are possible.

A good resource for Moms in the Metro Saint Louis, Missouri area - where Sage Tree Therapy is based, is the SSM Health Mom's Line Call 314-768-MOMS The Moms Line also has numerous free online and in-person peer support groups that I highly recommend!