The Big Beautiful Bill in practice

The One Big Beautiful Bill has officially become law, but are Americans ready for what it means in practice? Tebra surveyed patients and healthcare providers across the United States to understand how this sweeping legislation is landing in real-world care settings.

Many patients are unclear on core provisions like Medicaid cuts, work requirements, and eligibility changes, and are unsure whether they'll still have access to critical care like vaccines. At the same time, providers are divided on whether the law will reduce red tape or introduce new burdens. Across both groups, many are already reporting rising confusion, fear, and mistrust in the US healthcare system.

Confusion around eligibility, work requirements and coverage transitions can trigger delayed care, missed vaccinations and higher out-of-pocket exposure. 

Plan-language outreach, upfront benefit checks at scheduling and proactive price transparency help maintain continuity and reduce fear-driven avoidance.

Most patients have heard of the One Big Beautiful Bill, but few fully understand what it includes or how it may affect their care. As the legislation takes effect, concern is growing among Americans about its real-world implications.

These responses point to rising fear and confusion among patients, especially those navigating complex or changing insurance coverage. Private practices can play a key role in bridging the gap by offering transparent communication, clarifying eligibility requirements, and ensuring that patients feel supported as they navigate new challenges in access and affordability.

For practices, policy complexity often shows up as more forms, denials, and follow-ups — lengthening revenue cycles and intensifying burnout.

Integrated EHR + billing, templated documentation, and automation for routine eligibility/authorization tasks can absorb new compliance load and keep clinical time focused on care.

The One Big Beautiful Bill may promise simplification, but many healthcare providers say it's already making day-to-day care more complicated. From rising administrative tasks to concerns for vulnerable patients, providers are feeling the strain.

To manage the growing complexity, private practices need systems that work with them, not against them. An all-in-one EHR can help reduce the burden of new documentation rules, streamline communication, and keep practices running smoothly. By automating routine tasks and simplifying patient outreach, providers can focus more on care and less on red tape.

In shifting policy environments, playbooks that standardize communication and access tend to outperform ad-hoc fixes.

Codify scripts for staff, automate reminders and eligibility checks, and centralize messaging in patient portals to reduce no-shows and preserve patient trust.

As the One Big Beautiful Bill takes hold, both patients and providers are bracing for change, and some of it is already in motion. Patients worry about coverage, access, and cost. Providers feel the weight of unclear rules, rising paperwork, and reduced trust in the system.

For private practices, this moment is both a challenge and an opportunity. Practices can set themselves apart by offering reliable communication, compassionate support, and the tools patients need to stay engaged in their care. Internally, reducing the impact of administrative demands is key to maintaining provider well-being and practice efficiency.

Solutions like Tebra EHR+ give practices an edge by combining clinical, billing, and patient communication tools in one platform. With built-in automation and transparent pricing, practices can adapt more easily to policy changes and help patients do the same. Amid uncertainty, consistency and clarity go a long way.

Tebra surveyed 436 providers, ages 22–73; 31% were men, 68% women, and 2% identified as non-binary. Thirty-five percent worked in a hospital setting, 27% in private practice, 14% in community health centers, 3% in academic research, 2% in pharmacies, 1% in urgent care, and 19% in other unspecified settings.

Tebra also surveyed 523 patients, ages 18–81; 49% were men, and 51% were women. Fifty-nine percent had private insurance, 19% were insured through Medicaid, 13% were uninsured, 8% were insured through Medicare, and 1% were not sure about their current healthcare coverage. Percentages in this study may not equal 100 due to rounding.

Tebra, headquartered in Southern California, empowers independent healthcare practices with cutting-edge AI and automation to drive growth, streamline care, and boost efficiency. Our all-in-one EHR and billing platform delivers everything you need to attract and engage your patients, including online scheduling, reputation management, and digital communications.

Inspired by "vertebrae," our name embodies our mission to be the backbone of healthcare success. With over 165,000 providers and 190 million patient records, Tebra is redefining healthcare through innovation and a commitment to customer success. We're not just optimizing operations — we're ensuring private practices thrive.

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