Melannie Bachman, 39, of Charleston, South Carolina, is among the patients closely watching the sweeping Republican bill to overhaul Medicaid that’s been brought to the House. She was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer — an aggressive and difficult-to-treat form of the disease — in 2021.

A Republican-led bill aiming to tighten Medicaid eligibility and impose work requirements sparked heated protests and clashes amongst House parties, with critics warning it could leave millions without health coverage.

The legislation would require Medicaid recipients under 65 to prove they work or participate in community engagement for 20 hours weekly to maintain benefits.