Because the GOP works to finish its “massive, lovely invoice,” Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) defended proposed work necessities for Medicaid recipients.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw on Medicaid: “The individual we’re taking it away from is the able-bodied grownup with no kids who refuses to work.” pic.twitter.com/G4MmZCAcMA
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) Might 16, 2025
Home Republicans have been tasked with discovering $880 billion in Medicaid financial savings over the following decade — a considerable hurdle for lawmakers beholden to voters, 76% of whom oppose cuts to Medicaid, in line with a latest KFF ballot. Relatively than explicitly chopping companies, the GOP is reportedly trying to save cash with work necessities for “able-bodied adults” who obtain Medicaid.
“The individual we’re taking it away from is the able-bodied grownup with no kids who refuses to work,” Crenshaw instructed FOX Enterprise. “By the way in which, if they might simply get a job, they might maintain their Medicaid.”
The proposal would require able-bodied adults to work or volunteer 20 hours every week to qualify for Medicaid protection.
Crenshaw’s feedback echo GOP messaging on the problem.
“For some individuals, one of the best ways to get again in your ft is to get off your ass,” Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) mentioned in February.
Home Speaker Mike Johnson described the work requirement as a option to, “Return the dignity of labor to younger males who should be at work as a substitute of enjoying video video games all day.”
Housing Secretary Scott Turner additionally framed the reform because the restoration of dignity. “We have created welfare as a way of life in our nation,” Turner mentioned. “Ready-bodied, able-minded individuals which can be receiving HUD funding ought to go to work and restore dignity.”
Whereas the GOP insists work necessities will not be profit cuts, analysis has advised in any other case.
In Arkansas, the place Medicaid work necessities have been applied between June 2018 and March 2019 earlier than a federal court docket deemed this system illegal, greater than 18,000 individuals misplaced protection. Amongst those that misplaced protection, researchers discovered many had met the work necessities or would qualify for an exemption, however didn’t navigate and adjust to reporting necessities. The state noticed a rise in uninsured adults and no vital adjustments in employment.
Most adults with Medicaid (64%) are already working. Of those that aren’t employed, most would qualify for exemption from work necessities as a result of an sickness or incapacity, caregiving tasks, or faculty attendance.
The laws goals at “restoring dignity” for the remaining 8% of adults on Medicaid who will not be working as a result of retirement, an incapability to seek out work, or undisclosed causes. Nonetheless, critics warn the reporting necessities may influence thousands and thousands of recipients past the focused group, notably susceptible populations who lack web entry or laptop literacy.
The Home Finances Committee voted to reject the invoice on Friday. Whereas the committee is ready to reconvene subsequent week, it is unclear if they may meet Speaker Johnson’s Memorial Day deadline to move the invoice to the Senate.
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