Republicans Consider Cuts, Work Requirements for Medicaid
What Republicans are proposing
Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has floated the idea of tying work to Medicaid.
"It’s common sense," Johnson said. "Little things like that make a big difference not only in the budgeting process but in the morale of the people. You know, work is good for you. You find dignity in work."
But about 92% of Medicaid enrollees are already working, attending school or caregiving, according to an analysis by KFF, a health policy research firm.
Other cuts on the table
Other cuts on the table include a proposal to change the federal government’s reimbursement to a per-person limit.
That would shift the costs to states, which might be forced to make tough choices about who or what they cover, said Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown Center for Children and Families.
"People still have health care needs even if you cut their coverage," Alker said. "Their health care needs are not going to go away."
Some states are already making moves
President Joe Biden’s administration largely blocked states from enacting work rules of their own and required 10 states to remove the requirement for Medicaid coverage.
With Trump now back in charge, some Republican-led states are pressing ahead of Congress to add work rules again. Governors in Arkansas, Iowa, and Ohio have announced they’d pursue approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to introduce work requirements again.
Health care providers warn of devastating consequences
Democrats are warning of the side effects for health care facilities, including rural hospitals and nursing homes. Hospitals have benefited from increased enrollment in health insurance programs such as Medicaid because it guarantees payment for a patient’s treatment.
"Hospitals will close, including in rural America and urban America and the heartland of America," House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York warned during a recent speech on the House floor. "Nursing homes will be shut down, and everyday Americans, children, seniors, those who are suffering with disabilities, will be hurt."
Conclusion
The proposed cuts and work requirements for Medicaid could have devastating consequences for millions of Americans who rely on the program for their health care. While some argue that requiring work or volunteer hours will motivate people to find employment, others believe it will lead to a significant decrease in health care coverage and access to essential services.
FAQs
- What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families. - What is the current proposal?
The proposal involves tying work to Medicaid and changing the federal government’s reimbursement to a per-person limit, which could lead to significant cuts in health care coverage. - How many people are affected?
About 80 million Americans are enrolled in Medicaid, making it one of the largest health care programs in the country. - What are the potential consequences of the proposed cuts?
The proposed cuts could lead to a significant decrease in health care coverage and access to essential services, with devastating consequences for rural hospitals and nursing homes.
