Lafayette Reporter

Senators John Kennedy and Eric Schmitt have introduced the Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act, which proposes work requirements for certain Medicaid recipients. The bill mandates that able-bodied adults without dependents must work or volunteer at least 20 hours per week to continue receiving benefits. According to projections, this change could potentially save taxpayers over $100 billion in a decade.

"Medicaid doesn’t work the way it should. Able-bodied adults without dependents are better off with jobs than with hand-outs, and so are their communities and American taxpayers. My Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act would help pave a path out of poverty for millions of Americans," stated Kennedy.

Schmitt added, "By incorporating work requirements for able-bodied adults, Medicaid can serve as a bridge to self-sufficiency, fostering pathways to employment, job training, and community engagement. This not only helps recipients gain financial independence but also preserves resources for the most vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities."

Representative Dan Crenshaw introduced the corresponding bill in the House of Representatives. He remarked on its purpose: "The goal of this bill is straightforward: if you’re a healthy adult on Medicaid, we want to make sure you have every opportunity to find employment that leads to better health coverage. Welfare programs shouldn’t incentivize people against working. This is about empowering Americans—helping them become independent, thrive in the workforce, and reach their highest potential."

The proposal responds to concerns over declining labor force participation since 2000 while noting an increase in able-bodied adults enrolling in Medicaid. The Congressional Budget Office estimates around 15 million Medicaid beneficiaries would need to meet these new requirements under similar policies previously considered.

A survey conducted by Axios-Ipsos in 2023 found that 63% of Americans support such work requirements for government assistance programs like Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program), including nearly half of Democrats polled.

Kennedy elaborated further on his stance through an op-ed published in National Review advocating for these changes.