What A Day Why Medicaid Work Requirements Are A Bad Idea
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May 21, 2025 Matt Bruenig, founder of the People's Policy Project and a vocal advocate for social equity, dives deep into the harmful implications of Medicaid work requirements. He reveals that many recipients are already working or caring for others, countering misconceptions. Bruenig highlights how proposed cuts could strip healthcare from 10 million Americans, emphasizing the dangers for vulnerable populations. He also discusses recent political missteps that intertwine healthcare and legislative agendas, urging for a clearer understanding of Medicaid's critical role.
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Most Medicaid Adults Work
- Most working-age adults on Medicaid are already employed, with nearly two-thirds working in 2023.
- Work requirements overlook caregiving, schooling, and illness management among non-working recipients.
Work Requirements' Reach in Medicaid
- Work requirements would require Medicaid recipients to report monthly work hours to maintain benefits.
- About 20% of working-age Medicaid recipients might be affected, mostly non-disabled adults without dependents.
Public Misconception Lowers Support
- Support for Medicaid work requirements drops below 50% when people learn few recipients are persistently out of work.
- Many assume Medicaid is full of long-term unemployed, but this is a welfare myth.