WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators John Kennedy (R-La.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) have introduced the Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act, a legislative proposal aimed at reducing government dependency by requiring able-bodied adults without dependents to work or volunteer at least 20 hours per week to qualify for Medicaid benefits.
If enacted, the bill could save taxpayers more than $100 billion over the next decade, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
A Push for Workforce Participation
Kennedy argues that Medicaid is not functioning as intended, as the number of able-bodied adults receiving benefits continues to grow while labor force participation declines.
“Medicaid doesn’t work the way it should. Able-bodied adults without dependents are better off with jobs than with handouts, and so are their communities and American taxpayers,” Kennedy stated. “This bill would help pave a path out of poverty for millions of Americans.”
Senator Schmitt echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Medicaid should not discourage employment but instead serve as a bridge to financial independence.
Potential Impact and Public Support
- 15 million Medicaid recipients would be subject to work requirements under this policy, according to the CBO.
- Work requirements could generate $109 billion in federal savings over ten years.
- A 2023 Axios-Ipsos survey found that 63% of Americans, including nearly half of Democrats (49%), support Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements.
House Version of the Bill
A companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), who noted that requiring Medicaid recipients to work would promote independence and improve access to employer-sponsored health care options.
“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,” Crenshaw said.
Looking Ahead
The bill is expected to face opposition from Democrats who argue that work requirements could limit access to healthcare for low-income Americans. However, with strong bipartisan public support, the debate over Medicaid reform and its role in economic mobility is likely to remain a key issue in the coming months.
For the full text of the bill, visit Senator Kennedy’s website.