Trump leans toward Medicaid work mandates as Republicans eye $2 trillion in savings
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Discussions in Washington are turning toward healthcare programs—and some familiar ones are on the table.
While new tax legislation is being shaped behind the scenes, lawmakers are also weighing ways to adjust federal spending.
One option gaining attention would change how millions of Americans access one of the country’s largest health programs.
And according to one committee leader, the idea has the president’s attention.
President Donald Trump “shows an openness” to Medicaid work requirements, according to Representative Jason Smith, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Smith made the comment during a national interview as lawmakers explore ways to offset the cost of extending the 2017 tax cuts.
Medicaid, which provides healthcare coverage for approximately 83 million low-income Americans, is among the programs being reviewed for potential changes.
The proposal being floated by some lawmakers: a federal work requirement for certain adult recipients of Medicaid.
So far, no official policy has been announced, but the idea has gained support among some Republican lawmakers.
Smith emphasized that the goal is not to cut benefits for those who need them, but to consider “efficiencies and reforms”.
“The president has been very clear he does not want to cut benefits for individuals on Medicaid and Medicare,” Smith said. “He shows an openness to work requirements.”
Medicaid is jointly funded by federal and state governments and helps cover health services for children, low-income adults, seniors in nursing care, and individuals with disabilities.
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Work requirements in federal programs are not new. Other benefits—such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)—already include certain work conditions.
Supporters say similar rules for Medicaid could improve engagement and reduce fraud.
Others, however, are concerned that such a move could lead to coverage loss for some groups who face barriers to traditional employment, including caregivers and people with fluctuating job hours.
A nonpartisan analysis from the Urban Institute estimates that a federal work requirement could impact as many as 5.2 million adults aged 19 to 55—though some would likely remain eligible under exemptions.
Another analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities notes that many Medicaid recipients already work part- or full-time, or are caring for family members or dealing with health conditions.
In an interview, Representative Joe Neguse, a Democrat, expressed concern that such changes could affect working families, children, and seniors receiving skilled nursing care.
“You're talking about really ripping away healthcare for millions of Americans, for seniors who are receiving skilled nursing, for working families, for children,” he said.
Dig into this: "I never heard of you": Trump shocks reporter during oval office sit-down
Meanwhile, discussions continue around offsetting the cost of a new tax-cut extension bill, which analysts say could add trillions to the national debt over the next decade.
Republicans are seeking to trim as much as $2 trillion in federal spending, and Medicaid is part of that broader conversation.
The 2017 tax cuts, passed during President Trump’s first term, are set to expire soon unless extended by Congress.
Lawmakers are also looking at whether expanded work requirements for SNAP could be part of a broader budget plan.
Smith, when asked about the tax proposal, stated that the focus is on “tax relief for small businesses, working families, and farmers.”
He added that there is openness to closing loopholes used by the wealthy while protecting working-class Americans.
“There's no problem to eliminate loopholes that the wealthy have benefited from to make sure that working-class Americans aren't paying taxes on tips,” Smith said.
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Do you think work requirements should apply to Medicaid? Should federal programs include more job-based conditions—or focus on accessibility? Share your perspective in the comments—hearing from all sides helps us stay informed and connected.
While new tax legislation is being shaped behind the scenes, lawmakers are also weighing ways to adjust federal spending.
One option gaining attention would change how millions of Americans access one of the country’s largest health programs.
And according to one committee leader, the idea has the president’s attention.
President Donald Trump “shows an openness” to Medicaid work requirements, according to Representative Jason Smith, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Smith made the comment during a national interview as lawmakers explore ways to offset the cost of extending the 2017 tax cuts.
Medicaid, which provides healthcare coverage for approximately 83 million low-income Americans, is among the programs being reviewed for potential changes.
The proposal being floated by some lawmakers: a federal work requirement for certain adult recipients of Medicaid.
President Donald Trump “shows an openness” to Medicaid work requirements. Image source: CBS News / YouTube
So far, no official policy has been announced, but the idea has gained support among some Republican lawmakers.
Smith emphasized that the goal is not to cut benefits for those who need them, but to consider “efficiencies and reforms”.
“The president has been very clear he does not want to cut benefits for individuals on Medicaid and Medicare,” Smith said. “He shows an openness to work requirements.”
Medicaid is jointly funded by federal and state governments and helps cover health services for children, low-income adults, seniors in nursing care, and individuals with disabilities.
Dig into this: Fewer inspections, more risk? What a federal housing cut could mean for you
Work requirements in federal programs are not new. Other benefits—such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)—already include certain work conditions.
Supporters say similar rules for Medicaid could improve engagement and reduce fraud.
Others, however, are concerned that such a move could lead to coverage loss for some groups who face barriers to traditional employment, including caregivers and people with fluctuating job hours.
A nonpartisan analysis from the Urban Institute estimates that a federal work requirement could impact as many as 5.2 million adults aged 19 to 55—though some would likely remain eligible under exemptions.
Another analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities notes that many Medicaid recipients already work part- or full-time, or are caring for family members or dealing with health conditions.
In an interview, Representative Joe Neguse, a Democrat, expressed concern that such changes could affect working families, children, and seniors receiving skilled nursing care.
“You're talking about really ripping away healthcare for millions of Americans, for seniors who are receiving skilled nursing, for working families, for children,” he said.
Dig into this: "I never heard of you": Trump shocks reporter during oval office sit-down
Meanwhile, discussions continue around offsetting the cost of a new tax-cut extension bill, which analysts say could add trillions to the national debt over the next decade.
Republicans are seeking to trim as much as $2 trillion in federal spending, and Medicaid is part of that broader conversation.
The 2017 tax cuts, passed during President Trump’s first term, are set to expire soon unless extended by Congress.
Lawmakers are also looking at whether expanded work requirements for SNAP could be part of a broader budget plan.
Smith, when asked about the tax proposal, stated that the focus is on “tax relief for small businesses, working families, and farmers.”
He added that there is openness to closing loopholes used by the wealthy while protecting working-class Americans.
“There's no problem to eliminate loopholes that the wealthy have benefited from to make sure that working-class Americans aren't paying taxes on tips,” Smith said.
Dig into this: A major shake-up at Social Security—what it means for your personal data
