Republicans defend Medicaid reforms when Democrats warn of harmful cuts

Democrats oppose potential Medicaid cuts since the president Donald Trump Win the 2024 presidential election. Now his “Big, Beautiful Act” has passed Congress, and they will make Medicaid the highest topic ahead of the expected midterm elections in 2026.

Meanwhile, Republicans are doubling Including Medicaid reform In Trump’s Big Giant, it also includes extensive legislation on taxes, immigration and energy.

“My policy is if you’re a robust worker, find a damn job,” RSS C. Nancy Mace told Fox News Digital. “If you want government benefits, go to work and find a job.”

A provision for large giant companies requires fitness, ages 18 to 64, and children-free adults working at least 80 hours a month to qualify for Medicaid benefits. Individuals can also meet requirements by participating in community services, going to school or engaging in a work program.

Republicans praise the “big and beautiful Bill” job requirements for Medicaid: “We must return to work”

Fox News Digital asks Capitol Hill lawmakers to pay Medicaid bills for sound workers under 65 and unemployed.

“Along the Line”: Medicaid Reform in “Big and Beautiful Act” divides legislators

Maine independent Senator Angus King said in Arkansas and Georgia that this ended up spending more money on managing job requirements when job requirements have been implemented.

“We’re talking about a very small population, which, in both cases they’ve tried, ended up being number one, disqualifying people who meet all the requirements but give up paperwork. These aren’t people who use to fill in a lot of paperwork every month. And that also costs a lot of countries to manage the state.”

New England Journal of Medicine discovers Arkansas Medicaid job requirements From 2018 to 2019, “No evidence of increased employment… Medicaid coverage for low-income adults is large.”

Demonstrators requesting Medicaid funds were withdrawn from House Energy and Commercial Marks at the Rayben Building on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images)

Similarly, Georgia’s Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) reports that 80% of the $58 million in Georgia’s first year coverage program pathways go to administrative costs.

But the Senator Katie BrittR-Ala. Represented that Republicans “hopefully these programs are suitable for those who need them.” Medicaid reform is about “strengthening and preserving these programs at the rate of their growth.”

“These programs are designed to be safety nets, not hammocks people stay in, and the success of these programs should be measured by the people we stand out from,” Britt said.

Senator Bill Cassidy, R-La. Agree, tell Fox News Digital: “You don’t want someone to become dependent. I tell people: The safety net should pop you up.

House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke to the media after nearly retweeted the agenda of President Donald Trump of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC on May 22, 2025. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

“We’re not saying, ‘Hey, we’re not throwing you out.’ OK, but you have to get a job.

But the Democrats Who talks with Fox News Digital Continue to oppose the job requirements contained in the “Big and Beautiful Bill.”

“I think people [who] Be able to work, believe me, they would rather work than get money from Medicaid. Insultingly, it is recommended that a person rather sit at home than work and get this meager amount of money. Rep. Troy Carter, D-La. explain.

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D-Calif. Rep. Latefah Simon said: “We need to be able to build an infrastructure in this country that supports older people, patients, widows and children. The bill violates all these basic principles.”

Peter Pinedo of Fox News contributed to the report.