Senator Warns Medicaid Work Requirements Could Strip Coverage from Millions

Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock is raising concerns over proposed Medicaid work requirements, warning they could strip health-care coverage from millions of Americans.

As Republican lawmakers push for spending cuts, including through upcoming reconciliation legislation, Medicaid may face significant changes.

Emergency sign | Source: Pexels

“What we see is that this is a good way to kick a lot of people off of their health care — hardworking everyday Americans who are struggling,” Warnock told CNBC.

The proposal, backed by House Republicans, would require Medicaid recipients to meet minimum work or activity thresholds to retain coverage. A March report from the Congressional Budget Office indicates these measures could place up to 14.4 million people at risk of losing Medicaid by 2034.

Supporters, including Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), argue the policy ensures the program supports those who are truly in need. “Washington can’t afford to undermine the program further by subsidizing capable adults who choose not to work,” Guthrie wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.

Doctor with stethoscope | Source: Pexels

Warnock’s report highlights the failures of similar policies in Arkansas and Georgia. In Georgia, where work requirements were implemented in July 2023, only about 7,000 people have enrolled in the program, while nearly 500,000 remain uninsured.

“These are two cautionary tales, and the idea of now expanding a failed experiment nationwide is a bad idea,” Warnock said.