Republicans Propose Medicaid Reforms With 20% Funding Increase, Focus on Pregnant Women, Disabled, and Work Requirements

Republican lawmakers, including Representative Steve Scalise, Representative Lisa McClain, Senator Markwayne Mullin, and Representative Andy Ogles, have expressed support for reforms to Medicaid aimed at reducing enrollment among able-bodied adults who are not disabled. They argue that Medicaid was not intended as a long-term solution for able-bodied individuals and emphasize encouraging work and self-sufficiency. Senator Mullin stated that reforms would target those perceived as "lazy" or "gaming the system." Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that Medicaid funding will increase by 20% over the next decade, with a renewed focus on pregnant women, the disabled, and families with children under 14. Bessent also noted that while there will be changes to eligibility requirements for able-bodied adults, there will be no cuts to benefits, and highlighted improvements in working-class wages and job creation.