H.R.1059 - Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1059, the "Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act," proposes to amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act, introducing a minimum work requirement for able-bodied adults enrolled in state Medicaid programs. The bill mandates that, beginning January 1, 2026, able-bodied adults must work or volunteer for at least 20 hours per week to maintain Medicaid eligibility. Certain individuals are exempt, including those under 18 or over 65, medically unfit, pregnant, primary caregivers of young or disabled children, those receiving unemployment, or those in addiction treatment programs.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to restrict Medicaid access for able-bodied adults who do not meet the work or volunteer requirements. This could lead to a reduction in Medicaid enrollment and potential cost savings for states and the federal government. It may also incentivize some individuals to enter the workforce or volunteer, while potentially leaving others without healthcare coverage.
Potential Benefits
- Potential cost savings: Reduced Medicaid enrollment could lower government spending.
- Increased workforce participation: The work requirement may encourage some to seek employment or volunteer opportunities.
- Promotes self-sufficiency: The bill aims to encourage individuals to become less reliant on government assistance.
- Focus on those most in need: By exempting vulnerable populations, the bill targets able-bodied individuals.
- State Flexibility: States retain some authority in determining disability and administering the program.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Loss of healthcare coverage: Some individuals may lose Medicaid coverage if they cannot meet the work requirements, leading to adverse health outcomes.
- Administrative burden: Implementing and monitoring the work requirements could create additional administrative costs for states.
- Disproportionate impact: The bill could disproportionately affect low-income individuals with limited job opportunities or transportation challenges.
- Difficulty in verifying compliance: Ensuring accurate tracking of work and volunteer hours may be challenging.
- Potential for increased ER visits: Loss of primary care coverage could lead to increased emergency room visits for basic healthcare needs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Congress has the power to tax and spend for the general welfare (Article I, Section 8), which includes establishing and regulating programs like Medicaid. However, the bill could be challenged under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment if the work requirements are deemed discriminatory or arbitrary. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any enumerated rights in the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).