Overview

• The GOP budget bill signed in early July institutes mandatory work or community engagement for most Medicaid enrollees
• On July 6 on CNN’s State of the Union, Scott Bessent said the changes alter eligibility criteria and will expand job opportunities
• Critics led by CNN’s Dana Bash warn that documentation burdens could force millions of low-income Americans off Medicaid rolls
• Evidence from other states with similar mandates shows only slight employment gains but steep drops in coverage
• Data indicate most non-disabled adults on Medicaid already work and that 56% of enrollees are children, seniors or disabled individuals who face different exemption rules