Speaker Mike Johnson says some Medicaid recipients will ‘choose’ whether to lose healthcare under House spending bill

In a recent interview, Republican Representative Mike Johnson defended the Medicaid cuts included in the budget bill passed by House Republicans, stating that individuals will not lose their Medicaid coverage unless they choose to do so. Johnson emphasized that the bill introduces work requirements for certain Medicaid recipients, describing them as “commonsense” measures. He dismissed arguments that these requirements are overly burdensome and asserted that they should have been implemented earlier. The bill also includes new rules for Medicaid recipients and steps to verify eligibility.

Johnson’s remarks come amidst criticism from both Democrats and some Senate Republicans over the proposed cuts to Medicaid. Despite facing pushback at town hall events, Johnson expressed confidence that the bill will advance in the Senate and reach President Trump’s desk for approval by July 4.