The cruelest cut in the Republican budget bill, explained

Republicans in Congress are moving closer to passing a bill that would bring significant changes to Medicaid. Along with tax cuts and new immigration restrictions, the bill would require individuals to work in order to maintain their government health benefits. Currently, Medicaid provides health coverage without any work obligations for nearly 80 million people, making it the largest insurance program in the US. However, the proposed bill would introduce nationwide work requirements for Medicaid recipients starting in 2026, potentially leading to millions losing their coverage. While exemptions are planned for certain groups, the implementation of these requirements could vary by state, potentially resulting in more people losing benefits. The bill is seen as an attempt to push able-bodied individuals into the workforce, but previous experiences with similar policies have shown limited success in increasing employment rates. The potential consequences of these changes include millions of Americans losing their insurance and facing challenges accessing necessary healthcare services.