Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana is standing firm on his claim that President Trump’s new Medicaid bill won’t cut benefits for most people, even though some reports say millions of low-income Americans might lose their health insurance because of the bill.
On NBC’s show Meet the Press, Johnson responded to claims that nearly 5 million people could lose Medicaid due to new work requirements. He said these people won’t lose coverage unless they decide not to meet the rules.
Johnson explained that the bill asks able-bodied adults, like young men without children, to work or volunteer 20 hours a week to qualify for Medicaid. He said, “If you can’t find a job, then volunteer in your community for 20 hours, and you will meet the requirement.”
He added that working is good for people’s dignity and purpose and helps the community too. According to Johnson, some people complain about losing coverage because they have trouble filling out the paperwork, but he believes the rules are “common sense.”
The proposed Medicaid changes are part of a bigger bill that aims to save over $800 billion in ten years. These changes would also shorten the time people can sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
Johnson said the bill is designed to protect vulnerable groups like pregnant women, disabled people, and the elderly. But it also wants to make sure young, able-bodied adults on Medicaid are working or volunteering when they can.
However, not everyone agrees. Many lawmakers and members of the public have raised concerns that the bill could hurt people who really need Medicaid. Some Republican politicians are facing tough questions and criticism at their public meetings.