American flags… yeah, they were just sitting there, flapping lazily in the breeze on the National Mall. Guess what? It’s June 2, 2025. Washington, D.C. is the backdrop, all Capitol Building glory. Kevin Carter snapped the pic. I mean, classic Getty Images stuff, right?
### ‘Big beautiful’ bill and Medicaid work requirements? Oh boy…
So, here’s the scoop. The “big beautiful” bill—no idea who’s calling it that, probably someone important—wants folks on Medicaid to hit the work grind. First time ever. Picture this: if you’re between 19 to 64, and you’re touching Medicaid via the ACA, you’re needing to work or do approved stuff, 80 hours a month. Parents? Medical stuff? Maybe you’re off the hook. But, as Orris points out, “Exemptions don’t always work, and poof, coverage can vanish.”
Savings? Uh, yeah. House bill plus Medicaid work shifts, racks up $344 billion saved in a decade. KFF crunches those numbers, ‘specially for policy research folks.
Then, there’s this rally scene—protests, loud voices, national mall, June 3, 2025. Veterans unite, emotions raw. Dominic Gwinn captures the moment. Getty again.
“Now, hang on,” I hear you ask. What does the law say? Currently, no Medicaid eligibility is tied to work, at least without lots of red tape and waivers. Robin Rudowitz from KFF chimes in, “Many on Medicaid are already working if they can.” States? Georgia’s taking the plunge with work requirements while others eyeing waivers. Arkansas tried it, but meh, more uninsured folks, no job boom.
The story keeps twisting with videos of legislative types—Secretary of Treasury Bessent pushing tax bills, hoping the Senate races against the clock before July 4.
### Senate’s got parents scratching their heads with stricter rules.
The Senate, oh man, they’re making waves. “Harsher” work requirements. Parents, you need a playbook now. Kids 14 and under are your get-out-of-jail-free card. Others? Not so fast. Work before you even get Medicaid, or else. Eligibility checks, twice a year. Compliance? Only three months of proving it, that’s the Senate being “helpful” or something, Orris mentions.
Miss the Medicaid boat? No subsidized marketplace for you. Plus, Senate’s throwing states a lifeline—ask for a “good faith” waiver, coast along till 2028, ‘cos 2026 feels too soon.
And there we have it. This political merry-go-round, with its intricate web of requirements and exemptions, keeps spinning. So, what’s next? I don’t know, maybe we wait and see if anyone finds a surprising loophole or just if it even matters. Who knows, in this paper-pushing world?
