OPINION:
Amazingly, objectors to the health-care provisions in the Big Beautiful Bill seem obsessed with the possibility that Medicaid recipients might lose coverage if they incorrectly (or perhaps truthfully) fill out government forms. It would seem, however, that filling out a few forms to save thousands of dollars a month is actually better than working for the money.
Likewise, expecting able-bodied adults under age 65 and without children to work or volunteer for 80 hours a month in order to qualify for Medicaid is like giving recipients as much as an extra $30 an hour in Medicaid benefits on top of what they might otherwise earn.
More importantly, Obamacare created an entitlement class for “Non-aged, Non-disabled, Non-pregnant Adults” with declared income below 133% of the federal poverty level. This disincentivized work and/or led to people hiding earned income.
Rather than encouraging people to sit at home to qualify for free health care, the recent reconciliation bill will encourage them to support the economy. Anyone working off the books to hide income will have to report that income and pay taxes — and they will have less time to engage in gang activities, human trafficking, prostitution, drug dealing or selling cigarettes to children.
Those who say Medicaid benefits should be limitlessly doled out because the health-care industry will suffer financially otherwise are talking nonsense. The legislation provides $50 billion to support rural hospitals.
Simply put, there is no reason for honest people to lose Medicaid, especially considering the normally loose requirements for volunteer activities.
WILLIAM T. FIDURSKI
Clark, New Jersey
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