There’s no evidence work requirements for Medicaid recipients will boost employment, but they are a key piece of Republican spending bill

Work requirements for receiving government benefits have a long history. FatCamera/E+ via Getty Images

Republicans in the U.S. Senate are sparring over their version of the multitrillion-dollar budget and immigration bill the House of Representatives passed on May 22, 2025.

Some GOP senators are insisting on shrinking the budget deficit, which the House version would increase by about US$3.8 trillion over a decade.