Democrat Jim McGovern Fires Back at GOP Over Medicaid Work Rules — ‘They Wouldn’t Even Meet’ the 80-Hour Requirement

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) is criticizing Republicans over the new Medicaid work requirements, pointing to an 80-hour monthly requirement for certain beneficiaries.

In a post on X Tuesday, McGovern said Republican leadership worked an average of 56 hours over the past two months, compared with the 80 hours required under the new Medicaid rules. "They wouldn’t even meet the work requirements they forced on working families."

Republicans passed legislation that requires people to work at least 80 hours per month to receive Medicaid.

Over the past two months, Republican leadership worked, on average, for only 56 hours.

They wouldn't even meet the work requirements they forced on working families.

— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) September 22, 2026

80-Hour Requirement

Under the federal Medicaid rules, certain adults ages 19 to 64 must complete 80 hours per month of qualifying work, community service or participation in a work program, or enroll in an educational program at least half-time. States generally must implement the requirement by Jan. 1, 2027, although some states can begin earlier.

Certain groups are exempt, including pregnant people, some caregivers, American Indians and Alaska Natives, veterans with total disability ratings and medically frail beneficiaries.

Early Rollout

Nebraska became the first state to implement the requirements ahead of the national deadline. About 200 Medicaid beneficiaries were expected to lose coverage in August after failing to report qualifying activities.

CMS also tightened guidance for the medically frail exemption, requiring beneficiaries to show that a medical condition significantly limits their ability to work, attend school, volunteer or otherwise meet the requirement.

JAMA Study

A JAMA Health Forum study published Aug. 28 found that 19.8% of working adults potentially subject to the Medicaid work-reporting requirements were at risk of noncompliance because they generally worked near the 20-hour weekly threshold or had variable hours.

The study analyzed 2023-2025 Current Population Survey data representing more than 16 million adults.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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