Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC) has voiced strong support for immediate Medicaid reforms, emphasizing the need to prioritize vulnerable populations over able-bodied adults. In a recent interview, Harris criticized the current system for its unsustainable trajectory and called for the implementation of work requirements to preserve Medicaid for those it was originally intended to serve.
Harris highlighted concerns about the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, stating that it has shifted focus away from the most vulnerable groups. He argued that the program now disproportionately benefits able-bodied adults without dependents, diverting resources from pregnant women, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
The congressman expressed alarm over the projected financial burden of Medicaid, noting that without reforms, costs could reach $1 trillion in the coming years. He emphasized that introducing work requirements for able-bodied adults is essential to ensure the program’s sustainability and to maintain support for those truly in need.
Harris also criticized the delayed implementation of proposed work requirements, which are set to take effect in 2029. He argued that this timeline is too extended and that immediate action is necessary to address the program’s challenges.
The debate over Medicaid reform continues as lawmakers consider various proposals to address the program’s financial sustainability and ensure it serves its intended purpose.
Adding to his critique, Rep. Harris pointed out that the expansion of Medicaid has created dependency among able-bodied adults who should be contributing to the workforce. He emphasized that by requiring recipients to work, the system would not only save money but also promote personal responsibility—a value long supported by conservatives. Harris maintained that such reforms are not about cutting support but about preserving Medicaid for those who genuinely need it.
State-level resistance remains a hurdle, according to Harris, who noted that some governors have opposed enforcing stricter eligibility standards. He argued that federal leadership must set the tone and provide the framework, while allowing flexibility for states to adapt reforms effectively. Harris warned that without immediate structural changes, Medicaid will continue to balloon out of control, threatening services for the most vulnerable and further burdening American taxpayers.
