Exclusive - GOP Rep. Harrigan Introduces Bill to Close Gambling Loophole in Medicaid Work Requirements
Rep. Pat Harrigan introduced a bill to stop Medicaid recipients from satisfying work requirements through gambling winnings.Summary
Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC) is introducing the "No Gambling for Medicaid Act," an exclusive report by Breitbart News reveals. The bill would amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to exclude certain gambling winnings from monthly income used to satisfy Medicaid's community engagement requirement. Starting January 1, 2027, certain non-disabled adults aged 19-64 covered by Medicaid must meet an 80-hour-per-month work requirement under the One Big Beautiful Act, and one way to comply is showing household income of at least $580 a month (the federal minimum wage of $7.25 multiplied by 80 hours). Because gross gambling winnings count as income, a recipient could reach $580 in gross winnings without risking significant net losses, for example by betting on both sides of a single event at two different sportsbooks, and in most states showing $580 in income once satisfies the requirement for a full six-month recertification period. Critics argue this could encourage targeted gambling rather than work. Harrigan's bill would close this loophole and define "covered gambling winnings" as prizes, awards, or money from bets or wagers, while exempting wagering conducted as a trade or business to protect professional gamblers.
(Source：Brietbart)