Work Requirements – An Ineffective Policy

The goal of republicans was tax cuts for the wealthy. But that required cuts to spending - at least some cuts. So they wanted to cut Medicaid because Medicaid helps the poor. Republicans don't want to help the poor.

But Medicaid cut would have required a congressional bill with 60 votes in the senate. They were not going to get that. So they added work requirements which basically added a lot of friction to getting Medicaid. Effectively ensuring a spending cut.

All to give a tax cut to the wealthy.