According to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Medicare funds are leading young men to spend their time on video games rather than seeking employment. Johnson argued that the healthcare program enables an ‘able-bodied’ demographic to avoid work.

“No one has talked about cutting one benefit in Medicaid to anyone who’s duly owed—what we’ve talked about is returning work requirements, so, for example, you don’t have able-bodied young men on a program that’s designed for single mothers and the elderly and disabled. They’re draining resources from people.”

This assertion raises questions, especially in light of healthcare research indicating that many recipients of Medicaid are actually employed. KFF found that approximately 64% of Medicaid recipients under 65 work either full- or part-time.

Johnson’s comments have ignited discussions about the connection between unemployment and health benefits while reflexively linking gaming to laziness, a narrative that some argue lacks solid evidence.

Noteworthy: The emphasis on work requirements echoes previous proposals in Georgia, where such policies exist currently.