State Republicans welcomed U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and highlighted recent changes to federal health and nutrition programs that introduce new work requirements for certain recipients.
Republican lawmakers said the changes are intended to focus social safety net programs on individuals who are most vulnerable while reducing spending on those deemed capable of working. Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-Jacobus, cited rising costs within Pennsylvania’s Human Services budget, calling its growth faster than any other state agency, including education.
Phillips-Hill praised Kennedy’s support for new work requirements tied to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Under the requirements, recipients must work, volunteer, or participate in approved work or education programs for at least 80 hours per month, or about 20 hours per week.
Phillips-Hill said Pennsylvania has seen an 8% decline in enrollment across these programs over the past two months, which she attributed to individuals seeking employment. It remains unclear whether the decrease is directly tied to job placement. A 2023 Congressional Budget Office study found that Medicaid work requirements would lower federal costs, increase the number of uninsured individuals, result in no significant change in employment or hours worked, and increase state administrative costs.
Medicaid work requirements are scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. SNAP work requirement changes began phasing in during September and November. The changes increased the reporting age requirement to 64, lowered the age of qualifying dependents to 14, and ended certain SNAP exemptions for veterans, unhoused individuals, and current or former foster youth between the ages of 18 and 24.
Advocates raised concerns that individuals may lose benefits despite remaining eligible due to unpaid caregiving responsibilities or challenges meeting new reporting requirements. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh said stricter administrative rules could cause eligible recipients to lose access to benefits due to added paperwork and reporting demands.
Arkoosh also noted that the new requirements increase the administrative burden on the state, which is responsible for implementing and overseeing the federal programs.
During the event, lawmakers also highlighted efforts to reduce fraud within health and human services programs, including identifying medical providers who prescribe puberty blockers to minors covered by Medicaid.
