Kerby Anderson

The budget bill that Congress considered had a provision requiring states to enforce a work requirement for able-bodied individuals on Medicaid between the ages of 19 and 64. Dr. Merrill Matthews makes a case for that provision in a recent commentary. He was on my radio program recently to explain why he believes it is a good requirement.

Let me first explain there are exceptions made for those who are disabled, pregnant women, incarcerated or in a rehabilitation program. Also, you can fulfill this requirement by looking for work or receiving job training.

The leftist criticism is that a work requirement to receive federal benefits is punishment. Dr. Matthews counters: “Requiring able-bodied people to work for their taxpayer-funded benefits — whether its food, housing, Medicaid or any other means-tested assistance program — is not punishment.”

Think of it this way. Approximately 165 million Americans under age 65 and their dependents (about 60 percent of the population) currently have employer-provided health insurance. They work for their health insurance. It is a benefit, not a punishment.

Developing a good work ethic will lead to personal and financial success. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:20, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” He also teaches in 2 Thessalonian 3:10, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”

Dr. Matthews ended his commentary by mentioning encouraging stories he and others have heard about how people “regained their dignity by once again providing for themselves and their families.” They discovered that work is empowering. He found “they just needed a little push to get started.”

I believe it’s time to get Americans back to work.