Republican Senator Says 'Best Health Care Is a Job' in Response to Cuts [View all]

Source: Newsweek

Published Jun 03, 2025 at 4:18 AM EDT


During a debate over President Donald Trump's sweeping legislative package, known as the "Big Beautiful Bill," Senate Majority Leader John Thune said that "the best health care is a job," according to news outlet kotatv.com.

The South Dakota senator added during Monday's discussion with other Republican lawmakers that this was because jobs can provide helpful benefits that give employees access to health care. Newsweek contacted Thune's press office outside of regular working hours via email for comment.

Why It Matters

The ongoing budget and tax debate has profound implications for American families and individuals dependent on Medicaid and other social support programs. The Republican-backed proposal aims to curb government spending with reforms that could reduce eligibility for programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), stirring fears among advocates that millions could lose essential benefits. Estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office suggested up to 10 million Americans risk losing Medicaid coverage if proposed work requirements pass.

What To Know

Thune's comments came during a conversation about the proposed changes to Medicaid. Part of the budget bill includes adapting eligibility for the program, meaning that enrollees would have to work for 80 hours a month as a minimum, unless medically exempt, in order to receive the benefit.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/republican-senator-says-best-healthcare-job-response-cuts-2080119

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Many of those gig jobs are "part time" and DON'T offer such benefits. There have been many municipalities that have attempted to require some of the small business with some minimum number of employees to offer it and paid sick leave, etc., and that has often not been able to pass.