A GOP Congressman Backed Medicaid Work Requirements. His Voters Might Be Exempt.

When U.S. Rep. David Valadao defended voting for a bill aimed at reducing Medicare spending by billions, the Republican noted his role in securing a key provision that will require some adult beneficiaries to work — a mandate he called “not an unreasonable ask.” But the voters in his California Central Valley district, home to one of the most competitive House races in the nation, might get a pass from the Medicaid work rules in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law last summer. Starting in January, the law requires many nondisabled adults enrolled in Medicaid in 43 states and Washington, D.C., to work, volunteer, or go to school for at least 80 hours a month. But those who live in counties where a high number of people are out of work could get relief — one of several carve-outs in the law. “Based on current numbers, every county in CA-22 would qualify for this exemption,” Valadao’s website says, referring to his district. “This waiver is important because it takes real-life situations into account, and if someone is trying to work but opportunities are limited, they won’t be required to.” The congressman, who has said enrollees in Medicaid —...