Proposed Medicaid cuts could significantly affect millions of older working-age Americans, according to a new analysis by the UC Berkeley Labor Center. The report highlights that Medicaid serves as a crucial support for 11 million older Americans facing health issues, age discrimination, and caregiving responsibilities.

The analysis points out that Republican lawmakers in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are suggesting substantial reductions in Medicaid funding. These proposals include stringent work requirements that could result in many losing their coverage. The proposed changes would require individuals to document at least 80 hours per month of work, volunteer activities, or school attendance to maintain Medicaid eligibility and health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.

The study warns, "Cutting Medicaid through increased bureaucratic barriers like work documentation requirements … threatens not just their health, but the well-being of elderly and disabled adults who depend on them for care."

This analysis was conducted by Nari Rhee, who leads the Labor Center’s Retirement Security Program.