North Carolina
House Bill Proposes No Gambling for Medicaid Act to Close Work Requirement Loophole
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Key points
- Representative Pat Harrigan introduced H.R. 10983 to close a Medicaid work requirement loophole.
- Current rules allow recipients to use $580 in gambling winnings to maintain Medicaid coverage for six months without a job.
- The bill amends the Social Security Act to exclude gambling winnings from income qualification calculations.
NewsWK — Representative Pat Harrigan introduced legislation to close a gambling loophole in Medicaid work requirements. Representative Pat Harrigan introduced the bill on November 10, 2026. The North Carolina Republican wants to reform Medicaid rules before new standards take effect. Leaders referred the measure to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
What is the Pat Harrigan Medicaid bill?
The Pat Harrigan Medicaid bill amends Title XIX of the Social Security Act. Specifically, the proposal excludes Medicaid gambling winnings from countable monthly income. Lawmakers designed the reform to enforce upcoming community engagement rules. Starting January 1, 2027, non-disabled adults aged 19 to 64 must meet work requirements. Current regulations contain a broad policy flaw regarding reported earnings.
How does the Medicaid work requirements gambling loophole work?
Under existing rules, recipients can report $580 in gambling winnings as monthly income. But individuals can claim this payout even when their overall losses exceed winnings. This loophole allows beneficiaries to meet work standards without holding real employment. Therefore, one payout lets recipients keep benefits for six months without working.
How will HR 10983 impact Medicaid oversight?
HR 10983 targets improper benefit claims across the United States. The legislation closes a gambling loophole in Medicaid work requirements. House committee members will review the legislation before any floor vote.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Sources
Related: 25 Democratic-Led States File Medicaid Work Requirements Lawsuit
Related: Medicaid Work Requirements Lawsuit: Four Democratic AGs Challenge Federal Guidelines
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