The Iowa State Senate has passed a bill requiring able-bodied adults to work, receive work training, or perform community service in order to receive Medicaid benefits. State Senator Julian Garrett tells KNIA News the bill aims to level the playing field on who receives the benefits, and won’t affect those who can’t work.

“I just think that it’s only fair that if you are able bodied and able to work, and not everybody is and this won’t apply to them if they are not able bodied, but if you are able bodied you ought to be contributing something if you are getting free healthcare coverage from your fellow citizens it seems to me.”

According to the Iowa Department of Human Services, 60% of those receiving Medicaid benefits are children, with an additional 25% disabled or elderly. Opponents of the bill state that many of those remaining who receive benefits already work but can’t afford health insurance, and doesn’t cover mental health problems, those with chronic pain, and other debilitating illnesses that can prevent employment. Similar work requirement laws were struck down in court in Kentucky and Arkansas.