Republicans are considering cuts to Medicaid, the joint federal-state health plan that provides taxpayer-funded health coverage to 80 million adults and children. Many in the GOP would like to require able-bodied Medicaid beneficiaries to work in exchange for coverage. That’s a good idea.

The federal government and the states spent some $870 billion on Medicaid in 2023. Adding work requirements would cut waste and help preserve Medicaid for those who truly need it.