Senator Ron Johnson recently responded to growing concerns that 4.8 million Americans could lose Medicaid coverage, saying the decision ultimately lies with the individuals themselves.
In an interview with CBS News’ Face the Nation, Johnson addressed questions about the potential fallout from ending the COVID-19 public health emergency, which had previously allowed millions to remain enrolled in Medicaid without the usual checks.
When pressed by host Margaret Brennan, Johnson clarified that Americans would not be forced off Medicaid. “Nobody is going to be forced off,” he said. “Unless they choose to do so, they’re not going to lose their Medicaid coverage.”
This statement follows federal estimates that around 4.8 million Americans might be at risk of losing Medicaid due to redetermination processes that resumed after the emergency ended.
Johnson argued that this loss is not automatic and would mostly result from individuals no longer qualifying or choosing not to re-enroll.
The senator also defended his broader view of government programs. He said he does not believe the government should make people dependent but instead empower them to take personal responsibility.
Johnson explained that during the pandemic, Medicaid rolls expanded significantly due to temporary policy changes. Now that those policies have expired, state governments are once again reviewing eligibility.
Opponents argue that many people could fall through the cracks, not because they want to leave the program, but because of administrative delays, paperwork issues, or a lack of awareness about the need to reapply. Critics also warn that vulnerable groups, especially children and low-income families, are at higher risk of losing coverage.
Johnson responded to such concerns by saying he supports efficient government spending and wants to ensure that benefits are provided only to those who are eligible. He stated that fraud and unnecessary spending need to be addressed and that those who truly qualify for Medicaid will still have access.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been monitoring the situation since states began the process of checking Medicaid eligibility again.
The agency said it has encouraged states to take a careful, phased approach and to make sure that people are properly informed about the redetermination process.
Still, healthcare advocates believe the current process can be overwhelming for many people. They argue that the red tape and confusion surrounding documentation could result in people losing coverage without fully understanding why.
Some states have already reported significant drops in enrollment, raising questions about how many of these cases were due to procedural issues rather than actual ineligibility.
Senator Johnson said his focus remains on reducing government overreach and promoting transparency in how funds are used.
He believes that Medicaid, like other safety net programs, should be reserved for people in real need. “We want to make sure people who need help get it,” he said, “but also make sure it’s not being abused.”
The political debate over Medicaid eligibility is part of a larger conversation about government spending, healthcare access, and the future of public assistance programs. As the redetermination process continues across the country, millions of Americans will need to navigate the system to keep their coverage.
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, all states are required to notify enrollees about changes and give them time to respond. The agency has also published guidance to help states avoid unnecessary coverage losses.
Despite these efforts, experts worry that gaps in communication or confusion about deadlines could lead to a wave of unintended Medicaid terminations.
Some health policy analysts are calling for additional federal oversight and assistance to help people transition or reapply without losing access to essential healthcare.
As of now, the process remains ongoing, and public officials continue to provide updates on how states are handling the situation.
Johnson maintains that no one is being pushed out of the system and that those who want to stay on Medicaid will be able to—if they act on time and follow the new eligibility process.