Scott Walker, former Governor of Wisconsin, said that the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare, inappropriately included able-bodied adults in Medicaid. He reaffirmed his position that the program should primarily serve children, families, and seniors in need. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
“The worst part of Obamacare was putting able-bodied, working-age adults on government assistance instead of helping them find employment,” said Walker. “I’ve been vocally against this since day one. Medicaid should be for needy children, families, and seniors. Not for those who can work.”
The debate over Medicaid expansion under the ACA continues as federal proposals to cut spending or impose new work requirements face strong opposition. According to Pew Research Center, 83% of U.S. adults, including majorities from both political parties, hold a favorable view of Medicaid. This underscores its broad popularity despite ongoing political disputes.
As of April 2025, there were 71.1 million people enrolled in Medicaid and an additional 7.28 million in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), totaling 78.38 million beneficiaries. Children constituted nearly 47.6% of enrollees, with the remainder comprising adults, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The program now spans 41 expansion states and 10 non-expansion states, according to Medicaid.gov.
Wisconsin has not adopted ACA Medicaid expansion but covers all adults under the federal poverty level, thereby closing the coverage gap seen in other non-expansion states. In 2023, Wisconsin’s uninsured rate was reported at 4.9%, lower than many expansion states but reliant on greater state funding. Public Health Watch reports that advocates continue to push for expansion to secure enhanced federal matching funds and reduce state costs.
Walker served as Wisconsin’s Governor from 2011 to 2019 after earlier leadership as Milwaukee County Executive. A Republican known nationally for labor reforms, he consistently rejected Medicaid expansion under the ACA in favor of cost controls and private-sector solutions instead. His policies have shaped Wisconsin’s current model of covering low-income adults without fully expanding under federal law.
Wisconsin’s Medicaid program is managed by the Department of Health Services (DHS), which is the state’s largest agency with a biennial budget of approximately $16.8 billion and more than 6,500 employees. The DHS is led by a governor-appointed secretary confirmed by the Senate and is responsible for managing eligibility, provider payments, and program integrity. It plays a central role in administering BadgerCare Plus and long-term care services.
