HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - There was a fiery exchange at the state capitol on how to fix a problem with Medicaid. Democrats want to use some of the state’s surplus to fix a shortfall, but the spending cap would be exceeded. Republicans say this is a reckless move. Exceeding the state spending cap has not been done in two decades.

Centrist Republicans have concerns about reforming the entitlement program as fiscal conservatives encourage House Speaker Mike Johnson to go further.

A GOP proposal unveiled this week would require many enrollees to prove they are working, volunteering, or studying, and to shoulder more of the costs of their care.

On Sunday, the House Budget Committee passed a bill to give tax breaks to the rich while slashing funding for Medicaid, food stamps and subsidies for clean energy. One estimate shows nearly 14 million people could lose health coverage under the plan.

House Republicans have unveiled the cost-saving centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”

Only a small number of people were enrolled in the state program, and administrative costs exceeded spending on medical care.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) said on Monday that Republicans are eyeing early 2027 as the target date for the new Medicaid work requirements in the large budget package intended to

House Republicans push forward deep Medicaid cuts in new tax and spending bill amid bipartisan concerns. Here's what that means for people.