The way it works in New York (there are already work requirements for public assistance, work requirement talk is just propaganda for the people who don't know how shit works so believe Maga is finally addressing the "moochers" ) is they a) show they are looking for work by simply listing what jobs they applied for this week b) get a doctor's note/assessment documenting a disability c) work. You also need a substance abuse assessment and to attend work prep classes if you don't have a disability. One won't be getting public assistance if they have a substance problem and don't follow treatment recommendations. It is true that those requirements are a burden and can be interpreted as a means to slow down or deter applicants. It is also true that there are numerous people who have dubious disabilities, that's a fact, not worth debating really. There are a whole host of methods that states, counties and municipalities can use to make the methods cruel and unusual but there are also methods by which it can be meaningful in some way. Honestly, if there is a state out there that doesn't have some sort of "work requirement" system right now that truly would be untenable. It would be out of control really. Which Is ofc why most probably already do. That is for public assistance. Now, for Medicaid, substance abuse and mental illness is where it all breaks down, you can't get treatment without Medicaid if you don't have income and for many you can't get started with work without treatment. Which is why this particular plan will never work as they intend and probably won't fly.