Fedorchak, Hammer Spar Over Medicaid Work Rules in ND Debate
North Dakota U.S. House candidates Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R) and Trygve Hammer (D-NPL) debated Medicaid, the national debt and healthcare costs during an Oct. 13 Plain Talk podcast debate at Bismarck State College. Fedorchak defended new Medicaid eligibility checks and work requirements taking effect next year, arguing they ensure taxpayer dollars go to those who qualify and that able-bodied adults should work. Hammer countered that 44% of North Dakota Medicaid recipients already work full time and 43% are children, warning the added paperwork requirements will cause eligible people to lose coverage without additional staff support. The candidates also split on federal debt solutions, with Fedorchak citing reconciliation-driven tax cuts and spending reform while Hammer called for raising taxes on high earners.