Tim O’Neal, State Representative of Pennsylvania, has expressed concerns over the 34% Medicaid enrollment rate in Philadelphia, describing it as “surprisingly high” and questioning the necessity of such widespread welfare benefits. His remarks were made on the social media platform X.
“34% of Philly is on Medicaid,” said Timothy O’Neal, Pennsylvania State Representative for 48th District (R). “That’s almost 545,000 people. Or about 17% of the total population of PA Medicaid recipients! I find it hard to believe that 34% of Philly NEEDS welfare benefits.”
Medicaid enrollment in both Philadelphia and Pennsylvania experienced significant growth following the state’s 2015 Medicaid expansion. This expansion extended eligibility to include low-income adults, children, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, after reaching a peak during the pandemic era, enrollment numbers declined following the end of continuous coverage protections in March 2023 but have since stabilized due to ongoing policy changes and economic factors.
According to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation and Pennsylvania state sources, approximately 3.1 million Pennsylvanians—or about 24% of the population—were enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as of June 2024. Philadelphia County alone accounts for around 682,000 beneficiaries, making it a central point for Medicaid coverage within the state.
Philadelphia’s Medicaid enrollment rate is approximately 42% of its population. This figure surpasses those found in many major U.S. cities where rates typically range between 25% and 35%, underscoring Philadelphia’s higher socioeconomic needs and greater reliance on public health coverage according to state and federal data sources.
O’Neal is a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives representing the 48th District since 2018. He currently serves as the House Republican Whip. A former Army Ranger and business professional, his legislative priorities include job creation, infrastructure development, and government reform.
