United StatesThe Government Accountability Office (GAO) report reveals a significant increase in gig workers receiving federal poverty assistance programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. Between February 2020 and September 2025, the number of Amazon employees enrolled in Medicaid and SNAP nearly tripled in 11 states. Gig platforms like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Instacart surpassed Walmart as the largest employer of recipients of SNAP food subsidies. Senator Bernie Sanders criticized corporations like Walmart and Amazon for receiving taxpayer-funded support despite high executive wealth. The report includes data from multiple states, showing a rise in Medicaid enrollment (from 12 million to 13.8 million) and SNAP participation (from 9 million to 10.6 million), with most participants working full-time. The Flex Association argues that many gig workers are part-time and use the flexibility to supplement other incomes, while DoorDash highlights that many drivers work short hours to maintain additional employment. Amazon notes that over 74% of its employees are covered by company health insurance.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a critique of corporate welfare and wage inequality, emphasizing the financial burden on taxpayers and the exploitation of gig workers. It quotes progressive figures like Senator Bernie Sanders and presents data suggesting systemic issues with corporate pay practices.
