Any suggestion that recipients of public assistance bear some responsibility for their own well being is resisted fiercely by many liberals. It is more important than ever, however, as the big-government crowd seeks to expand the number of people who rely on taxpayers.

Now Ohio officials are being targeted for a plan to require that some Medicaid recipients either work or meet exemption requirements.

Only about one-fourth of Ohioans on Medicaid would be subject to the requirement. The number includes both new recipients and those enrolled as a result of the federal expansion of the program. People with chronic health problems, those who are caring for dependent children and those 50 years of age or older would be exempted from the work mandate.

By one estimate, about 95 percent of Medicaid clients covered by the requirement already meet it or are covered under the exemptions.

What, then, is the liberals’ complaint? Simple: Implementing a work requirement for Medicaid would set a precedent. It would require enrollees to take personal responsibility, and that is a major no-no for those who want as many Americans as possible to be reliant on government.

Comments on the proposed work rule are being accepted through today. Then, the plan will be submitted for federal approval — which it should receive.

If critics have reasonable worries about specifics in the plan, state officials should make adjustments. No reasonable Ohioan thinks someone who really needs taxpayer-funded health care should be denied it.

But, on the other hand, we suspect many in the Buckeye State also agree with the contention that those seeking help from taxpayers should be willing to do what they can to help themselves.