After Kansas plan, Trump official open to Medicaid work rules
The
"Every American deserves the dignity and respect of high expectations and as public officials we should deliver programs that instill hope and say to each beneficiary that we believe in their potential," CMS administrator
"CMS believes that meaningful work is essential to beneficiaries' economic self-sufficiency, self-esteem, well-being, and health of Americans."
Verma's speech indicates that's likely to change.
"Our vision for the future of Medicaid is to reset the federal-state relationship and restore the partnership, while at the same time modernizing the program to deliver better outcomes for the people we serve," Verma said.
Implementation of work requirements would almost certainly trigger litigation from opponents. They argue work requirements are designed to reduce access to care.
"It's illegal. It's in conflict with existing federal law," said
Work requirement supporters -- including Gov.
More than 400,000 people are enrolled in KanCare. The work requirements proposed by the Brownback administration would follow work requirements already in place for other welfare programs.
Those requirements call for 20 hours of work a week. Pregnant women, individuals with disabilities, those in long-term care and those caring for children under six would be exempt. The proposal includes other additional exemptions as well.
In general, parents with children older than six will be affected by the work requirements. While the group affected is estimated to include about 12,000 people, KanCare officials have said some of those individuals are already required to work because of enrollment in other welfare programs.
"KanCare members will be able to receive more tailored, comprehensive care than ever before,"
"We have met with and listened to our KanCare members and advocates to address not only their health needs, but also their goals of becoming independent and living a better life."
In January, CMS denied a temporary one-year extension of the program, saying the program was "substantially out of compliance" with federal law and regulations, after investigators reviewed the program in
Public comment sessions are scheduled throughout the state this month, including one in
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