GOP proposes work requirement for Minnesotans getting medical assistance
Legislators estimated about 125,000 people would be affected by the change, out of the roughly 1 million Minnesotans who receive Medical Assistance.
The proposal would require people to work or participate in community or public service -- or some combination of the two -- for 80 hours a month, unless they qualify for an exemption.
"I look at this as a very common sense and also compassionate piece of legislation," House Speaker
She has been unable to work for several years because of physical conditions and mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Although the proposed bill would provide exemptions for those with disabilities, Zimmer is concerned that new rules could cut off her health coverage because she is "not quite disabled enough."
"They think that people are just lazy and don't want to work. That is a big myth," Zimmer said. "There are a lot of conditions that people have that makes it very difficult for them to work."
The legislators who rolled out the plan emphasized that it includes many exemptions for vulnerable individuals. People who are disabled, medically frail, older than 60 or enrolled in school are among those who would not have to comply.
Primary caregivers for someone who is younger than 6 years old or incapacitated would also be exempt, under the
"I look at this as an opportunity for people to get on board with the growing economy and start fulfilling their highest potential," Benson said.
However, Dr.
"From a medical standpoint I would be very concerned for my patients," said Robertshaw of work requirements. "Taking away access is the least affordable way to get them to work."
Many patients have not received primary care regularly until they entered the Medical Assistance program, leaving them with a complex combination of chronic diseases, mental health diagnoses or substance abuse problems.
"The ability to access care, including mental health, medical and social service support, is key to getting people to be stable enough in order to access work," Robertshaw said.
Several DFL lawmakers also voiced their opposition to the proposal Monday.
Rep.
Daudt said the number of people on Medical Assistance has grown dramatically in
"That is something that is wholly unsustainable and if we ignore that, we are headed for a crisis in the state budget," he said.
DFL Gov.
The proposed legislation did not include a specific framework for how to monitor compliance.
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