What the Trump administration’s move on Medicaid work requirements could mean for Pennsylvania

Jan. 11--The Trump administration is opening the door for states to impose work requirements on individuals enrolled in Medicaid, the government health insurance for the poor.

The move is being outlined to state Medicaid directors in a new letter, detailing a willingness to approve state requests to link health coverage through the program to having a job, being in school, serving as a care-giver or participating in other approved forms of "community engagement," according to the Washington Post.

A large majority of Medicaid recipients -- almost two-thirds -- are children, elderly or disabled, and will be exempt from the new requirements.

There are 10 states that already have sought federal permission to impose work requirement on their Medicaid programs, with all but one having a Republican governor, according to the Los Angeles Times.

In Pennsylvania, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed a budget-related bill last year that would have required the administration to include a work-search requirement in the Medicaid program.

Opponents, including health advocacy groups, said the requirement would have created hurdles and red tape for those seeking health care. Republican legislators and other supporters argued that it would have saved money in an expensive program.

A work requirement also was part of a proposal from former Republican Gov. Tom Corbett in 2013 as he crafted an alternative Medicaid expansion plan.

House Republicans in Harrisburg are still seeking a work requirement for Medicaid, and included the concept in a package of welfare reform proposals announced last week.

Wolf is running for re-election this year, meaning that state voters will determine who will be in the governor's office if the Legislature approves another Medicaid work requirement bill next year.

lolson@mcall.com

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