Medicaid Work Requirements Seemed Like An Inevitability, But Their Future Has Become Murkier In Recent Months
Between court decisions that blasted the added restrictions and political calculations, work requirements -- and other limits on Medicaid expansion -- may not have the secure foothold that seemed likely at the end of last year. Medicaid news comes out of Kansas, as well.
Stateline:
Medicaid Work Requirements Hit Roadblocks
In three red states that might have been expected to adopt work requirements, lawmakers failed this year to pass legislation. Some governor seats recently occupied by Republicans changed hands as 2019 opened, bringing in executives who oppose work requirements. And a federal judge in Washington, D.C., last month ruled that Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services had improperly approved work requirements in Arkansas and Kentucky. The same judge is considering a similar challenge to HHS’ approval of New Hampshire’s plan to impose work requirements in its Medicaid program. (Ollove, 4/30)
The Associated Press:
Medicaid Expansion Backers In Kansas May Hold Budget Hostage
Supporters of expanding Medicaid in Kansas are looking to block passage of the state's next annual budget to force an expansion plan through the Republican-controlled Legislature. Legislators were set to reconvene Wednesday after an annual spring break. The state Senate expected to vote quickly on expediting an expansion debate. The House approved the measure in March, but the Senate has yet to act on it. (Hanna, 5/1)
